A training program for national staff members working at Group companies overseas took place from October 8 to 10 at the Tokyo Head Office. Hosted by the Human Resources Department, the program drew twenty-seven participants from around the world, including the United States, Canada, China and Southeast Asia. It was designed to help participants understand the roles of JFE Shoji Group managers and the behavioral processes of leaders, to improve their ability to think about the issues of their organizations and develop solutions, and to build a human network between head office personnel and the trainees.

The general manager of the Human Resources Department kicked off the program with a talk. Presentations on a variety of topics followed, including one on compliance by the Legal Department and an overview of the JFE Shoji Group and our medium-term management plan by the Corporate Planning Department.

Participants later toured the head office, which was renovated last fiscal year. They also heard talks by external presenters about the basics of management strategy, the roles of leaders, and other topics. In group work, they discussed the theme of “the ideal leader.” They later made presentations on what is essential to being a good leader, ways to demonstrate leadership, essential points for managing organizations, and the steps they would take to implement these things.

On the last day, the trainees visited JFE Steel Corporation’s East Japan Works, enjoying the chance to observe the manufacturing process and deepen their understanding of the products they work with.

Many participants told us how meaningful the three days of training were. One commented that “directly engaging in conversation with head office staff I had previously only communicated with through email and phone calls will make my job easier.” Another commented: “It was great learning about not just management, but also how my counterparts at Group companies in other countries think.”