Unlocking Leadership Potential: Practical Guidelines for Managers in the Post-COVID Era

On May 29, 2025, the Protean Career Association hosted an enlightening online discussion commemorating the release of Shin’ya Yamamoto’s latest book, "A Leadership Textbook for Thriving in a No-Normal Era." This event aimed at managerial professionals and human resource experts provided key insights into building effective workplace environments that balance employee engagement and ease of work.

In the discussion, moderates Yamazaki Ichiro, Executive Director at the Ajinomoto Foundation, conversed with Yamamoto, who serves as a strategic adviser at 4designs Inc., the only certified company under the Protean Career Association. The event revolved around 10 critical competencies essential for contemporary leaders, highlighting how their leadership styles impact the overall workplace culture.

The Changing Times: Adapting to a VUCA World

Today's leaders navigate a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world—a landscape where traditional norms and expectations no longer apply. The need for rapid decision-making and adaptability is paramount, stretching the capabilities of both organizations and individuals. This shift makes the role of leaders even more crucial in fostering environments that promote both meaningful work experiences and operational efficiency.

During the event, Yamamoto shared practical guidelines rooted in his expertise and recent findings. He indicated that achieving a workplace where “work worth doing” coexists with “ease of work” greatly depends on the leadership's approach.

Yamazaki’s participation deepened the conversation, focusing on the groundwork necessary to cultivate the ten competencies Yamamoto outlined. These competencies not only enhance communication between managers and their teams but also address common pitfalls like lack of curiosity and narrow perspectives. Yamamoto reflected on the experience that led to defining these ten essential qualities, pointing to the pressing need to overcome communication barriers between supervisors and their direct reports.

Highlights from the Discussion

The online seminar featured various components aimed at providing attendees with valuable takeaways:

- Introduction to Protean Career Association and 4designs: An overview showcasing the mission and services offered by both organizations.
- Promotion of Yamamoto's New Book: Insights into how today's leaders can tackle the complexities of modern work environments effectively.
- In-depth Discussion on Practical Managerial Guidelines: A detailed exploration of the ten competencies vital for effective leadership.
- Interactive Q&A Session: Opportunity for participants to engage and ask pressing questions.
- Closing Remarks: Summation of discussions and an outline of next steps.

This event marks a crucial step in the ongoing conversation about leadership in our rapidly changing world. A recording of the entire discussion is available, allowing those interested in advancing their managerial skills to benefit from the insights shared.

Upcoming Opportunities

Interested participants can access the archived version of the event at no cost through the Protean Career Association's website. This is an invaluable resource for managers and HR professionals seeking to innovate their leadership approaches amidst the challenges posed by the 'new normal.' To catch up on the conversation and learn more about enhancing workplace dynamics, visit the following link: Archive Access.

About the Authors

Shin’ya Yamamoto

Shin’ya Yamamoto has over 30 years of experience as an organizational consultant. After starting his career as a software engineer at Seiko Epson, he pursued an MBA in the United States and went on to play pivotal roles in leading corporate development initiatives.

Ichiro Yamazaki

Ichiro Yamazaki brings extensive experience in corporate management and human resources, having worked internationally to improve operational efficiency.

Join the Conversation

For those dedicated to enhancing their leadership abilities and creating impactful workplace cultures, this event is not to be missed. Engage with the materials and become part of the evolving conversation surrounding leadership in the post-COVID landscape.