HBR On Leadership

Join Amy Gallo, a workplace conflict expert and author of 'Getting Along,' as she unpacks the often-misunderstood concept of psychological safety. She emphasizes its crucial role in fostering open communication and enhancing team performance. Discover a unique seven-item questionnaire to assess team support and learn effective strategies for navigating workplace conflict. Gallo shares insights on creating a culture where mistakes are embraced, ultimately driving innovation and collaboration within organizations.

In this engaging discussion, Tamara McLemore, an Agile Certified Project Manager with over two decades of experience, shares valuable insights into effective project management. Topics include transitioning into project management and tackling challenges like interpersonal conflict and team responsiveness. Tamara emphasizes the significance of communication, collaboration, and essential tools like work breakdown structures. She also highlights the balance of soft skills and efficiency, showing how emotional intelligence can drive project success.

Rick Ridgeway, an adventurous pioneer and former Patagonia executive, shares captivating insights on leadership through the lens of mountaineering. He discusses the parallels between climbing peaks and managing business risks, highlighting the importance of meticulous planning and strong communication. Ridgeway emphasizes building a resilient team, whether for sustainable initiatives or scaling K2. Personal anecdotes illustrate how tenacity and collaboration drive success in both the wild and the corporate world, urging collective action for a more sustainable future.

Frances Frei, a Harvard Business School professor and co-author of "Move Fast and Fix Things," discusses effective strategies for problem-solving in organizations. She emphasizes identifying the real issues and the importance of building trust and relationships. Frei introduces a five-step approach, including a narrative for solutions, and highlights tools like the 'Five Whys' for uncovering root causes. She also addresses inclusivity and the impact of subtle workplace indignities, promoting a culture of effective communication and collaboration.

Sid Sijbrandij, Co-founder and CEO of GitLab, shares his insights on leading one of the world's largest all-remote companies. He discusses effective strategies for recruiting and onboarding talent suited for remote work, emphasizing radical transparency and detailed documentation. Sid explores how to foster team culture and communication in a dispersed environment while promoting social connections to counter isolation. He also highlights the significance of inclusivity and transparency in strengthening community relationships and enhancing talent branding.

Mike Tushman, a Harvard Business School professor specializing in technological change and leadership, takes listeners through Deloitte's innovative Pixel initiative. He discusses the initial resistance to adopting freelance talent in consulting and how effective leadership transformed skepticism into support. Tushman highlights the importance of selecting credible leaders and building strong networks to foster collaboration. The conversation offers a fascinating look at navigating corporate innovation and adapting traditional methods to drive successful outcomes.

Suzanne Peterson, an associate professor of leadership at Thunderbird School of Global Management, shares insights on making leadership potential more visible. She emphasizes the importance of small behavior changes in everyday interactions to enhance professional reputation. Discussing power versus attractive leadership traits, she reveals how context influences perceived authority. Peterson also provides strategies for underrepresented leaders to balance warmth and competence, and explores the impact of virtual settings on leadership perception. Her practical advice transforms vague feedback into actionable steps.

Melanie Parish, a leadership coach and author of "The Experimental Leader," shares her insights on managing difficult team dynamics. She highlights how leaders often overlook their own behaviors impacting team morale and performance. Parish suggests practical strategies for improving collaboration and resolving conflicts, especially in diverse teams. Listeners learn the importance of treating suggestions as experiments and fostering an inclusive atmosphere during organizational changes. Tune in for actionable advice on enhancing your team's effectiveness!

In this insightful discussion, Nashater Deu Solheim, a forensic psychologist and leadership coach, delves into the art of influence at work. She shares techniques to engage effectively with peers, clients, and superiors, even in virtual environments. Solheim introduces her ABC framework—advanced preparation, body language, and conversation—to help listeners enhance their impact. The conversation also emphasizes the power of empathy and trust, highlighting the importance of active listening and understanding others' motivations for successful collaboration.

When a star employee leaves, it can hit hard emotionally for managers. Leaders share personal experiences of resignations, exploring the challenges of maintaining morale and managing feelings of guilt and anxiety. The discussion emphasizes the importance of empathy and open communication while navigating transitions. Strategies for maintaining authentic connections in a virtual space are highlighted, along with the need for proactive discussions with teams about departures. It's a candid look at managing emotions and fostering resilience in the workplace.