HBR IdeaCast

In this discussion, Sandra Sucher, a Harvard Business School professor and layoffs expert, sheds light on the often-overlooked downsides of workforce reductions. She points out that companies frequently underestimate the impact of layoffs on employee morale, engagement, and innovation. Sucher argues that maintaining institutional knowledge is crucial and highlights the long-term repercussions that can take years to mend. She emphasizes the need for a compassionate approach and shares strategies for executing layoffs more effectively and thoughtfully.

Gabriella Rosen-Kellerman, a physician and innovation officer at BetterUp, and Martin Seligman, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, dive into the world of workplace creativity. They discuss four types of creativity: integration, splitting, figure-ground reversal, and distal thinking. With AI reshaping jobs, they emphasize the need for human-centric creative skills. The duo also highlights how creativity can enhance mental health and well-being, urging listeners to build environments that nurture innovation and authentic connections.

Guy Raz, host of 'How I Built This,' dives into the core traits of exceptional leaders. He unveils three pivotal behaviors: fostering collaboration, embracing risk-taking, and accepting failure as part of the journey. With engaging stories from iconic companies like Starbucks and Procter & Gamble, Raz illustrates how a cooperative culture can spark innovation and drive growth. He highlights how failure often lays the groundwork for breakthrough ideas, making it clear that great leadership is about nurturing creativity and empowering teams.

Join Harvard Business School's Amy Edmondson and INSEAD's Mark Mortensen as they delve into the evolving landscape of employee value. They discuss how higher salaries aren't the only draw; long-term benefits like community, growth, and flexibility are increasingly vital. Their insights reveal how organizations can tailor their strategies to meet diverse employee needs and thrive in a changing economy. The conversation highlights the importance of transparency, personal development, and adapting to remote work dynamics for effective talent retention.

Robert Waldinger, a psychiatrist and director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, reveals fascinating insights from the longest-run happiness study, ongoing since 1938. He discusses how strong relationships are key to long-term happiness and how workplace connections influence job satisfaction. Waldinger sheds light on the dangers of loneliness at work and the changing dynamics women face in balancing career and home life. The conversation also touches on the common regrets of the elderly, emphasizing that personal connections outshine career achievements.

This podcast explores the dual power of storytelling in business, showcasing its potential to communicate effectively or manipulate perceptions. It emphasizes the need for workplace civility, urging companies to protect frontline workers from customer rudeness. Emotional management takes center stage, particularly in remote settings, with leadership insights from a NASA executive who discusses embracing failure. The hosts revisit memorable conversations from the past year, sharing valuable lessons on advocacy, accountability, and personal growth in the workplace.

Ryan Roslansky, CEO of LinkedIn, shares insights on navigating the post-pandemic work landscape. He discusses how emphasis on company culture and values is vital for success and adapting to hybrid work models. Ryan reflects on the role of luck in his career journey and the transformation of the labor market towards skill-based hiring. He also delves into effective talent retention strategies within tech and LinkedIn's evolving mission to enhance professional opportunities through innovative tools.

Ron Howard, the celebrated actor, director, and producer known for classics like Apollo 13, shares his journey from child star to Hollywood veteran. He discusses the importance of involving cast and crew in creative decisions, highlighting how it fosters collaboration. Ron emphasizes character-driven storytelling and the challenges of maintaining creativity under pressure. He also explores innovative strategies for inclusive staffing in the film industry, drawing parallels to coaching basketball in nurturing individual strengths.

Jeffrey Rayport, a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School and co-author of a pivotal HBR article, discusses the hurdles startups face in scaling after initial success. He emphasizes the importance of adapting business models and addresses common pitfalls that lead to failure. Using case studies like Friendster and King Digital, he highlights the need for strategic planning and a strong organizational culture. Rayport also contrasts the growth paths of SoundCloud and Spotify, shedding light on the significance of effective market strategies for sustainable profitability.

Ella Washington, an organizational psychologist and professor at Georgetown University, dives into the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She outlines the five stages of DEI maturity and emphasizes why organizations must view DEI as a long-term commitment rather than a quick fix. Washington highlights the importance of honest conversations and integration into daily practices, detailing how companies like Denny's transformed their culture and how managers play a crucial role in advancing DEI initiatives.