#Japan #Corporate Training #Sendai #STUDIO ZERO #Tohoku Electric

Breaking the Shell: Tohoku Electric Power's Approach to Human Resource Development

Tohoku Electric Power, a key player in Japan’s electrical infrastructure, has long prioritized stable power supply. However, the company is now venturing into the realm of new business creation, facing challenges due to contrasting cultures of its existing operations and the uncertain domain of innovation.

To bridge this gap, Tohoku Electric's business development arm has partnered with the STUDIO ZERO team from Plaid Inc. This collaboration aims to foster an environment conducive to human resource development that is essential for innovating new business strategies.

The Initial Encounter: A Disruptive Proposal

The journey commenced with the acceptance of an unconventional proposal from STUDIO ZERO. Katsu Sato, Sub-manager of the development strategy unit at Tohoku Electric, reflects on the early days of partnership, describing it as a dynamic disruption to their usual practices. STUDIO ZERO’s unique approach drew their attention, leading them to contemplate profound changes in their organizational culture.

From Theoretical Learning to Practical Application

One major shift has been the emphasis on experiential learning rather than traditional theoretical training. Workshops focusing on Customer Experience (CX) were introduced, designed to challenge existing perspectives within the company. The workshops encouraged participants to step beyond their comfort zones and engage directly with customer insights, allowing them to align more closely with consumer needs.

1on1 Sessions: Unveiling Core Insights

A notable innovation in their corporate training has been the introduction of one-on-one coaching, facilitated by Shuichi Wasada from STUDIO ZERO. These sessions raise the psychological safety net, enabling employees to articulate their true feelings and experiences. This process, defined as “unlearning,” allows personnel to let go of outdated notions and adapt to new business models, thereby revitalizing their approach to work.

Individual Changes Spark Organizational Transformation

As employee engagement has increased, participants began to see the ability to influence not just their personal growth but also the organization's evolution. By fostering core talent, Tohoku Electric has begun establishing a link between its traditional business units and the agile frameworks required for new ventures. This creates a new breed of employees known as “core human resources” capable of straddling both existing and innovative domains.

Conclusion: A Future Built on Dialogue and Openness

Tohoku Electric Power's journey showcases a transformative approach in the realm of corporate training and development. By embracing openness and dialogue through partnerships like STUDIO ZERO, the firm seeks a harmonious balance between their legacy roots and forward-thinking new business paradigms. This strategy is not just about survival in a rapidly changing market, but about leading it, showcasing an exemplary model for fellow corporations to emulate.

Collaborations of this nature reflect a broader trend in many industries; the future of corporate excellence lies in nurturing human talent and fostering environments where innovation can thrive. As companies navigate this complex landscape, Tohoku Electric Power remains at the forefront, embodying a committed pursuit of meaningful change through its human resources.