Thought Sparks with Rita McGrath and Jeffrey Pfeffer

Talking to Jeffrey Pfeffer is always a gift, and this #FridayFiresideChat does not disappoint!  We discuss the ideas in his recent book "Dying For a Paycheck" among which are that while physical workplace safety issues have largely been addressed, the invisible toll on workers' mental health has not. One of Jeff's interesting ideas is that a company's benefits managers could tell you - if you wanted to know - which parts of your organization are using the most sleeping pills and anti-depressants, and use that as an input to decisions about who gets to become - and stay - a leader. We also talk about the dangers of externalizing costs with employers putting the burden on society for things like health care and retirement benefits.  We also discuss some of his ideas about power, and that if you want to advance you need to build relationships with people who can help you do that. Not people you like. Not people you respect, necessarily. Quite a bit of the conversation is very relevant to women leaders and how they might get ahead. We wrap up on why we so often substitute talk for action and what you can do about that.  There's much more - have a listen!