Yorihiko Kojima Viewpoint

A desire to speak up and speak out
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/78350d08-ff7c-11dd-b3f8-000077b07658.html

First rule: don’t be afraid to make mistakes. 'When you look Japanese, there is absolutely no need to speak nice, fluent English. No one expects you to.'
Second rule: don’t be intimidated. 'We Japanese tend to be overawed when someone speaks to us in firm, fluent English. That is a mistake. Even if your English is bad, you have to stick to your opinions.'
Third rule: don’t confuse linguistic skill with business skill. 'People who speak well aren’t necessarily first-rate achievers.'
- Yorihiko Kojima
CEO, Mitsubishi Corporation

Useful link:
www.mitsubishicorp.com

Great essay. Thank you Jonathan. No wonder Japanese are unique survivors in business despite the linguistic handicap.