The first session of the Leadership Core Program, which is part of the ToTAL course “Fundamental Group Work for Leadership”, was held on May 10, 2025.
| Course Category | Leadership, Followership and Consensus Building |
| Course Title | Fundamental Group Work for Leadership |
| Program Title | Leadership Core Program |
| Facilitators | -Kenshu Kamura, Representative Director, NPO “Ba to Tsunagari Lab home’s vi.” -Yuri Matsuzaki, Assistant Professor, Academy for Leadership, Institute of Science Tokyo, Ph.D. (Academic Science) |
| Date and Time | Saturday, May 10, 2025, 10:00–17:00 (Session #1) |
| Venue | Room S4-202, 2nd floor, South Building 4, Ookayama Campus |
Overview
Activity 1: Map making
Participants communicate with each other and work together in groups to solve the challenging tasks they are given.
This workshop is a hands-on, game-style activity where participants work together in groups to draw the single correct map based on the information provided. Each participant receives about 4 to 5 information cards (hints), and they must communicate their own information to the group clearly and accurately, while also carefully listening to and understanding the information shared by others. Through this process, participants develop both their communication and active listening skills, while also gaining practical abilities such as leadership, teamwork, and logical thinking.
Activity 2: Book dialogue
Through a dialogue-based reading workshop, participants explored various perspectives on leadership.
This workshop offers a new and efficient reading style for those who find it hard to read an entire book alone. Each participant was assigned a specific section to read, summarize, and present. Then, the group held a discussion to share questions and deepen understanding. This method enabled participants to acquire knowledge equal to reading an entire book in a short time while enhancing skills such as information organization, public speaking, and analytical thinking through discussion.
Reflections
Through these two workshops, I experienced many new insights and discoveries within myself and felt significant personal growth. In the workshop using information cards (Map making), I was reminded of the difficulty in accurately conveying limited information and the importance of carefully listening to others. The process of collaborating as a group to reach a single correct answer was highly stimulating, and skills such as teamwork and leadership were naturally developed.
On the other hand, the reading workshop (Book dialogue) showed me how efficient and powerful collaborative reading can be. By sharing key points from different sections of a book, we were able to achieve a deep understanding in a short time. The group discussion also broadened my perspective by exposing me to others’ ways of thinking.
Both workshops were incredibly meaningful, and I would like to participate again if given the opportunity. These were valuable experiences where I felt my growth, and I would strongly recommend them to others as well.
Additional Note：
This time, I joined the workshop as a TA. Although everyone in my group was meeting for the first time, we were able to enjoy all activities together. Whether you’re interested in meeting people from different fields, making new friends, or simply curious about group work, I believe it’s an experience you can hardly get from regular classes, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. So please consider joining! It’s a great workshop even for beginners!
Reported by:
Yuta Murao, D1, Department of Life Science and Technology, ToTAL 6th cohort student
