HBR On Leadership

Leading a team through constant strategy shifts can be daunting. A leader grapples with motivation amidst unclear directives from upper management. The discussion highlights the significance of prioritizing tasks and establishing a clear focus for the team. Tactics for maintaining discipline and celebrating small wins are emphasized. The importance of clarifying long-term goals and fostering individual motivations emerges as key strategies. The conversation encourages leaders to assert temporary directions while remaining adaptable to changes.

Stefan Thomke, a Harvard Business School professor and author of *Experimentation Works*, shares insights on the power of business experimentation. He highlights how experiments can reveal value often missed through intuition. Thomke discusses barriers to experimentation, the importance of a supportive culture, and practical strategies for integrating tests into decision-making. He also illustrates successful cases like Kohl's and Booking.com, emphasizing the balance between risk management and learning from failures. Overall, he underscores that an experimental mindset can be a game changer for organizations.

Jennifer Riel, an adjunct professor at the Rotman School of Management and co-author of Creating Great Choices, shares insights on integrative thinking in decision-making. She dives into how Lego initially struggled with balancing brand protection and creative talent for their movies. Riel argues for seeking innovative solutions rather than simple compromises, highlighting the importance of audience engagement and the value of exploring opposing models deeply. Her framework encourages leaders to clarify problems, embrace tension in ideas, and prototype solutions effectively.

Leslie K. John and Alison Wood Brooks, both professors at Harvard Business School, explore how asking the right questions can transform leadership. They discuss the difference between open-ended and closed questions, and how effective questioning enhances communication and fosters stronger relationships. The conversation dives into mastering difficult inquiries and the necessity of active listening for meaningful dialogues. They emphasize that strategic questioning not only sharpens understanding but also cultivates trust and collaboration among team members.

Ellen Zane, the former CEO of Tufts Medical Center and director of the Women on Boards program at Harvard School of Public Health, shares her insights into board membership. She highlights the personal and professional growth opportunities that arise from serving on boards. Eight women also share transformative experiences, emphasizing networking and inclusivity. The discussion includes navigating board dynamics, effective communication strategies, and the importance of mentorship. Ellen encourages listeners to consider board service as a path to empowerment and community impact.

Dorie Clark, a marketing strategy consultant and author known for her expertise in personal branding, joins the discussion to share insights on redefining workplace perceptions. She emphasizes the importance of intentional rebranding and provides actionable strategies to shift how colleagues view you. Topics include enhancing leadership presence through proactive engagement, the balance between specialist and generalist roles, and overcoming biases to advance career ambitions. Dorie highlights that impactful changes can take time, urging listeners to be patient and persistent in their personal and professional transformations.

Mark Mortenzen, an organizational behavior professor at INSEAD and co-author of 'The Overcommitted Organization,' dives into the world of multiteaming. He explores how employees juggling multiple projects can benefit organizations, yet face significant stress. Key discussions include challenges in assessing team workloads, the risk of burnout, and the essential need for transparency in team dynamics. Mortenzen emphasizes the importance of balancing flexibility with structured teamwork to maximize collaboration and minimize inefficiencies.

Nina Bowman, an executive coach at Paravis Partners, shares her expertise on navigating career transitions with confidence. Joined by Renee Dowdy and Lauren Dickey, who successfully shifted from academia and defense policy to new industries, they discuss the challenges and strategies involved in making bold mid-career leaps. Key topics include crafting a compelling career narrative, leveraging transferable skills, and the importance of networking. The conversation also touches on overcoming self-doubt and finding personal fulfillment in new roles.

Tomoko Yokoi, a researcher at IMD Business School studying emerging technologies, and Amy Bonsall, the founder of Collective and a fractional chief product officer, discuss the innovative world of fractional leadership. They explore its rise post-COVID, emphasizing flexibility for leaders and organizations alike. The duo share insights on integrating fractional executives while ensuring clear communication and accountability. They also highlight the importance of choosing the right candidates and how seasoned professionals nearing retirement can find renewed purpose in part-time roles.

Megan Bach, COO of Federato and expert in machine learning for risk assessment, along with Lauren Reyes, COO of the YMCA of Greater Boston and advocate for positive change, share their experiences of rising from middle management to senior leadership. They discuss the emotional hurdles, self-doubt, and the importance of strategic visibility. Both guests emphasize the need for proactive career mapping, building professional relationships, and recognizing one's own worth to break through the stagnation many mid-level managers face.