Have you ever had any trouble with a co-worker in Japan? What did you do to solve the problem?

As an English teacher, my most recent problem happened yesterday. One of my Japanese co-teachers wanted to add another class at the last minute, He actually told me while I was preparing materials for another of his classes he had just told me about an hour earlier. So (instead of screaming) I found a way to politely refuse, since the class was not on my schedule and there was no time to prepare for it.

I simply said "it was difficult" - the same code they use to mean it is impossible either for practical or political reasons. After all, directly saying "no" isn't allowed.

I have had a few very odd employees here. Run vendettas against other staff, claim to have mental strain and take month or more off, hide work in their bottom drawer and pretend it is done and deny all when found out, one evn self harmed to avoid being made supoerviosr of a project. weirdos. dealt with it by making it clear that their future with me as their boss was a pretty bleak one.

I had troubles with a bucho, who was 3rd in command in my last company. It was the trigger for me leaving the company, which made me really bitter at the time, but in retrospect was great, as it got me off my ass and pushed me into starting my own company, changing my life for the better significantly.

I try to keep that story in mind whenever bad things happen - while something may seem bad when it's happening, only time will tell whether or not it really was all that bad.

If you stay long enough at any company in japan you will start to see the dark side. The power harassments, unpaid over time, bullying , frustration and a feeling of resignation and helplessness by the staff who don't even know it doesn't have to be this way. The outdated top down model is still alive and well. It wouldn't be too bad if the top could actually make sound decisions and show real leadership skills but in many case they simply cant. Guess they aren't the type watching TED talks.

You will see untalented bosses actively suppress and ignore workers with talent and potential, because of the simple fact that they will get shown up and exposed for what they are. I've seen it first hand and many of my Japanese friends too ( especially some very clever and talented female friends ) complain of the same thing. The oyaji syndrome. I clashed with a few of these types big time and by standing up to them they didn't know what to do, which means in japan talk they did nothing . They do not like nor can they deal with people questioning their methods. Being so conflict averse they backed away real quick and moved on to someone easier to target and harass. You have to basically be willing to leave the job though if you want to stand up to them. Also being vital to the company helps! Getting the other staff to stand up for themselves however is very difficult ( totally understandable with kids, a mortgage and the current state of the Japanese workforce being pushed into non contract work ) as they are so wary of rocking the boat, even if the boat is sinking. The funny thing is, the guys at the very top aren't too bad , its the mid level management that seem to bring everyone stress. This is probably not just limited to Japan, but common in many countries.

People only have the power over you that they give them. Stand up for your rights, know what you are talking about, back it up, don't get too emotional and youll be good. Having the support of the other staff is also essential, especially if you are a foreigner. The more people that do it however , the healthier the workplace will become. Often just takes one or two brave souls to get the ball rolling and shake the foundations. A bit of conflict once and a while can be a good thing. osu!

Ricky Kaminski: If you stay long enough at any company in japan you will start to see the dark side. The power harassments, unpaid over time, bullying , frustration and a feeling of resignation and helplessness by the staff who don't even know it doesn't have to be this way.

Mmm, well, I've seen it in Silicon Valley, too. But more localized, not especially (unstated) company policy.

I worked with a guy who defecated himself and had to be sent home. He came to work the next day wearing those same trousers. This was one of a few incidents, his contract was not renewed.

I have a hard time even understanding this. If I am not appreciated where I am, I just leave and never look back. It has worked out great.

It gives me a very satisfying feeling to hear, years later, of people who caused me problems just stumbling and failing. One asked me for help years after making me miserable for about a month years earlier. I felt bad for this person because they must have entirely run out of other people to ask for help. I was last on the list, I bet. Oh well. I was too busy to help. Too bad. This person was a conniving rumor-monger with very little ability. I limited contact with this worker immediately and watched the office and my supervisor get infected. Then I left.

Life is a sorting process. By and large, people choose where they want to be. If you stick with winners and be a winner, your lot will improve. If you hang with losers, you will keep losing ground. I absolutely shudder to think where I would be now if I had done some of the things people tried to pressure me into doing. Most people really ARE dumb and they don't know what they are doing. Identify those people and shun them.