Request Inc. releases ‘Art Thinking for Managers’ guide

Request Inc., a Tokyo-based company specializing in organizational behavior science research and education, has released a new practical guide titled ‘Art Thinking for Managers.’ The 11-page resource is designed for managers, project leaders, and training personnel to improve how they delegate, support, and communicate with subordinates in the age of AI.

The guide addresses the common friction where managers perceive subordinates as lacking motivation or independent thought, particularly when relying on AI. Instead of focusing solely on employee deficiencies, the material encourages leaders to apply ‘art thinking’—a process of iterative refinement and responding to incomplete forms—to their own management styles. By examining their own perspectives, questions, and goals, managers can better align task objectives and responsibilities with their team members.

The resource is based on data from 980 companies and 338,000 workers. It aims to help leaders distinguish between facts and interpretations, ensuring that instructions are clear and that there is space for subordinates to provide feedback or clarify constraints without fear of being judged solely on immediate results.