Hi, I’m Yu.
In my 40 years living and working in Japan, I have learned that the most important element of any interaction is wa, or harmony. Delivering difficult feedback is often seen as a disruption to this balance, but it is an unavoidable part of personal and professional growth. This is where the Japanese method of Sassu comes in—a way of communicating that prioritizes intuition, timing, and extreme tact to ensure your message is heard without causing unnecessary distress.
What is Sassu?
Sassu refers to the ability to ‘read the air’ or perceive the undercurrents of a situation before speaking. In Japanese culture, we rarely deliver blunt, direct criticism. Instead, we use a layered approach that respects the recipient’s dignity. It is about understanding the right moment, the right setting, and the right level of emotional receptivity of the other person.
Yu’s Key Advice for Practicing Sassu
- Observe First: Before providing feedback, assess the recipient’s current stress level and environment. Never deliver critique in front of others.
- The Cushioning Technique: Start your conversation with a positive acknowledgment of their effort before introducing the area for improvement.
- Leave Room for Reflection: Instead of stating, ‘You did this wrong,’ try asking, ‘How do you think this process could be improved for the next time?’
- Focus on the Action, Not the Person: Ensure the feedback is strictly about the task or behavior, never the individual’s character.
Integrating Sassu into Your Life
When you master the art of Sassu, you shift from being a critic to being a mentor. This aligns with other principles of social intelligence I often discuss, such as the Art of Enryo, which helps us navigate boundaries gracefully. By choosing your words with precision and empathy, you preserve the professional bond while still achieving the necessary outcome.
Remember that communication is a skill requiring constant refinement. Just as we use Shuhari to master physical crafts, we must apply the same discipline to our social interactions. By practicing Sassu, you ensure that even the most difficult conversations contribute to a more positive and productive environment.
