ほうれんそう — Keep People Informed
2026-10-15
ほうれんそう — Keep People Informed
In Japanese, hōrensō means spinach. In the workplace, it is also a memory aid for three essential habits:
報告 (Hōkoku) — Report: Share progress, results, and problems with the person responsible. Do not wait until someone asks, especially when something goes wrong.
連絡 (Renraku) — Inform: Give relevant information to the people who need it. A change that seems small to you may affect someone else’s entire schedule.
相談 (Sōdan) — Consult: Ask for advice before uncertainty becomes a costly mistake. Seeking guidance is part of doing your job responsibly.
These habits sound simple, yet many business problems begin when someone assumes, “They already know,” or thinks, “I can handle this myself.”
As a business owner, I would rather hear about a problem early, while we still have options. Silence takes those options away.
Leaders have a responsibility here, too. If you punish people for bringing bad news, they will learn to hide it. Make it possible for people to speak honestly.
You do not have to solve every problem alone. You do need to keep the right people informed.
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..