Lead with Omoiyari: The Rise of People-Centric Leadership

November 2025

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Hello, Transform360 community!

As we close in on the final stretch of 2025, one truth is becoming clear: Leadership is about unlocking people.

At Transform360, we’ve seen firsthand how many supervisors are promoted into leadership roles without being equipped to lead people, only processes. But high performance doesn’t come from process alone. It also comes from presence, understanding and empathy. From connection. From what the Japanese call Omoiyari (思いやり)— empathy in action.

Have you come across Omiyari before? It’s strategic sensitivity. It’s a superpower of leaders who understand that real influence begins with awareness of others. It’s how we can transform communication into trust, feedback into momentum, and teams into cultures of performance. It's already been happening in Japan for decades.

This month, we invite you to rethink your leadership posture. To shift from managing to empowering. From telling to listening. From directing to designing for growth.

Activity

Your Turn for a challenge

Take 5 minutes this week and reflect:

1. Who on my team might be silently struggling?
2. Have I anticipated their needs—or waited for them to speak up?
3. What’s one small act I can take this week to show thoughtfulness in action?

Leadership doesn't have to be loud or obvious - thoughtfulness and consideration are superpowers. The term “omoiyari” is composed of omoi = thought, yari = to give. To put oneself in another’s shoes, anticipate their needs or feelings, and act accordingly.