Nemawashi

Nemawashi is a process for gaining acceptance and preapproval of a proposal before it is formally decided. The idea is first evaluated with management and stakeholders, then the plan is reviewed with them, so that input is gathered, resistance is anticipated, and the proposed change is aligned with other perspectives and priorities in the organization. Formal approval then takes place in a meeting that signs off on the final version of the proposal.

Source checked2/2 values · 2026-10-25Methodology

Specification

1 source

Kind	methodology
Origin	Japanese

Study notes

The term literally means "preparing the ground for planting" in Japanese.
Evaluation happens in two stages: first the idea, then the plan.
Purposes of the process are to get input, anticipate resistance, and align the change with other perspectives and priorities.
Formal approval is a separate step, given in a meeting to sign off on the final version of the proposal.
The document cross-references Strategy Deployment.