HBR On Leadership

Arnaud Chevallier, a strategy professor at IMD Business School and co-author of "The Art of Asking Smarter Questions," shares his insights on how leaders can enhance their questioning skills. He discusses five crucial types of questions—investigative, speculative, productive, interpretive, and subjective—that can dramatically improve decision-making. Real-life examples illustrate how the right question at the right moment can unlock value. Chevallier emphasizes the importance of active listening and emotional understanding in leadership for fostering team dynamics and strategic success.

Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor and author of The Fearless Organization, joins the discussion on transforming dysfunctional team dynamics. She emphasizes the critical role of psychological safety in fostering effective communication and trust. Topics range from managing difficult personalities to navigating the complexities of feedback and recognition in the workplace. Edmondson provides practical strategies for enhancing collaboration, promoting accountability, and ultimately improving team performance, making it a must-listen for any leader.

Frances Frei, professor at Harvard Business School, says that trust, empathy—and even a bit of tough love—are all essential ingredients to strong leadership in today’s world. Successful managers focus on the effect they have on others, not themselves. They also define a strategy and create a culture that drives employee behavior in their absence. Frei is the coauthor, along with Anne Morriss, of the book Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You as well as the HBR article “Begin with Trust.” Key episode topics include: leadership styles, constructive criticism, feedback, trust, empathy, managing people, employee performance management, underperforming employees, Listen to the original HBR IdeaCast episode: Great Leaders Use Tough Love to Improve PerformanceFind more episodes of HBR IdeaCastDiscover 100 years of Harvard Business Review articles, case studies, podcasts, and more at HBR.org.

Rebecca Shambaugh, a leadership coach and author, tackles the pitfalls of over-collaboration in this engaging discussion. She reveals how too much consensus can lead to indecision rather than productivity. Shambaugh highlights unique challenges women face in professional settings and offers strategies for empowering teams. The conversation dives into the importance of saying no to non-value tasks, emotional intelligence, and overcoming perfectionism in leadership. Listeners will appreciate tips on balancing teamwork with decisive action.

Jennifer Jordan, an IMD leadership professor and social psychologist, dives into the evolving landscape of leadership in a VUCA world. She discusses the shift from command-and-control styles to more adaptive approaches, emphasizing the need for leaders to fluidly navigate between various styles. Jordan highlights seven critical tensions leaders face and offers strategies for balancing listening with directing, making the case for personal growth in leadership adaptability. Real-world examples illustrate how successful leaders engage their teams during transformational periods.

Adrian Gostick, an executive coach and co-author of Leading with Gratitude, joins the discussion to tackle the tricky dynamics of difficult employees. He offers strategies for managing those who seem to sabotage, hoard information, or form disruptive cliques. The conversation emphasizes the power of gratitude in leadership and the importance of clear communication. Tips for addressing underperformance and improving team dynamics are also shared, making it clear that effective conflict resolution is essential for fostering a positive work environment.

Joseph Fuller, a management professor at Harvard Business School, and Manjuri Raman, a senior researcher, dive into the hidden dynamics of low-wage worker turnover. They argue that high turnover isn't just a pandemic issue, but stems from long-standing management misconceptions. Workers seek loyalty, growth, and clear career paths, not just pay. The duo offers actionable strategies for leaders, emphasizing mentorship, effective feedback, and proper job design to enhance retention and satisfaction among frontline employees.

Lynn Perry Wooten, President of Simmons University and crisis leadership expert, shares her insights on navigating uncertainty. She discusses key strategies from her book, emphasizing the importance of preparation for both expected and unexpected challenges. Wooten explores how leaders can build resilience and prioritize team well-being during crises. She uses real-world examples, including the Maui wildfires and the NBA's pandemic response, to illustrate effective decision-making and engagement with stakeholders under pressure.

Kelsey Alpaio, a former HBR editor and co-host of the Women at Work podcast, teams up with Lareina Yee, a McKinsey senior partner and expert on women's management challenges. They explore the hurdles new managers face, particularly women, in balancing authority and camaraderie. The conversation dives into combating biases, the importance of recognition, and how to effectively communicate as a leader. They share insights on building trust and navigating the complexities of workplace dynamics to foster respect and collaboration.

In the early 20th century, Helena Rubinstein defied gender, class, and cultural expectations to become one of the first pioneers of the modern beauty industry. Today, her namesake luxury cosmetics brand is worth more than one billion dollars. Harvard Business School professor Geoff Jones wrote a case study about the visionary leader. He explored her journey—and the lasting impact she made on global beauty standards—on Cold Call in 2019 with host Brian Kenny. Key episode topics include: gender, leadership, feminism, beauty industry, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial business strategy, marketing HBR On Leadership curates the best conversations and case studies 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 Cold Call episode: How Helena Rubinstein Used Tall Tales to Turn Cosmetics into a Luxury BrandFind more episodes of Cold Call.Discover 100 years of Harvard Business Review articles, case studies, podcasts, and more at HBR.org.