In this episode, I reflect on a phrase often heard in Japanese workplaces: “Don’t just do what you’re told.” While it seems to encourage initiative, many managers contradict themselves—demanding creativity yet scolding employees when they act independently. I share a personal story from my time working abroad with a micromanaging boss who embodied this paradox. Through this experience, I explore how such management styles suppress growth, creativity, and autonomy. Ultimately, I argue that true leadership means entrusting others, while employees can sometimes survive more easily by simply “doing what’s asked” as a pragmatic form of workplace wisdom.

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ビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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