HBR On Leadership

From the U.S. Senate to Diplomacy—John Kerry’s Leadership Lessons

Feb 7, 2024

John Kerry, former U.S. Secretary of State and climate envoy, shares his extensive leadership insights from over 40 years in public service. He discusses the importance of resilience and focus when facing setbacks in politics. Kerry emphasizes the value of bipartisan teamwork and effective communication in governance. He explores the necessity of civic engagement for a thriving democracy and highlights how businesses can contribute to societal change while juggling personal and professional demands. Expect a wealth of wisdom from a seasoned diplomat!

26:25

Episode guests

John Kerry

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Quick takeaways

The importance of influence, clear communication, and staying focused on long-term goals in leadership.

Building relationships, understanding others, and finding common ground are crucial for effective decision-making and diplomacy.

Deep dives

Leadership Lessons from John Kerry

John Kerry, former U.S. Secretary of State and special presidential envoy for climate, shares leadership lessons he learned over the years, including the importance of influence, bouncing back from defeats, and staying focused on long-term goals. He highlights the need for clear communication, defined goals, and respect from leaders. Kerry stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable and independent thinkers who offer different perspectives. He emphasizes the value of bipartisan cooperation and compartmentalization for effective decision-making and diplomacy. Additionally, he encourages individuals to persevere in the face of setbacks and not let failures deter them from their goals.

Intro

2min

From Military Leadership to Effective Governance

5min

Compartmentalization in Politics and Diplomacy

7min

Balancing Relationships and Public Life

7min

Civic Engagement and Corporate Responsibility in Democracy

5min

John Kerry has spent more than 40 years in public service, including several decades in the U.S. Senate, leading the U.S. Department of State from 2013 to 2017, and more recently serving as U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.

In this episode, he shares the leadership lessons he learned over many years of leadership in the public sector—from influencing people to recovering from defeats, handling leadership transitions, and staying focused on important long-term goals.

Key episode topics include: leadership, government, negotiation strategies, leadership transitions, resilience, focus, planning, influence, diplomacy.

HBR On Leadership curates the best case studies and conversations with the world’s top business and management experts, to help you unlock the best in those around you. New episodes every week.

· Listen to the original HBR IdeaCast episode: John Kerry on Leadership, Compromise, and Change (2018)

· Find more episodes of HBR IdeaCast

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