Influencer Marketing
Expand your reach and engage with your target audience using this trending technique that blends celebrity endorsements with social media marketing.
Leading High Performing Remote Teams
How can leaders ensure that performance remains high in remote or hybrid-work environments?
Design Thinking
Learn the 5 phases of this problem-solving methodology and switch from technology-centered to user-centered thinking.
Gantt Chart
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Navigating Change Successfully
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Halo Effect
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Anchoring and Framing
Want to increase your confidence during negotiations? Master the principles of anchoring and framing to take your negotiation skills to the next level.
ZOPA and BATNA
Understanding ZOPA and BATNA will help you become a better negotiator, create more value, and feel more confident at the table.
Content Marketing
In this course, you’ll learn how compelling blogs, videos, podcasts, and other media can reach customers and drive sales. You’ll also learn steps for creating an effective content marketing plan, and some important ways to measure its impact and success.
Content marketing is a essential digital marketing strategy for companies looking to provide relevant and useful information to support your community and attract new customers.
Get started on your content marketing journey today.
Sustainable Innovation in Times of Disruption: Choices for a Better Society
There are opportunities for progress all around us. The key is to innovate on these opportunities sustainably.
To help identify most effective path forward, you'll need to gain a global perspective to these challenges in an open discussion. How can Japan and the world take action to create a more sustainable, innovative world? Where do you fit in?
It's time to find out.
Social Media & Digital Communications: Impact on Global Public Opinion
Social and digital media have dominated the communications industry for decades. But it's no secret that social media has the power to sway public opinion, and the way in which many companies use these platforms could be seen as manipulative.
What do companies need to be aware of when utilizing social and digital media? How can these mediums be used to better communicate strategically with the world?
Discover what top media and communications experts have to say.
Blockchain
Blockchain is one of the most captivating technologies out there. Learn what it is and how to make use of its opportunities in this short online course.
Mehrabian’s Rule
The 7-38-55 Rule, developed by Albert Mehrabian, suggests that effective communication relies less on the words we choose than on our tone of our voice, appearance, and body language. Learn how to put this theory to use for better communication in business.
Pareto Principle
Your time and resources are limited. Efficiency means learning to prioritize. The Pareto principle (also called the 80-20 rule) can help you identify the best way to use your time for maximum results.
Country Analysis Framework
Overseas expansion requires careful planning. The Country Analysis Framework can help you look beyond an industry-level analysis and reframe your view based on performance, strategy, and context. Try this short course to learn how it works.
SECI Model
The SECI model illustrates how knowledge is created and shared. Learn how to put it to use for best practices, and how the Japanese concept of “ba” fits in to broaden your perspective.
Johari Window Model
The Johari Window Model is a self-awareness framework that helps you better understand . . . you. Learn how its four quadrants can help you identify gaps between how you see yourself, and how others see you.
Sunk Costs
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CAGE Distance Framework
Want to expand overseas? The CAGE distance framework can help ensure you're constructing a solid global strategy in four areas: cultural, administrative, economic, and geographic. Learn how to leverage useful differences between countries, identify potential obstacles, and achieve global business success.
Groupthink
Groupthink refers to group pressure and the perception of consensus which together lead to ill-formed decisions—or even unnecessary risks. Learn to identify the warning signs of groupthink and apply countermeasures in this online course.
Deductive and Inductive Reasoning
Solving problems with the best results means using two types of thinking: deductive and inductive reasoning. In this online course, learn to form a broad premise, make observations, and form conclusions from different perspectives.
Critical Thinking: Hypothesis-Driven Thinking
Anyone can come up with a good idea. The real challenge is putting that idea into action. In this online course, explore how to form compelling, testable hypotheses and bring ideas to life in your own organization.
Critical Thinking: Structured Reasoning
Even a few simple techniques for logical decision making and persuasion can vastly improve your skills as a leader. Explore how critical thinking can help you evaluate complex business problems, reduce bias, and devise effective solutions.
Critical Thinking: Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is a central business skill, and yet it's the one many people struggle with most. This course will show you how to apply critical thinking techniques to common business examples, avoid misunderstandings, and get at the root of any problem.
How to Dream
Join globally renowned author and Columbia Business School professor Dr. Sheena Iyengar as she explains how to approach your dreams with a new perspective. Learn to reflect on what you long to accomplish and what stands in your way.
Logical Thinking
Logical thinking is at the heart of confident, persuasive decisions. This course will equip you with a five-point approach to more becoming a more logical thinker. Learn to classify ideas and distinguish fact from opinion.
Investing & Diversity: The Changing Faces of Venture Capitalists
Is the venture capital industry embracing diversity in investors? Watch global venture capitalists from around the world discuss the state of things and what needs to be done for a more inclusive future.
Servant Leadership
There's more to leadership than driving a team to profit. In fact, there's a word for looking beyond self-interest to prioritize individual growth: servant leadership. Try this course for a quick breakdown of what that is, how it works, and how it can lead to organizational success.
Organizational Behavior and Leadership
Ever wonder what makes a great leader? Whether your role requires leadership or not, understanding organizational behavior is useful for your career. This course from GLOBIS Unlimited can set you on your way.
Leadership vs. Management
Leadership and management are different skills, but today’s leaders must have both. Try out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to understand the difference, as well as when and why each skill is necessary for motivation, communication, and value.
Strategy: Creating Value Inside Your Company
Have you ever wondered why certain companies are more successful than others? The answer is strategy: internal processes that control costs, allocate resources, and create value. This course from GLOBIS Unlimited can give you the tools you need for that strategic edge.
Strategy: Understanding the External Environment
To plan strategy on any level, you need to understand your company's external environment. In fact, your level of understanding can impact hiring, budgeting, marketing, or nearly any other part of the business world. Want to learn how to do all that? This course from GLOBIS Unlimited is the perfect first step!
Using Japanese Values to Thrive in Global Business
Japanese companies have unique cultural, communication, and operational challenges. But they also have values that have led to remarkable longevity. Check out this seminar to hear how these values help earn trust from overseas head offices and develop employees.
Turnaround Leadership: The Differences Between Japan and the West
What's the best way for leaders to communicate a shift in corporate strategy? How do you even know when it's time for such a change? This course explains how Japan might have one answer, Western companies another.
Conflict Management
Conflicts in the workplace are inevitable. But they can lead to positive outcomes if they’re managed well. Check out this online course for a two-step process that can help you manage conflict successfully.
Evernote Founder: How Tech Startups Can Break through in Japan
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Women Empowerment: Lessons from Cartier
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Marketing: Reaching Your Target
Every company works hard to get its products into the hands of customers. Are you doing everything you can to compete? In this course, you’ll find a winning formula to turn a product idea into real sales. Follow along through the fundamentals of the marketing mix and see how companies successfully bring products to market.
Marketing Mix
Seeing good products into the hands of customers is no easy task. The marketing mix can help. It's a collection of strategies and tactics companies utilize to get customers to purchase their products or services, and is an essential part of the overall marketing process.
The Principles of Negotiation
With the proper skills and attitude, anyone can become a successful negotiator. But first, you'll need to learn the basics to prepare for, assess, and respond to offers for the best results. GLOBIS Unlimited can help.
Negotiation: Creating Value
Want to create more shared value between yourself and your negotiation opponent? Discover how cognitive bias affects the judgment of others. Try this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to master the value of negotiation.
Finding Your Life Purpose with Ikigai
Ikigai can guide you in your quest for self-discovery. Listen to Japanese brain scientist Ken Mogi explain why and how.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Want to leverage Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a leader? Try this short course to see how the theory can be applied in practical work scenarios.
Confirmation Bias
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An Investor's Lesson to Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs have the power to transform societies for the better. But how do you attract investors to start or grow a business? Or to sell one? Check out this seminar for the answers to these and more, straight from a master venture capitalist!
Managerial Accounting
Managerial accounting is a powerful way to measure progress, identify problems, and meet your goals. Check out this course to learn how data-backed decisions can help you run your business.
Finance Basics: 1
For a healthy mix of quantitative planning, evaluation, and management, you need solid decision-making. And finance is the secret sauce! Get the essentials of finance in this two-part course from GLOBIS Unlimited.
Basic Accounting: Financial Analysis
Want to compare your performance vs. a competitor? Or evaluate a potential vendor? Then you'll need to conduct a financial analysis. This course will teach you how to use three financial statements and evaluate financial performance in terms of profitability, efficiency, soundness, growth, and overall strength.
Career Anchors
What drives you to be good at your job?
Career anchors are based on your values, desires, motivations, and abilities. They are the immovable parts of your professional self-image that guide you throughout your career journey.
Try this short GLOBIS Unlimited course to identify which of the eight career anchors is yours!
Digital Marketing Psychology to Transform Your Business
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Pyramid Structure
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Leadership with Passion through Kokorozashi
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Finding your kokorozashi will unify your passions and skills to create positive change in society. This GLOBIS Unlimited course will help you develop the values and lifelong goals you need to become a strong, passion-driven leader.
AI First Companies – Implementation and Impact
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Technovate in the Era of Industry 4.0
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Technovate Thinking
Business leaders of tomorrow need to harness the power of technology and innovation. That means understanding algorithms and how they drive business results. Discover opportunities to make technology work for your competitive edge.
Product Life Cycle
Every product takes a natural course through the market—there's a how, when, and why customers adopt products at different stages. Check out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to find out how a product you use every day is part of this cycle.
Logic Tree
Logical thinking is the most valuable asset any business professional can have. That's why logic trees are such a valuable tool—they can help you identify a problem, break it down, and build it back up to a solution.
MECE Principle
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It was the morning on the fourth day of the Davos Forum, and today I was able to wake up before 6 a.m. without relying on my iPhone alarm. This year, I was taking full part in this conference from start to finish for the first time. Moreover, I was scheduled to participate in sessions as a designated speaker right up to the very end. There was absolutely no chance for me to lose focus. It was essential that I look after myself. After completing the morning routine of responding to emails, I put on my suit. I decided to wear snow boots and walk along the dark, snow-covered road.
From 7:30 am, I took part in a private session at a small hotel on the outskirts of Davos. Muhammad Yunus of Grameen Bank and the CEO of German company SAP were at this small roundtable breakfast session. I spoke three times at the session and exchanged opinions with many people there. The session was purely enjoyable. Then, I moved to the main conference hall, sharing a bus with a Stanford University professor. Being able to network while on the move is one of the great things about Davos.
The theme for the first session I attended at the main conference hall was “What If Iran Develops a Nuclear Weapon?”. At the start of this session, Yukiya Amano, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), explained the current state of Iran’s nuclear program. The President of U.S. Council on Foreign Relations spoke after Amano. Following these two speakers, a representative for the Arab world, the Deputy Prime Minister of Israel who concurrently serves as the country’s Defense Minister, and an international politics expert from China took the platform in that order.
At the session, the Israeli minister spoke passionately. He argued that if Iran acquires nuclear weapons capabilities, (1) Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Israel, and Egypt will also develop nuclear arms and (2) the position of Iran is likely to change as a consequence. The minister added that Iran is already supplying funds to antigovernment forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Yemen, as well as to political organizations and terrorist groups such as Hezbollah, and that it would adopt an even more aggressive stand if it becomes a nuclear state.
For the Israeli defense minister, the Davos Meeting was an ideal platform to generate a sense of crisis and argue for the legitimacy of the Israeli position. The session has turned into an arena of diplomatic battles. I was fascinated by the comments made by the Arab panelist – “When discussing the Arab world, how 400 million Arabs act is more important than how their leaders think.” He made repeated reference to Tahrir Square (in Egypt), emphasizing that leaders of the world must now pay careful attention to the voice of the masses. “The United States must learn how to talk to 400 million Arabs”, he noted.
While Western countries continue economic sanctions on Iran, Russia and China are reaping the economic benefits by not taking part in them. If Iran develops a nuclear weapon, Israel will be left with no choice but to take military action of some kind.. In the meantime, people in the Arab world are increasingly emboldened and empowered by the Arab Spring, and they are likely to take the anti-Israeli stance. Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia will then have more reasons to develop nuclear weapons of their own. Under these scenarios, what actions should be taken by the United States, the UN Security Council, or by Japan?
According to the IAEA Director-General Amano, “Experts from the IAEA will be dispatched to Iran tomorrow. There is already clear evidence that Iran is on its way to developing a nuclear weapon. Our experts will verify this point with Iranian authorities.” Tensions are running high in the Strait of Hormuz . For its part, Japan should take this problem as its own and adopt a strong stance against nuclear weapons in North Korea.
The panel session I attended next was on the Euro. The Davos meeting covers a variety of world issues. It offers participants a great chance to present their views and argue their cases before assembled global leaders. The panelists in that session included Ministers in charge of the Euro from Germany, France, and Spain, but my expectations for the panel were betrayed. Politicians’ discussions remained on the “politically correct” level and only skimmed the surface of the Eurozone problems. The newscaster serving as the session moderator could have done a lot more background work to probe the panel. I chose to leave the room midway through to attend a different session.
After spending a short while networking at a café, I attended a session by U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. Again, I left the session half way through, as Geithner did not fully clarify the U.S. government’s position. At lunch, I attended a private session on the ecosystem of entrepreneurship. I picked up my coat at the cloakroom, and moved to the session venue on a shuttle bus. Daisuke Iwase of Lifenet Insurance was also a participant in that session. The discussions were too abstract centering on the question of how to develop an ecosystem conducive to business startups, but I expressed my own views and contributed to the session. The session was full of world’s leading venture capitalists and academic experts on entrepreneurship which made it a great place to meet people and establish contacts.
After the lunch session, I walked back to the main conference hall. In the hallway, I ran into Nik Gowing of BBC World News. This was such a happy chance meeting because I admire both his character and his professional abilities. Nik and I went to a café where we chatted for about half an hour. I then spoke to an interviewer from the Maeil Newspaper in South Korea. During the interview, I received my second invitation to attend the World Knowledge Forum (WKF) scheduled to be held in Seoul in October 2012.
On the way back to my hotel at dusk, I oversaw Sean Parker having a chat with former Harvard University President Larry Summers in a restaurant. Parker and Summers are both strong personalities who were depicted in the movie, The Social Network. For a moment, I thought about introducing myself and joining their conversation, but I was not impudent enough to do it.
In the early evening, I headed to a Harvard University reception. Many notables were there, including the president of Harvard University and the dean of Harvard Business School. I saw Carlos Ghosn at the reception and talked with him again. At Davos, you develop close relationships as you meet each other time and again.
Later that night, I spoke at a dinner session on transformational leadership. My role was to lead discussions over dinner with people like Daniel Goleman, who popularized the EQ concept, and the Tibetan Buddhism monk of French extraction I mentioned in my previous column. Transformational leadership is a field of extraordinary depth. Many participants came to this session because it was open and interactive. I spotted the president of Thomson Reuters among participants on the floor.
The session ended a little after 10 p.m. I decided to go straight back to my hotel that night and prepare for the next day. The fourth day of the Davos Meeting was over. There were two more days to go before it ended. I was beginning to feel a little weary, but was nonetheless in high spirits.
February 1, 2012
Yoshito Hori
Written at my house in Ichibancho
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