Greg Behr: Haruki Murakami interviews offer a model for business leaders

As a massive Haruki Murakami fan, I’ve always marveled at
how the Japanese literary icon uses words to transport readers to surreal
worlds. His narratives are layered, precise, and meaningful —traits that extend
to the rare interviews he grants. While reading recent interviews he gave to
NPR and The Guardian to promote his latest book, The City and its Uncertain
Walls, I reflected on how I could instruct my clients to be as masterful as
he is when giving interviews to the press. Whether you pitch a product, lead a
team or manage a crisis, Murakami’s strategies can sharpen how you communicate
your narrative.

1. Be authentic.

Murakami’s interviews exude an unpretentious honesty. When
asked about criticisms of his work, he told The Guardian, “My books have been
criticized so much over the years I don’t pay much attention anymore.”

Instead
of deflecting, he acknowledges the scrutiny with quiet resolve.

Similarly, it
is necessary for all of us in a leadership position to be as authentic as
possible when giving interviews. Audiences value genuine, transparent and even
frank viewpoints from leaders. When we attempt to polish or overly deflect
uncomfortable truths we risk losing trust. We’ve all watched interviews where
we see the subject trying (and failing) to sell something they know not to be
true. 

2. Don’t drown out your vision.

Murakami’s work is often described as enigmatic, yet he
doesn’t over-explain his novels. In the NPR interview, he refrained from
breaking down the book’s symbolism when asked about The City and Its
Uncertain Walls. He didn’t spoon feed them what they should take from it or
how they should react. Instead, he allowed us to interpret the book through our
lenses and experiences.

We can learn a lot from this type of restraint. While
we must communicate a clear vision, we also can’t pander or force our audience
to see it one way. We must leave space for others to engage with our ideas so
they can find ownership and connection in them. 

Leaders who dictate every detail risk alienating their
audience, whereas those who invite curiosity create opportunities for deeper
engagement.

3. Be calm. Be in command.

While we all wish we were a master of a craft we’ve honed
over nearly 50 years, we can still channel that same type of energy. If you’ve
never read a Murakami novel, I can tell you that they are complex. Not like
Moby Dick or War and Peace, but rather the worlds created are so symbolic while
at the same time, and I can say this as a fan, somewhat ridiculous. Even still,
Murakami is confident in his work and never arrogant about it.

During
interviews, adopt a composed approach, particularly when addressing high-stakes
topics. Pausing to gather your thoughts, maintaining steady eye contact and
speaking in measured tones can convey confidence and thoughtfulness, ensuring
your message lands with impact.

4. Share your passion. Share your purpose. 

Murakami’s passion for storytelling shines in every
interview, but he never lets it veer into unproductive tangents. Instead, his
responses are focused and deliberate, always serving the larger narrative of
his work. Leaders, too, must articulate their passions with purpose.

Whether
discussing your company’s mission or a new initiative, keep your message
aligned with your strategic goals. Avoid overloading your audience with
information; distill your ideas into digestible, memorable points.

5. Criticism is an opportunity for discussion. 

Murakami’s philosophy on criticism reflects a lesson all
leaders should take to heart: “I don’t pay much attention anymore.” He neither
internalizes the negativity nor dismisses it outright.

Criticism is inevitable,
whether you’re launching a product or announcing a strategic shift. A confident
master sees criticism as neither good or bad, but rather an opportunity to
engage with their audience. 

As someone who admires Murakami’s ability to weave profound
truths into his narratives, I believe his approach to interviews is equally
instructive.

By adopting authenticity, vision, composure, purpose and
resilience, business leaders can navigate interviews — and all
communications — with clarity and impact. After all, much like Murakami’s
characters, leaders must journey through the labyrinth of communication,
finding meaning in the echoes they leave behind.