Collaboration and decisiveness shape effective leadership.

Tina Seelig and John Hennessy examine the key leadership qualities of collaboration, analysis, and decisiveness. Their conversation highlights how effective leaders unite diverse teams, perform comprehensive analyses to make informed decisions, and take decisive action when the stakes are high. Drawing on real-world examples and lessons, the episode offers valuable insights for those seeking to strengthen their leadership skills and drive impactful change within their organizations.

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Tina Seelig introduces John Hennessey along with the episode’s focus on collaboration, analysis, and decisiveness.

(00:00:57) Crafting a Team for Collaboration

The importance of team-building, focusing on collaboration and complementary skills.

(00:01:31) Strong Working Partnerships

How a long-time professional partnership developed into a strong and effective working relationship.

(00:03:08) Decision-Making on Stanford’s New York Campus

The tough decision to evaluate and ultimately walk away from a potential campus expansion in New York.

(00:05:55) Knowing When to Walk Away

Insights into the process of pulling the plug on a major project when the risks outweigh the benefits.

(00:09:10) Leadership in Everyday Decision-Making

Balancing daily decision-making while overseeing larger projects within a big organization.

(00:11:22) The Role of Delegation in Leadership

Exploring the importance of delegation and fostering an environment of transparency and trust.

(00:13:39) Incentives in a Decentralized Organization

Levers of influence and how incentives can help guide faculty in a decentralized environment.

(00:14:47) Prioritizing Long-Term Building Projects

Prioritizing and executing large-scale building projects, including considerations for long-term growth.

(00:16:51) Navigating Stanford’s General Use Permit

The negotiations surrounding the university’s general use permit and its implications for future development.

(00:19:08) Big Bets at Alphabet

The decision-making process behind significant business investments.

(00:21:39) Advice for Making Hard Decisions

Improving the ability to make difficult decisions and the value of learning through practice.

(00:24:05) Episode Takeaways

Four key lessons for listeners from this episode.

(00:24:35) Conclusion