The McKinsey Podcast
Don’t get stuck in a rut—update how you operate
May 8, 2025
Join Arne Gast, a Senior Partner at McKinsey, as he shares insights on updating personal operating models for effective leadership. He draws a parallel between refreshing smartphone systems and the need for leaders to adapt and refine their approaches. Discover strategies for managing time, maintaining health, and reconnecting with career purpose. Arne emphasizes the value of sharing operating models with peers and discusses balancing professional duties with personal well-being, especially in a remote work environment.
18:46
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Quick takeaways
- Leaders who regularly assess and update their personal operating models experience increased productivity and effectiveness in driving change.
- Establishing clear priorities and maintaining a 'quit list' enables leaders to focus energy on high-impact initiatives and enhance operational efficiency.
Deep dives
Understanding Personal Operating Models
A personal operating model is likened to a system that requires updates for optimal functioning. Leaders should regularly assess their operational efficiency and adapt when faced with challenges or new situations. For example, Arne Gast suggests that just as phones prompt updates, leaders must reflect on their methods to ensure they align with current demands. This self-reflection is vital, yet many leaders struggle to make necessary changes due to habits, fatigue, or a reluctance to rethink their approaches.
