HBR On Leadership

Lisa Rosh, assistant professor at Yeshiva University and co-author of 'Be Yourself But Carefully,' discusses the delicate art of self-disclosure in leadership. She highlights how sharing personal information can enhance trust within teams, while warning against oversharing for approval. Rosh underscores the importance of timing, substance, and cultural sensitivity when revealing personal stories. Through compelling case studies, she demonstrates how thoughtful self-disclosure can transform team dynamics and facilitate collaboration, paving the way for effective leadership.

Amy Gallo, a workplace conflict expert and HBR contributing editor, shares insightful strategies to manage emotions during workplace arguments. She discusses how to recognize when you’re in fight-or-flight mode and emphasizes the importance of emotional labeling and mindfulness. Gallo provides actionable techniques, like focusing on breath to regain composure and the value of taking breaks when emotions run high. Her expertise offers listeners practical tools to navigate tough conversations with greater ease and emotional intelligence.

Nancy Koehn, a Harvard Business School professor and historian, shares insights on the legendary leadership of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. She discusses how Shackleton's empathy and team-building skills were vital during his crew's two-year struggle for survival in Antarctica. Koehn highlights important lessons on crisis management and the power of personal connections in leadership. Listeners will learn how Shackleton’s experiences can inform contemporary leadership tactics, stressing resilience and adaptability in dire situations.

Joe Badaracco, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Managing in the Gray," shares his insights on making tough managerial decisions, especially when personal relationships complicate professional judgments. He emphasizes the importance of gathering diverse perspectives and considering the consequences of actions. Badaracco discusses the challenge of honest performance evaluations when personal ties are involved, and highlights the balance between transparency and emotional intelligence in leadership.

Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg, an expert in innovation and author of "What's Your Problem?" dives deep into the art of reframing problems for better solutions. He emphasizes that understanding the dilemma is crucial before jumping to fixes. Topics explore how hasty solutions can obscure true issues, using practical examples like a slow elevator. The discussion highlights the importance of questioning techniques and experimentation, revealing that recognizing underlying problems can lead to innovative solutions in both personal and professional contexts.

In this discussion, Nitin Nohria, a Harvard Business School professor and expert in human motivation, tackles a provocative dilemma: Should top performers who mistreat colleagues be promoted? He draws on the classic case study of Rob Parson at Morgan Stanley to illustrate the balancing act of performance versus company values. Nohria emphasizes the critical need for managerial accountability and explores how leadership shapes workplace culture. By examining various perspectives, he guides listeners in navigating these tricky decisions.

In this discussion, Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor specializing in organizational behavior, shares invaluable insights for new managers. She tackles the challenges of leading older employees, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and clear communication. Brooks also highlights the unique struggle women face in balancing warmth and competence in leadership roles. Listeners gain actionable advice on navigating personal disclosures, managing expectations, and the intricacies of authority in modern workplaces.

Vanessa Bohns, a Professor of Organizational Behavior at Cornell, and Raven Hoffman, a Senior Estimator in the construction industry, delve into the art of persuasion in professional environments. They discuss effective tactics for influencing decisions and overcoming resistance, especially for women in male-dominated fields. Key strategies include mastering client introductions, the power of informal discussions pre-meetings, and the significance of building relationships for long-term influence. Their insights are both practical and empowering.

Boris Groysberg, a Harvard Business School professor, and Michael Slind, a corporate communications expert, discuss how effective leadership hinges on meaningful conversations. They emphasize the importance of intentional dialogue in fostering team inclusivity and engagement. The duo explores how interactive discussions can bridge gaps between management and staff, transforming organizational culture. Notably, they highlight a case study where employee input in mission creation significantly boosted engagement. Discover the value of listening and genuine interaction in enhancing workplace relationships.

Harvard Business School professor Ranjay Gulati, an expert in leadership and strategy, discusses Etsy's journey towards profitability without losing its core values. He shares insights on how new CEO Josh Silverman initiated a purpose-driven turnaround, facing tough decisions like layoffs to rebuild trust. The conversation highlights the balance Etsy maintains between social responsibility and financial success, the importance of enhancing buyer experience, and how a genuine organizational purpose can drive both employee engagement and customer loyalty.