Japanese bureaucrats learn stand-up comedy to boost communication skills
Last updated 09/06/2009 09:59:05
Japanese bureaucrats learn stand-up comedy to boost communication skills
Japan has come up with a novel way of improving its bureaucrats' communications skills - by training them as stand-up comics.
It may seem bizarre, but more than a hundred transport ministry officials have received tips from professional comedians. It's hoped the approach will prove more productive than just listening to lectures.
The aim is that experiencing comedy routines, the trainees can learn more about how to speak to clients and how to manage their staff as they begin to have more management responsibility.
Atsuya Kawada, deputy director of the ministry's personnel division said: "We also hope this training will soften the stiff image of bureaucrats."
The training comes as the main opposition Democratic Party condemns what it describes wasteful public spending due to decades of policy collusion between bureaucrats and lawmakers.
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