A New Common Sense in Talent Development That Has Transformed Over 10,000 Leaders! The Reason Employees Don't Act Isn't Personal—It's the Organization's 'Premise.' 'Organizations That Grow Bystanders, Organizations That Grow Protagonists' Is Now Available

Discover Twenty-One Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Naomi Taniguchi) published 'Organizations That Grow Bystanders, Organizations That Grow Protagonists: Why Self-Motivated People Are Overwhelmingly Strong' by Takuya Niihama on June 19, 2026.

To leaders who lament, 'Our employees lack motivation,' 'They only do what they're told,' or 'They won't act and always blame others,' the author boldly declares: 'The problem isn't with the individual.'

Bystanders aren't 'cultivated'—they're shaped by environments designed that way

Only 8% of Japanese workers are 'engaged' (Gallup survey). The root of this structural issue lies not in individual motivation, but in the organization's 'premise.' This book introduces the new concept of 'protagonist talent' versus 'bystander talent,' systematically explaining concrete frameworks and practical methods for nurturing 'protagonist talent'—individuals who live their own stories and grow through continuous challenges.

Practical methods grounded in Cybozu's real-world experience

Author Takuya Niihama is a human resources and organizational consultant who has worked with over 10,000 leaders, and also serves as an organizational consultant at Cybozu Inc. Drawing on Cybozu's case studies from managing organizations of around 1,000 people, he thoroughly explains the foundational conditions and system designs that allow protagonist talent to naturally emerge and thrive.

Recommended for:

Managers and executives who feel their employees aren't taking initiative

HR professionals involved in talent development and organizational transformation

Business professionals who want to 'work as their authentic selves'

◎ Book Overview

【Table of Contents】

Part 1: Why People Stop Living Their Own Stories

Chapter 1: The True Power That Moves Organizations

Chapter 2: How 'Comparative Thinking' Robs People of Their Strength

Chapter 3: When Do People Become 'Bystanders'?

Part 2: The Nature and Development of Protagonist Talent

Chapter 1: What Is Protagonist Talent?

Chapter 2: How to Develop Protagonist Talent

Chapter 3: 'Producer Thinking' for Cultivating Protagonist Talent

Part 3: Building Organizations Where Protagonist Talent Can Grow and Thrive

Chapter 1: Foundational Conditions for Organizations That Grow Protagonist Talent

Chapter 2: Two Types of Management That Drive Organizational Growth

Chapter 3: Designing Systems That Naturally Cultivate Protagonist Talent

Chapter 4: How Does the Company Change When Protagonist Talent Increases?

【Author Profile】

Takuya Niihama

Representative Director, Coloring Lab Inc.

Concurrently, Organizational Consultant, Cybozu Inc.

Graduated from the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics, Gakushuin University. Joined Tanabe Keiei (now Tanabe Consulting Group) as a new graduate, serving as head of the talent development department and involved in developing over 300 individuals annually. Later worked as an HR and organizational consultant, supporting company building and organizational development. Faced the reality that 'even as sales and profits rise, employees' smiles disappear.' Transferred to a research division to explore healthy human and organizational growth based on adult development theory. Joined Cybozu Inc. in 2020. At the Teamwork Research Institute, engaged in research, dissemination, training, and consulting on teamwork methodologies based on Cybozu's practical knowledge. Began side activities in 2021 and founded Coloring Lab Inc. in 2026. Currently, under the mission of 'creating a society where everyone can shine as the protagonist of their life by leveraging their individuality,' he provides consulting on talent development and organizational transformation.

【Book Information】

Title: 'Organizations That Grow Bystanders, Organizations That Grow Protagonists: Why Self-Motivated People Are Overwhelmingly Strong'

Release Date: June 19, 2026

Publisher: Discover Twenty-One

Format: Hardcover (soft cover) / 256 pages

ISBN: 978-4799332887

【Where to Purchase】

＜Print Edition＞

Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4799332880/d21_rs_pr-22

Rakuten Books

https://hb.afl.rakuten.co.jp/hgc/34ae3b9f.60213531.34ae3ba0.3421f3bd/_RTLink78327?pc=http%3A%2F%2Fbooks.rakuten.co.jp%2Frdt%2Fitem%2F%3Fsid%3D213310%26sno%3DISBN%3A9784799332887&link_type=hybrid_url&ut=eyJwYWdlIjoidXJsIiwidHlwZSI6Imh5YnJpZF91cmwiLCJjb2wiOjF9

＜E-book Edition＞

Kindle

https://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0H38XXBDC/d21_rs_pr-22