Adi Ignatius, Editor in Chief of Harvard Business Review and a seasoned journalist, dives into the evolving responsibilities of leaders in today's complex political landscape. He discusses whether organizations should take stands on current events, noting that silence can convey unintended messages. The conversation also highlights the unique challenges CEOs face in balancing activism with stakeholder opinions and navigating the implications of geopolitical crises on corporate decision-making. Ignatius emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership responses.
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insights INSIGHT
The Silence Problem
Silence on social and political issues can be interpreted negatively.
Leaders must decide when and how to speak up, considering potential backlash.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Navigating Public Discourse
If you're not telling your story, others will tell it for you.
Balance speaking up against potential alienation of customers or employees.
insights INSIGHT
Evolution of CEO Activism
The murder of George Floyd significantly increased conversations about social issues in executive settings.
There has been a noticeable shift in how these issues are addressed since then.
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In 'Start with Why', Simon Sinek introduces the concept of 'The Golden Circle', which consists of 'Why', 'How', and 'What'. He argues that successful leaders and organizations start with their purpose or 'Why', which inspires loyalty and trust. Sinek uses examples such as Apple, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Wright Brothers to illustrate how this approach can lead to significant influence and success. The book emphasizes the importance of leadership and purpose in inspiring others and achieving long-term success.
President Obama: The Path to the White House
President Obama: The Path to the White House
Adi Ignatius
Adi Ignatius: Harvard Business Review
Adi Ignatius is Editor in Chief of the Harvard Business Review Group, where he oversees the editorial activities of Harvard Business Review, hbr.org, and HBR’s book-publishing unit. Prior to joining Harvard Business Review in 2009, he was the No. 2 editor at TIME. He is the editor of two books: President Obama: The Path to the White House and Prisoner of the State: The Secret Diaries of Premier Zhao Ziyang. Both made The New York Times Bestseller List.
Adi lived and worked for nearly 20 years overseas. He was Editor of Time’s Asian edition and earlier served as Beijing Bureau Chief and Moscow Bureau Chief for The Wall Street Journal. He is also host of the HBR Channel. It is the 100th anniversary of Harvard Business Review.
Should leaders and organizations take a stand on current events, politics, or causes? Adi and I discuss this tough question in detail. While the answer will be different for every leader, we invite you to begin thinking about how you might approach this in your work.
Key Points
The traditional advice of “Don’t talk about politics and religion” is still the norm in some places, but increasingly leaders and being more vocal.
Silence used to be the default. Silence now many send a message that leaders and organizations don't intend to convey.
While every leader needs to decide how they will navigate this, beware your feelings of certainty.
Resources Mentioned
Harvard Business Review
Related Episodes
Start With Why, with Simon Sinek (episode 223)
Handling a Difficult Stakeholder, with Nick Timiraos (episode 581)
How to Begin Difficult Conversations About Race, with Kwame Christian (episode 594)
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