4 Ways Arashi's Ohno Satoshi is the New Role Model for Leaders
From this bizSPA Fresh article
ETA: Article no longer at link; screenshot of original Japanese text saved here
A Human Resources Strategy consultant's views on Ohno's leadership style.
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4 Ways Arashi's Ohno Satoshi is the New Role Model for Leaders
Published 1st Feb (Fri) 08:47
The sudden news that Arashi would be taking a hiatus at the end of the year 2020 had a huge impact throughout Japan.
The impact was so deep that it even appeared as a newsflash during the NHK Grand Sumo New Year Tournament. However, there was no criticism towards leader Ohno Satoshi-san, who was the impetus for the hiatus. As a HR Strategy consultant writer, I'd like to draw your attention to this.
Ohno-san is not the sort of so-called traditional group leader that forcefully pulls others along with him. One might think he has a weak presence because he doesn't put himself forward as a leader, but that would be a big misunderstanding.
Undoubtedly, Arashi's leader Ohno will be the example for generations to come. Of course, this does not only apply to idol groups. He's also the perfect role model of a leader for your daily life; he doesn't cause any unnecessary friction, he nurtures his members and their accomplishments keep growing. Allow me to explain.
The traditional type of leader kills their members' individualities
The traditional corporate leader is passionate, paints a vision, forcefully pulls others along and is the type who 'runs swiftly by their own initiative'. On the other hand, Arashi's Ohno-san is quiet, reads the atmosphere, steps up when needed and is a 'supportive' type.
For the types who forcefully pull others along, the leader is always right. Consequently, opinions will not align; the leader will have to cajole members who don't match their pace and they will need to move and consolidate such that everyone matches the leader's methods and pace. This takes effort and tends to cause friction. In today's world, there is the danger that one misstep could be perceived as an abuse of power.
As maintaining the team also takes time, there is a high likelihood that things will start coming apart at the seams. Even if everyone is aligned with the leader's vision or direction at first, as the members also grow, there may be members who no longer agree with the leader's direction. As a result, unity wanes.
In order to face their members, a leader may unintentionally end up putting others down in an attempt to appear superior and as a result it is difficult for the members to assert their personalities. The team performance can't be improved as the members withdraw, and if the leader applies any pressure, the team may break.
Leaders should aim to be a 'supportive' type
The age where members are defined by the mold of their leader is over.
In this day and age, one should strive to accept and respect diversity, operate the team by leveraging on the experience of each individual and cultivate a flat hierarchy. People who accompany and support others will be the leaders of the future. A quiet leadership will be the key.
In fact, Ohno-san has grown Arashi as a team where any member can play the lead role in the original, as well as continuing to spread their charms even after 18 years. This is something that can be felt even without being a fan.
Without further ado, allow me to explain the 4 points.
4 Ways to Become a Leader Like Ohno-kun!
1: Have excellent skills in your main occupation
Ohno-san often ranks in first or second place in Internet polls for ‘Johnnys who are good at singing’. His dancing is so good that it’s been described as ‘weightless’ and is also top-class amongst Johnnys. Even in dramas, he’s been praised for acting skills that allow him to completely transform into his characters.
As such, idols who can sing, dance and act will not fail to be recognised for their skills. Nowadays, even if you say, “do as I say because I’m your manager!”, most people will not work for someone who can’t do their job.
If one is not accepted by those in one’s main occupation, one cannot lead a team of professionals. First, one has to win a certain level of reputation in one’s main occupation. It eliminates the trouble of being affected by being overly passionate; the first priority should be being more capable of doing more than one’s share.
2: Take your hobbies to a professional level
Ohno-san is also talented in art. He’s had solo exhibitions and is recognised by world-renowned artists like Kusama Yayoi-san and Yokoo Tadanori-san.
To have nothing apart from one’s main occupation is the pinnacle of loneliness. People’s breadths emerge when they are acknowledged in the realm of hobbies. Even if it’s just one thing, you should also immerse yourself in things that you like.
3: Have the power to read atmospheres and roles
Although Ohno-san doesn’t stand out or push himself forward in variety shows, he delivers the best one-liners every time he opens his mouth. Even the most tricky punch lines go smoothly.
Once conscious of the after-effects, he may grow hyper-aware of himself and become myopic as a result. This would constantly require all his strength and unnecessarily take up energy. If he were to overlap with the contents or timing of other members talking, then it would cause unnecessary friction.
So first, one has to be familiar with the character of each member and focus on watching the flow. With that, one can learn the best timing to showcase their good points.
By doing this, you can discern the best timing for when you should interact, then prepare comments accordingly and still have the luxury of time as well as peace of mind. The trick is to consciously distance yourself and take a look at the whole picture. When you can calmly see yourself as just another character, you will be able to accurately see the atmosphere and the roles suited to that situation.
4: Be a calming breeze, not a mood-maker
There is no need to deliberately act as a mood-maker to liven things up. It’s exhausting. It’s best to take a stance that emits a calm, quiet air.
The crucial thing is to accept whatever the other party does. People tend to rise against those who issue orders, but when faced with someone accepting, people will conversely start to move and change their stance.
As a leader, it’s not about bracing your shoulders and ‘saying something good’ or ‘doing something’, but conversely, it’s about relaxing yourself, catching the blows as they come, and receiving others with acceptance. Once you are conscious of this it can easily be done, so please do try it yourself.
A quietly supportive leadership can be the link to effectively raising the productivity of your team. Trust those placed in roles of responsibility, and when in doubt, I recommend emulating Ohno-kun’s style of leadership.
Text / HR Strategy Consultant Matsumoto Toshiaki
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ETA: Article no longer at link; screenshot of original Japanese text saved here
A Human Resources Strategy consultant's views on Ohno's leadership style.
- - - - -
4 Ways Arashi's Ohno Satoshi is the New Role Model for Leaders
Published 1st Feb (Fri) 08:47
The sudden news that Arashi would be taking a hiatus at the end of the year 2020 had a huge impact throughout Japan.
The impact was so deep that it even appeared as a newsflash during the NHK Grand Sumo New Year Tournament. However, there was no criticism towards leader Ohno Satoshi-san, who was the impetus for the hiatus. As a HR Strategy consultant writer, I'd like to draw your attention to this.
Ohno-san is not the sort of so-called traditional group leader that forcefully pulls others along with him. One might think he has a weak presence because he doesn't put himself forward as a leader, but that would be a big misunderstanding.
Undoubtedly, Arashi's leader Ohno will be the example for generations to come. Of course, this does not only apply to idol groups. He's also the perfect role model of a leader for your daily life; he doesn't cause any unnecessary friction, he nurtures his members and their accomplishments keep growing. Allow me to explain.
The traditional type of leader kills their members' individualities
The traditional corporate leader is passionate, paints a vision, forcefully pulls others along and is the type who 'runs swiftly by their own initiative'. On the other hand, Arashi's Ohno-san is quiet, reads the atmosphere, steps up when needed and is a 'supportive' type.
For the types who forcefully pull others along, the leader is always right. Consequently, opinions will not align; the leader will have to cajole members who don't match their pace and they will need to move and consolidate such that everyone matches the leader's methods and pace. This takes effort and tends to cause friction. In today's world, there is the danger that one misstep could be perceived as an abuse of power.
As maintaining the team also takes time, there is a high likelihood that things will start coming apart at the seams. Even if everyone is aligned with the leader's vision or direction at first, as the members also grow, there may be members who no longer agree with the leader's direction. As a result, unity wanes.
In order to face their members, a leader may unintentionally end up putting others down in an attempt to appear superior and as a result it is difficult for the members to assert their personalities. The team performance can't be improved as the members withdraw, and if the leader applies any pressure, the team may break.
Leaders should aim to be a 'supportive' type
The age where members are defined by the mold of their leader is over.
In this day and age, one should strive to accept and respect diversity, operate the team by leveraging on the experience of each individual and cultivate a flat hierarchy. People who accompany and support others will be the leaders of the future. A quiet leadership will be the key.
In fact, Ohno-san has grown Arashi as a team where any member can play the lead role in the original, as well as continuing to spread their charms even after 18 years. This is something that can be felt even without being a fan.
Without further ado, allow me to explain the 4 points.
4 Ways to Become a Leader Like Ohno-kun!
1: Have excellent skills in your main occupation
Ohno-san often ranks in first or second place in Internet polls for ‘Johnnys who are good at singing’. His dancing is so good that it’s been described as ‘weightless’ and is also top-class amongst Johnnys. Even in dramas, he’s been praised for acting skills that allow him to completely transform into his characters.
As such, idols who can sing, dance and act will not fail to be recognised for their skills. Nowadays, even if you say, “do as I say because I’m your manager!”, most people will not work for someone who can’t do their job.
If one is not accepted by those in one’s main occupation, one cannot lead a team of professionals. First, one has to win a certain level of reputation in one’s main occupation. It eliminates the trouble of being affected by being overly passionate; the first priority should be being more capable of doing more than one’s share.
2: Take your hobbies to a professional level
Ohno-san is also talented in art. He’s had solo exhibitions and is recognised by world-renowned artists like Kusama Yayoi-san and Yokoo Tadanori-san.
To have nothing apart from one’s main occupation is the pinnacle of loneliness. People’s breadths emerge when they are acknowledged in the realm of hobbies. Even if it’s just one thing, you should also immerse yourself in things that you like.
3: Have the power to read atmospheres and roles
Although Ohno-san doesn’t stand out or push himself forward in variety shows, he delivers the best one-liners every time he opens his mouth. Even the most tricky punch lines go smoothly.
Once conscious of the after-effects, he may grow hyper-aware of himself and become myopic as a result. This would constantly require all his strength and unnecessarily take up energy. If he were to overlap with the contents or timing of other members talking, then it would cause unnecessary friction.
So first, one has to be familiar with the character of each member and focus on watching the flow. With that, one can learn the best timing to showcase their good points.
By doing this, you can discern the best timing for when you should interact, then prepare comments accordingly and still have the luxury of time as well as peace of mind. The trick is to consciously distance yourself and take a look at the whole picture. When you can calmly see yourself as just another character, you will be able to accurately see the atmosphere and the roles suited to that situation.
4: Be a calming breeze, not a mood-maker
There is no need to deliberately act as a mood-maker to liven things up. It’s exhausting. It’s best to take a stance that emits a calm, quiet air.
The crucial thing is to accept whatever the other party does. People tend to rise against those who issue orders, but when faced with someone accepting, people will conversely start to move and change their stance.
As a leader, it’s not about bracing your shoulders and ‘saying something good’ or ‘doing something’, but conversely, it’s about relaxing yourself, catching the blows as they come, and receiving others with acceptance. Once you are conscious of this it can easily be done, so please do try it yourself.
A quietly supportive leadership can be the link to effectively raising the productivity of your team. Trust those placed in roles of responsibility, and when in doubt, I recommend emulating Ohno-kun’s style of leadership.
Text / HR Strategy Consultant Matsumoto Toshiaki
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