HBR IdeaCast

Shasta Nelson, a relationship expert and author of "The Business of Friendship," discusses the vital role of workplace friendships for both personal growth and organizational success. She emphasizes the importance of consistency, vulnerability, and positivity in building these connections, especially in a remote work environment. Nelson shares practical strategies to foster meaningful relationships and highlights the creativity and inclusivity that vulnerability brings to teams. Despite potential pitfalls, she advocates for open communication and intentional efforts to strengthen workplace bonds.

Gary Hamel and Michele Zanini, co-founders of the Management Lab, discuss the stifling effects of bureaucracy on employee engagement and organizational efficiency. They explore innovative approaches to dismantling rigid structures, advocating for a human-centered work culture that prioritizes autonomy and accountability. By sharing successful case studies, they reveal how empowering individuals and embracing grassroots change can transform organizations. Their insights build on concepts from their book, 'Humanocracy,' aiming to unlock the full potential of the workforce.

Jonah Berger, a professor at the Wharton School and author of "The Catalyst: How to Change Anyone's Mind," shares insights on effective persuasion. He emphasizes that pushing your views can backfire; instead, asking questions allows others to feel in control. Berger discusses the psychological barriers that create resistance and suggests strategies like offering choices to facilitate acceptance. He also addresses negotiation tactics for career advancement and the importance of adapting communication in times of crisis to connect with audiences.

Leigh Thompson, a negotiation expert from Kellogg School of Management, dives into the complexities of remote negotiations. She discusses pitfalls in virtual settings and introduces concepts like 'e-charisma' to enhance trust and communication. Thompson emphasizes the importance of a personal touch and emotional connection, highlighting strategies to navigate digital interactions effectively. Listeners will learn how to avoid common traps and find that sweet spot in negotiations, ensuring everyone leaves happy.

Peter Scoblic, cofounder of Event Horizon Strategies and senior fellow at the International Security Program at New America, discusses the vital role of scenario planning in strategic foresight. He emphasizes how companies often neglect long-term thinking, leading to vulnerability in crises. Using the U.S. Coast Guard's experiences, Scoblic illustrates the power of diverse perspectives and flexibility. He argues that embracing imagination and adapting mental models are key to thriving in uncertainty, shaping a resilient future for organizations.

Robbie Kellman Baxter, a strategy consultant and author of "The Forever Transaction," delves into the expansive potential of subscription business models. She argues that subscriptions can transform diverse sectors, from local shops to industrial giants, by fostering customer loyalty and ensuring stable revenue. Baxter shares insights on overcoming economic challenges through subscriptions and highlights the necessity for businesses to adapt their strategies for sustained success. With real-world examples, she emphasizes the importance of ethical practices and tailored customer engagement.

In this conversation, Richard Tedeschi, Professor emeritus of psychology at UNC Charlotte and expert on post-traumatic growth, shares insights on how crises can lead to positive outcomes. He discusses the transformative power of trauma, emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships and expressive outlets for recovery. Tedeschi highlights leadership's role in fostering resilience and understanding individual stories, along with the significance of mental health in the workplace to enhance collective growth and empathy.

Rafi Mohammed, founder of Culture of Profit and author of "The 1% Windfall," advises against slashing prices during crises. Instead, he advocates for reevaluating pricing strategies to retain customers and prepare for recovery. He shares insights on tiered pricing models from the airline industry and highlights the significance of customer feedback in shaping pricing decisions. Mohammed also discusses adapting to shifts in consumer preferences, emphasizing the importance of innovation and clear communication to navigate economic uncertainties.

Carlos Brito, the CEO of Anheuser-Busch InBev since 2008, shares insights on leading a global brewing giant through unprecedented challenges. He discusses how the pandemic forced rapid shifts in operations and consumer behavior, highlighting the importance of adaptability. Brito emphasizes empowering employees to pivot quickly while maintaining corporate responsibility. He reflects on lessons learned from markets like China, focusing on e-commerce and community support as key to navigating the crisis and positioning the company for a sustainable future.

Katherine Gehl, former CEO and founder of the Institute for Political Innovation, teams up with Michael Porter, a Harvard Business School professor renowned for competitive strategy. Together, they explore the dysfunctional nature of U.S. politics using Porter's Five Forces framework. They argue that a duopoly between the major parties stifles innovation and citizen engagement. Their innovative solutions include nonpartisan primaries and ranked-choice voting, aiming to enhance competition and better serve the public, ultimately reigniting democracy.