[Co-hosted by HYBRID THEORY × UMU] Harvard-Backed Evidence: How Managers Unintentionally Break Teams — From Waiting for Instructions to Building Self-Directed Learning Teams

UMU Technology Japan Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Shuhei Matsuda), which operates the AI-powered learning platform 'UMU' to support performance improvement, will co-host an online seminar titled 'Harvard-Backed Evidence: How Managers Unintentionally Break Teams — From Waiting for Instructions to Building Self-Directed Learning Teams' with HYBRID THEORY Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ohtawara, Tochigi; CEO: Hiroyuki Maruyama) on July 16 (Thu) and July 22 (Wed), 2026.

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Seminar Overview

What if actions taken 'with good intentions' are actually breaking your team?

While generative AI is streamlining routine tasks, an 'AI Paradox' is emerging: the difficulty and burden of interpersonal management—such as one-on-ones and employee care—are increasing. Data reveals structural issues where managers, lacking systematic training, resort to ad-hoc methods that reduce team engagement.

In this seminar, Hiroyuki Maruyama of HYBRID THEORY—a company that reads 700 neuroscience and psychology research papers annually to deliver scientifically sound organizational development—and Yasuhiro Katagiri of UMU Technology Japan, who has delivered results-driven learning design to numerous enterprises, will take the stage.

They will break through the forgetting curve—where only 20% of knowledge from one-off 'event-style training' remains after one month—and clearly explain three actionable behavioral frameworks (listening, communication, autonomy) that can be applied immediately in the workplace, all within 60 minutes. We invite all who aim to boost organizational engagement and build self-directed learning teams to attend.

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Three Key Benefits You’ll Gain

Listening Skills That Foster a 'Safe-to-Speak' Environment

In teams with low psychological safety, people choose 'safe behaviors' over optimal actions. Learn to identify the 'five habits that break listening,' and master a listening framework that goes beyond empathy to pinpoint exactly 'where someone is stuck,' enhancing coaching precision.

Clear Communication That Prevents Misalignment

Break the illusion that what’s obvious to you is also obvious to others. By mastering the 'four elements of communication'—subject, target, deadline, and criteria—you’ll gain practical techniques to prevent misunderstandings and ensure your message is truly received.

Sustainable Design for Cultivating Self-Directed Learning Teams

Re-evaluate how managers engage with their teams, a key factor in team engagement. Learn how to seamlessly integrate science-backed continuous development methods—such as 'delegation based on self-determination theory' and 'the science of spaced learning and retrieval practice'—into daily management routines.

Who Should Attend

Executives and Business Leaders: Strategic decision-makers concerned about declining engagement or the ROI of management training

HR and Learning & Development Professionals: Talent development leaders struggling with the lack of on-the-job application after leadership training

Managers and Supervisors: Frontline leaders who feel ineffective in one-on-ones or coaching and have hit the limits of self-taught management

Business Unit Leaders: Practitioners leading teams who want to boost productivity and member autonomy

DX and Talent Development Planners: Technology adoption leaders exploring AI-powered learning initiatives or systematic management development programs

Event Details

Date and Time: ※ Choose either session (same content)

– July 16 (Thu), 2026, 12:00–13:00 JST

– July 22 (Wed), 2026, 15:00–16:00 JST

Format: Online Seminar (via Zoom)

Fee: Free

Capacity: 30 participants per session (first-come, first-served)

Speakers

HYBRID THEORY Co., Ltd. CEO Hiroyuki Maruyama

After working as a public servant in Tochigi Prefecture, he founded HYBRID THEORY, a company that reads around 700 academic papers annually from Harvard, Stanford, and other institutions on neuroscience and psychology. He delivers scientifically proven methods for organizational development and also operates a tutoring school based on brain science, advocating 'scientifically correct methods' that deliver results regardless of talent or ability.

UMU Technology Japan Inc. Learning Consultant Yasuhiro Katagiri

Previously worked at a U.S.-based talent management software vendor, supporting LMS implementation and adoption. Recognizing the need for practical, results-driven learning technology, he joined UMU in September 2019, inspired by its concept and technology. Co-author of 'Transform into a Results-Driven Organization in Just 4 Steps! Performance Learning' (2021).

About UMU

UMU, founded in Silicon Valley in 2014, is a global AI solutions company used by over 1 million organizations across 203 countries and regions, including over 28,000 companies in Japan. At the core of its offerings is the AI-powered online learning platform 'UMU,' complemented by academically grounded programs such as the practical AI literacy learning program 'AILIT' and the sales enablement solution 'UMU AI Roleplay.' UMU supports the cultivation of learning cultures and performance improvement in organizations during the AI era. By enabling employees to learn autonomously, acquire AI literacy, and apply it to their work, UMU creates time and opportunities for more creative and strategic tasks—maximizing human capital and accelerating organizational growth. Service site: https://www.umu.co

Company Overview

Company Name: UMU Technology Japan Inc.

Headquarters: 18F, JR Shinjuku Miraina Tower, 4-1-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022

Representative: CEO Shuhei Matsuda

Founded: February 9, 2018

Business: Sales of internet technology-based educational learning platforms

URL: https://www.umu.co