Building Employee Buy-In for Policy Changes | Learn Japanese in English

Japanese lesson set in a contemporary Tokyo everyday setting: At work, two adults discuss how to build employee buy-in for policy changes by inviting focused suggestions before finalizing a plan..

EN → JA / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Building Employee Buy-In for Policy Changes to practice Japanese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

方針は、従業員が変化を押しつけられていると感じると、うまくいかなくなりがちです。

hoh-SHEEN wa, jyoo-GYOH-een ga HEN-kah o oh-shee-tsoo-keh-rah-reh-teh-ee-roo to KAHN-jee-roo to, oo-MAH-koo ee-kah-nah-koo nah-ree-GAH-chee dess. Policies tend to fail when employees feel changes are being imposed on them.
B

その過程で実際に意見を言えると、人は変化に適応しやすくなります。

HEE-toh wa, soh-noh kah-TEH deh jeet-SAI nee ee-KEN o ee-EH-roo to, HEN-kah nee teh-kee-OH shee-yah-SOO-koo nah-ree-mahs. People are more likely to adjust when they have a real say in the process.
A

計画を最終決定する前に、提案を募ることができます。

kee-YAH-koo o sai-SHOO KEHT-teh-SOO-roo mae nee, teh-ee-AHN o tsoo-NOH-roo KOH-toh gah deh-KEE-mahs. We could invite suggestions before we finalize the plan.
B

そうすれば、私たちの立場からは見えないかもしれない現実的な問題が見えてくるでしょう。

soh-SOO-seh-bah, wah-tah-SHEE-tah-chee noh tah-CHEE-bah kah-rah wa mee-EH-nai kah-moh-shee-reh-nai gen-JEET-soo-teh-kee MOHN-dai gah mee-EH-teh KOO-roo deh-SHOH. That would bring up practical issues we might not see from here.
A

それは、人々が結果をもっと気にかける理由にもなります。

soh-REH wa, HEE-toh-BEE-toh gah KEHK-kah o MOHT-toh kee-nee KAH-keh-roo ree-YOO nee moh nah-ree-mahs. It also gives people more reason to care about the outcome.
B

実行可能な計画でも、人々が自分のこととして関わっていると感じる必要があります。

jeek-KOH kah-NOH-nah kee-YAH-koo deh-moh, HEE-toh-BEE-toh gah jee-BOON noh KOH-toh toh-SHEE-teh kah-kah-WAHT-teh-ee-roo to KAHN-jee-roo nee hee-TSOO-YOH gah ah-ree-mahs. A workable plan still needs people to feel invested.
A

難しいのは、話し合いを建設的で具体的なものに保つことです。

nahn-SHEE noh wa, hah-nah-SHEE-ah-ee o ken-SET-soo-teh-kee deh goo-TAI-teh-kee nah moh-noh nee tah-MOH-tsoo KOH-toh dess. The hard part is keeping the discussion constructive and specific.
B

それなら、幅広く意見を求めるのではなく、焦点を絞った質問をするべきです。

soh-REH nah-rah, hah-bah-HYROO-koo ee-KEN o moh-toh-MEH-roo noh deh-wah nah-koo, SHOH-ten o shee-BOHT-tah shee-TSOO-mohn o soo-roo beh-KEE dess. Then we should ask focused questions instead of making a broad feedback request.

Word by Word

方針 方針 means a policy or guiding plan; here it refers to workplace policies. It is the topic of 方針は, which discusses what may fail. A reusable pattern is 方針を決める for deciding a policy.
は は marks 方針 as the topic in 方針は, meaning “as for the policy.” It sets up the statement about what happens to the policy. A reusable pattern is Xは〜 for introducing the main topic.
従業員 従業員 means employees, the people affected by the policy changes here. In 従業員が, it identifies who has the feeling described next. A reusable pattern is 従業員の意見 for employees’ opinions.
が が marks 従業員 as the subject of 感じる in 従業員が変化を押しつけられていると感じる. It identifies who feels that the changes are being imposed. A reusable pattern is Xが感じる for stating who has a feeling.
変化 変化 means a change or changes; here it refers to changes in workplace policy. In 変化を, it is the thing that employees feel is being imposed on them. A reusable pattern is 変化に対応する for responding to change.
を を marks 変化 as the object of 押しつけられている in 変化を押しつけられている. It shows what is being imposed. A reusable pattern is Xを〜する for marking a direct object.
押しつけられている 押しつけられている means being forced to accept something or having something imposed on one. Here, the employees feel that 変化 is being imposed on them. The form describes an ongoing imposed situation, so it is useful when discussing unwanted rules or decisions.
と と makes the preceding statement the condition in 感じると: when employees feel that changes are being imposed on them, the policy tends not to work well. It connects a condition with the result that follows. A reusable pattern is XとY for expressing “when X, Y” in this type of statement.
感じる 感じる means feel or perceive; here it describes employees’ feeling about the imposed changes. The form is followed by と to connect that feeling to its consequence. A reusable pattern is Xと感じる for saying that something feels a certain way.
うまく うまく means well or successfully in うまくいかなくなりがち. Together with いく, it describes whether the policy works out successfully. A reusable pattern is うまくいく for saying that something goes well.
いかなく いかなく means not go well in うまくいかなくなりがち. It is the negative connecting form of いく within the expression うまくいく, and it leads into なりがち. Use うまくいかなくなる when something starts to go badly.
なりがち なりがち indicates a tendency to become or end up in a certain state; here, the policy tends to become unsuccessful. It follows うまくいかなく and expresses a recurring risk rather than a certainty. A reusable pattern is Xになりがち for saying that something tends to become X.
です です is the polite sentence ending in うまくいかなくなりがちです. It presents the statement about the policy in a polite, complete form. It is commonly used at the end of a polite explanatory sentence.
その その means that or the aforementioned and points back to the process being discussed. In その過程で, it identifies the particular process in which people can have a real say. A reusable pattern is そのX for referring to something already mentioned.
過程 過程 means process; here it is the process of making or changing the policy. In その過程で, it names the setting in which people can express their opinions. A reusable pattern is Xの過程で for describing something that happens during a process.
で で marks the setting or context in その過程で, meaning “in that process.” It shows where or during what activity people have a real say. A reusable pattern is Xで〜する for describing an action in a place or situation.
実際 実際 means actual or real here, emphasizing that people have a genuine opportunity to speak. In 実際に意見を言える, it modifies the following expression to stress that the opportunity is real. A reusable pattern is 実際に〜する for emphasizing an action that really occurs.
に に turns 実際 into the adverbial form 実際に, meaning actually or in a real way. It connects the idea of reality to 意見を言える. A reusable pattern is noun＋に＋verb when a noun is used to describe how an action happens.
意見 意見 means an opinion or view; here it is the opinion people are able to express in the process. In 意見を言える, it is the content being expressed. A reusable pattern is 意見を言う for expressing an opinion.
言える 言える means be able to say or express; here it means being able to voice one’s opinion. It is the potential form related to 言う, and 意見を is the thing expressed. A reusable pattern is Xを言える for saying that someone can express X.
人 人 means a person or people; here it refers generally to people affected by the policy. In 人は, it is the topic of the statement about adapting more easily. A reusable pattern is 人が〜する for describing what people do.
適応 適応 means adaptation or adjusting to a situation; here it refers to adapting to changes. It appears in 適応しやすくなります, describing an ability that becomes easier. A reusable pattern is Xに適応する for adapting to X.
しやすく しやすく means easy to do in 適応しやすくなります, so adapting becomes easier. It connects the idea of ease to なります and describes a change in difficulty. A reusable pattern is Xしやすい for saying that X is easy to do.
なります なります means become or come to be; here it says that adapting becomes easier when people can express their opinions. It follows the adjective form しやすく to describe a change of state. A reusable pattern is Xくなります for saying that something becomes X.
計画 計画 means a plan; here it is the plan that will be finalized after suggestions are invited. In 計画を最終決定する, it is the object being finalized. A reusable pattern is 計画を立てる for making a plan.
最終決定 最終決定 means final decision or finalization; here it refers to making the plan final. In 最終決定する, the noun combines with する to express the action of finalizing. A reusable pattern is Xを最終決定する for making X final.
する する means do or carry out; in 最終決定する, it turns 最終決定 into the action of finalizing. The exact form refers to carrying out the final decision about the plan. A reusable pattern is noun＋する for expressing an action based on a noun.
前 前 means before in 計画を最終決定する前に. It places the action of inviting suggestions earlier than finalizing the plan. A reusable pattern is verb-dictionary-form＋前に for saying “before doing something.”
提案 提案 means suggestions or proposals; here it refers to ideas requested from employees before the plan is finalized. In 提案を募る, it is the object being solicited. A reusable pattern is 提案を出す for submitting a proposal.
募る 募る means solicit or invite, especially responses, applications, or suggestions. Here, it describes inviting 提案 before finalizing the plan. A reusable pattern is Xを募る for soliciting X from people.
こと こと turns the preceding action 提案を募る into a noun-like idea in 提案を募ることができます. The whole phrase means that inviting suggestions is possible. A reusable pattern is verb-dictionary-form＋ことができる for expressing ability or possibility.
できます できます means can or be able to; here it says that the speakers can invite suggestions. It completes 提案を募ることができます, expressing the possibility of carrying out that action. A reusable pattern is Xことができます for saying that X is possible.
そうすれば そうすれば means if that is done or then, referring to the preceding action of inviting suggestions. In this form, そう points to that action, すれ is the conditional form of する, and ば marks the condition. It introduces the expected result that practical issues will emerge.
私たち 私たち means we or us; here it refers to the people currently planning the policy. In 私たちの立場から, it describes the speakers’ own standpoint. A reusable pattern is 私たちのX for referring to something belonging to or shared by the speakers.
の の links 私たち to 立場 in 私たちの立場, meaning our standpoint or position. It shows the relationship between the speakers and that standpoint. A reusable pattern is XのY for expressing possession or a connection between two nouns.
立場 立場 means position or standpoint; here it means the perspective from which the speakers are viewing the policy. In 私たちの立場から, it is the point of view from which some issues may not be visible. A reusable pattern is Xの立場から for describing something from X’s standpoint.
から から means from in 私たちの立場から, marking the standpoint from which the speakers observe the situation. It identifies the source or perspective of what can or cannot be seen. A reusable pattern is Xから見る for looking at something from X’s perspective.
見えない 見えない means not be visible or not come into view; here, practical issues may not be visible from the speakers’ standpoint. It is the negative form of 見える and describes what cannot be seen from that perspective. A reusable pattern is Xからは見えない for saying that X’s viewpoint does not reveal something.
かもしれない かもしれない expresses possibility or uncertainty; here it says that the issues might not be visible from the speakers’ standpoint. In this fixed expression, かも introduces the possibility, while しれ and ない complete the expression. A reusable pattern is Xかもしれない for saying that X may be the case.
現実的 現実的 means practical or realistic; here it describes issues that arise in actual workplace conditions. In 現実的な問題, it modifies 問題 through な. A reusable pattern is 現実的なX for describing a practical X.
な な links the na-adjective 現実的 to the noun 問題 in 現実的な問題. It allows the adjective to describe the practical nature of the issues. A reusable pattern is na-adjective＋な＋noun.
問題 問題 means issue or problem; here it refers to practical matters that may emerge through employee suggestions. In 現実的な問題, it is described as realistic or practical. A reusable pattern is 問題がある for saying that an issue exists.
見えてくる 見えてくる means come into view or become apparent; here it describes practical issues emerging through the discussion. 見えて indicates visibility, while くる adds the sense that they become apparent to the speakers. A reusable pattern is Xが見えてくる for saying that X gradually becomes clear.
でしょう でしょう expresses a likely conclusion or expectation; here it means that the practical issues will probably become apparent. It softens the prediction rather than presenting it as absolute certainty. A reusable pattern is Xでしょう for making a polite inference or prediction.
それ それ means that or it and refers here to the preceding proposal to invite suggestions. In それは, it makes that proposal the topic of the next statement. A reusable pattern is それは〜です for commenting on something already mentioned.
人々 人々 means people as a group; here it refers to the people affected by or involved in the policy outcome. In 人々が結果をもっと気にかける, it marks those people as the ones who will care more. A reusable pattern is 人々が〜する for describing what a group of people does.
結果 結果 means result or outcome; here it is the eventual result of the policy or plan. In 結果を気にかける, it is the thing people care about. A reusable pattern is 結果を確認する for checking an outcome.
もっと もっと means more; here it indicates that people will care about the outcome to a greater extent. It modifies 気にかける and expresses an increase in concern. A reusable pattern is もっと〜する for saying that someone does something more.
気にかける 気にかける means care about or pay attention to; here it describes caring about the outcome. In this expression, 気に points to concern and かける completes the expression as a whole. A reusable pattern is Xを気にかける for saying that someone cares about X.
理由 理由 means reason; here it is a reason for people to care more about the outcome. In 人々が結果をもっと気にかける理由, it explains what motivates that concern. A reusable pattern is Xする理由 for giving a reason to do X.
も も means also or too; here it adds another effect of inviting suggestions, namely giving people more reason to care. It follows 理由 in 理由にもなります. A reusable pattern is Xも〜する for adding X to something already mentioned.
実行可能 実行可能 means workable or feasible; here it describes a plan that can realistically be carried out. In 実行可能でも, it introduces a concession: even a feasible plan still needs people to feel involved. A reusable pattern is 実行可能な計画 for a workable plan.
でも でも means even if or even though here, connecting 実行可能 to the remaining need for people to feel involved. It shows that feasibility alone is not sufficient. A reusable pattern is Xでも〜 for saying that something remains true even under condition X.
自分 自分 means oneself or one’s own self; here it refers to people seeing the plan as personally connected to them. In 自分のこととして, it contributes the idea of treating something as concerning oneself. A reusable pattern is 自分のX for referring to one’s own X.
として として means as or in the capacity of; in 自分のこととして関わっている, it frames the plan as something personal to the people involved. と marks the way something is regarded, and して completes the expression として. A reusable pattern is Xとして扱う for treating something as X.
関わっている 関わっている means being involved or engaged; here it describes people feeling personally involved in the plan. The form presents that involvement as an ongoing state. A reusable pattern is Xに関わっている for being involved with X.
必要 必要 means need or necessity; here it says that people’s sense of involvement is necessary for a workable plan. In 必要があります, it forms the expression “there is a need.” A reusable pattern is Xが必要です for saying that X is needed.
あります あります means there is or exists; in 関わっている必要があります, it completes the polite expression that such involvement is necessary. It presents the need as something that exists. A reusable pattern is Xがあります for saying that X exists or is available.
難しい 難しい means difficult; here it introduces the difficult part of managing the discussion. It describes the task that follows rather than the people involved. A reusable pattern is Xは難しい for saying that X is difficult.
話し合い 話し合い means discussion or conversation aimed at reaching understanding. Here it is the discussion that needs to remain constructive and specific. A reusable pattern is 話し合いをする for holding a discussion.
建設的 建設的 means constructive; here it describes a discussion that helps move the policy work forward. In 建設的で具体的なもの, it is one of the qualities the discussion should maintain. A reusable pattern is 建設的な話し合い for a constructive discussion.
具体的 具体的 means specific or concrete; here it describes discussion that deals with clear, particular points. In 建設的で具体的なもの, it is the second quality the discussion should have. A reusable pattern is 具体的な質問 for a specific question.
もの もの means thing or one; here it packages the qualities 建設的 and 具体的 as the state in which the discussion should be kept. In 建設的で具体的なもの, it refers to the discussion as something having those qualities. A reusable pattern is adjective＋もの for referring to something described by an adjective.
保つ 保つ means keep or maintain; here it means maintain the discussion in a constructive and specific state. The pattern 話し合いを〜ものに保つ shows what is maintained and the state it is kept in. A reusable pattern is XをYに保つ for keeping X in state Y.
それなら それなら means then or in that case and responds to the preceding point about keeping the discussion focused. それ refers to that situation, and なら frames the following proposal as appropriate for it. It is useful when drawing a practical conclusion from what was just said.
幅広く 幅広く means broadly or widely; here it describes requesting feedback without limiting its focus. It modifies 求める in 幅広く意見を求める. A reusable pattern is 幅広く意見を集める for gathering opinions broadly.
求める 求める means seek or request; here it refers to asking people for feedback or opinions. In 幅広く意見を求める, 意見 is what is being requested. A reusable pattern is Xを求める for seeking or requesting X.
のではなく のではなく means instead of or rather than, contrasting one action with the preferred action. In 求めるのではなく, の turns the preceding action into the item being contrasted, では frames it as the alternative being rejected, and なく continues the “not” expression. A reusable pattern is XのではなくY for saying “rather than X, Y.”
焦点 焦点 means focus; here it is the narrow point that questions should address. In 焦点を絞った質問, it is the object of narrowing. A reusable pattern is 焦点を当てる for focusing attention on something.
絞った 絞った means narrowed or focused; here it describes questions limited to a particular point. It modifies 質問 in 焦点を絞った質問. A reusable pattern is 焦点を絞る for narrowing the focus.
質問 質問 means question or questions; here it refers to focused questions used to obtain useful feedback. In 焦点を絞った質問, it is described as specific in scope. A reusable pattern is 質問をする for asking a question.
べき べき expresses what should or ought to be done; here it says the speakers should ask focused questions. It follows the action in 質問をするべき and presents the recommendation as appropriate. A reusable pattern is verb-dictionary-form＋べきだ for stating what someone should do.

Grammar Points

〜に〜られている

方針が従業員に押しつけられている。

hoh-SHEEN gah jyoo-GYOH-een nee oh-shee-tsoo-keh-rah-reh-teh-ee-roo.

The policy is being imposed on the employees.

Japanese passive uses に for the agent. The form 〜られている expresses an ongoing state or action.

〜がちだ

変化の過程では、問題がうまくいかなくなりがちだ。

HEN-kah noh kah-TEH deh-wah, MOHN-dai gah oo-MAH-koo ee-kah-nah-koo nah-ree-GAH-chee dah.

In the process of change, things tend to stop working.

The suffix 〜がち means that something tends to happen, often with an undesirable result.

Japanese Vocabulary

うまくいかなくなりがち phrase
oo-MAH-koo ee-kah-nah-koo nah-ree-GAH-chee tend to stop working
意見を言える phrase
ee-KEN o ee-EH-roo be able to voice an opinion
押しつけられている verb
oh-shee-tsoo-keh-rah-reh-teh-ee-roo be imposed on
過程 noun
kah-TEH process
現実的な adj
gen-JEET-soo-teh-kee-nah practical
最終決定する verb
sai-SHOO KEHT-teh-SOO-roo finalize
実際に adv
jeet-SAI nee actually
従業員 noun
jyoo-GYOH-een employee
提案を募る phrase
teh-ee-AHN o tsoo-NOH-roo solicit suggestions
適応しやすく phrase
teh-kee-OH shee-yah-SOO-koo easy to adapt
変化 noun
HEN-kah change
方針 noun
hoh-SHEEN policy

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

be able to voice an opinion

Show Answer意見を言える

easy to adapt

Show Answer適応しやすく

be imposed on

Show Answer押しつけられている

tend to stop working

Show Answerうまくいかなくなりがち