Release of 'Adlerian Management: How to Teach Subordinates to Take Initiative'

Discover 21 (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Naomi Taniguchi) published the book 'Adlerian Management: How to Teach Subordinates to Take Initiative' by Kaoru Nagato on May 24, 2026 (released online on May 22).

Are you struggling with subordinates who do not think or act on their own, ask the same questions repeatedly despite clear explanations, or fail to respond to praise or increased responsibility? Many managers feel their own teaching methods might be at fault. Adlerian psychology offers fundamental solutions to these management dilemmas.

In this book, the author, who has trained over 10,000 business professionals over 15 years, introduces core Adlerian concepts such as 'mutual respect and trust,' 'encouragement,' and 'social interest,' adapted for practical use in business education settings.

■ The Essence of 'Adlerian Teaching'
Adlerian psychology posits that human behavior is determined not by past causes, but by future goals. Instead of interrogating why something couldn't be done, the book suggests focusing on the future: 'How do you want to be?' and 'What can we do next?' By clearly communicating the purpose of work, subordinates can understand the rationale and begin taking initiative.

■ Practical Approaches Ready for Immediate Use
The book provides detailed explanations of approaches for specific situations, including:
- Shortening emotional distance with 'Interview-style self-introductions'
- Drawing out a subordinate's strengths through 'Reframing'
- Turning failures into future actions using 'Solution-focus'
- Getting constructive criticism accepted gracefully with 'I-messages'

[Book Summary]
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Changing 'How to Teach' by Abandoning Hierarchy
Chapter 2: Building Trust with Subordinates
Chapter 3: Practicing 'Effective Communication'
Chapter 4: Tips for Handling Difficult Teaching Scenarios
Chapter 5: Nurturing 'Social Interest'
Chapter 6: Applying 'Teaching' to Your Own Future

[Author Information]
Kaoru Nagato: Licensed Psychologist. Director of Training at Human Guild Co., Ltd. Senior Adler Counselor. Joined Mitsubishi Electric in 1989. After working in editorial departments of business magazines, as a Japanese language teacher, and at web production companies, she encountered Adlerian psychology through corporate training. Joined Human Guild in 2011. Currently, she conducts public lectures, workshops, and personal counseling as the Director of Training.