227 Johhny Yoo, CEO WeWork Japan

Previously Johhny was Vice-President and Corporate Officer
Softbank Corp (mobile) Entrepreneur AgiTech Company,
Trade/Investor Multiple Global Brokers and Hedge Fund.  He
was educated at the University of California, Berkeley.


Summary


Here are the key leadership principles and actions to follow,
based on JohnnyYoo’s insights from his experience at WeWork
Japan:
Adapt to Crises and Pivot When Needed: Be open
to reassessing your career or leadership approach when significant
events or crises arise. Adaptability is crucial, and sometimes
major shifts can offer new opportunities for growth.
Embrace Cultural Sensitivity: Take time to
understand the local culture, especially in diverse environments
like Japan. Learning even basic aspects of the local language and
customs can go a long way in building trust and rapport with
colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Build Trust Through
Transparency and Communication:

Prioritize open, honest communication. Be clear and
consistent in your messaging to ensure everyone is aligned with
the company’s vision.

Foster transparency through regular interactions, such as
town halls or an open-door policy, to address concerns and keep
the team informed.

Be Decisive, Especially in Times of
Uncertainty: When facing crises or organizational
challenges, take swift and decisive action. Avoid prolonged
uncertainty; even painful decisions, when made quickly, can be
better than indecision. Engage Directly with
Clients: Build strong, personal relationships with your
customers. Engage with them directly to understand their needs and
foster trust. Small gestures, like remembering names or addressing
cultural preferences, can make a significant impact on these
relationships. Foster Inclusivity and Innovation:
Create an inclusive environment where ideas are welcomed from all
levels of the organization. Encourage team members to contribute,
and use their ideas to drive innovation and momentum, particularly
in challenging times. Cultivate Resilience and
Optimism: Lead with a mindset of perseverance, following
the principle of “fall down seven times, get up eight.” View
setbacks as opportunities for growth and motivate your team to stay
focused and positive even during tough periods. Maintain
Simplicity in Your Leadership Approach: Keep communication
clear and straightforward. Avoid overcomplicating messages or
processes, as simplicity can enhance understanding and execution.
Balance Local and Global Expectations: When
leading in a foreign market, balance corporate goals with the
cultural realities of the local environment. Take the time to
understand local practices and adapt your approach accordingly,
avoiding over-reliance on intermediaries or expecting immediate
results. Respect and Understand the Local Business
Environment: Gain a deep understanding of the economic and
cultural landscape in the regions where you operate. This includes
the unique challenges of industries like real estate in Japan, and
recognizing the importance of strategic partnerships to navigate
these complexities.

By applying these principles, you can become a more effective
leader who fosters trust, innovation, and resilience while
adapting to the local business and cultural context.