Ikigai Connections reposted this
Hansei is the practice of deep self-reflection, even when things go well. Hansei means 'self-reflection'. It is about reviewing one’s actions to find ways to improve. In Japanese culture, hansei is a cornerstone of continuous improvement. Even after achieving success, individuals and teams are expected to reflect on what could have been done better, ensuring that learning never stops. This mindset prevents complacency and drives long-term growth. Applying hansei in the workplace means conducting thoughtful post-project reviews. Celebrate success, but also ask what lessons can be learned and how processes can be improved for the future. In Japan, however, hansei is often practiced more at a personal level. From childhood, people are expected to reflect deeply on their own role and responsibility when something goes wrong — a teacher or parent might say “hansei shinasai” (do self-reflection). The aim is not punishment, but learning how to avoid repeating the same mistake. This concept of reflection is very often utilized in Japanese companies in the form of a hanseikai ("reflection meeting") . This means that the team will reflect on a mistake or an error together to come up with a process improvement or Kaizen that then will be rolled out laterally. #JapaneseCulture #Leadership #WorkplaceLearning #JCO