HBR On Leadership

How Leaders Undermine Their Own Authority

62 snips
Jul 23, 2025
Peter Bregman, CEO of Bregman Partners and author of Leading with Emotional Courage, discusses the nuances of leadership with cohosts Alison Beard and Dan McGinn. He shares insights on tackling indecisiveness in leaders and emphasizes the need for clear communication to enhance decision-making. The conversation also delves into navigating workplace politics, the pitfalls of gossip, and strategies for authentic relationship-building amid office dynamics. Bregman highlights the importance of ownership in decision-making for fostering effective team environments.
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INSIGHT

Leadership Is Hard and Unnatural

  • Leadership is difficult because it involves taking risks and making decisions in uncertainty.
  • We are typically trained to be followers, not leaders, which sets leaders up for failure due to unrealistic expectations.
ADVICE

Nudge Indecisive Leaders to Decide

  • Help indecisive leaders by nudging decisions and framing options clearly.
  • Publicize decisions to reduce flip-flopping and build the leader's confidence.
ADVICE

Clarify Decisions To Avoid Flip-Flops

  • Check if decision changes stem from legitimate business shifts or poor communication.
  • Improve communication to avoid perceptions of flip-flopping by explaining reasons behind changes.
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