HBR On Leadership

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.

Thomas Keil, a management professor from the University of Zurich, and Marianna Zangrillo, a partner at The Next Advisors, share insights from their extensive research on executive teams. They reveal three dysfunctional patterns: shark tanks, petting zoos, and mediocracies. The duo discusses how these dynamics hinder performance and share strategies for improvement, such as fostering open dialogue and ensuring role clarity. Discover why teams that seem harmonious might actually be stifling innovation and the vital role of leadership in overcoming these challenges.

Peter Bregman, CEO of Bregman Partners and author of Leading with Emotional Courage, discusses the nuances of leadership with cohosts Alison Beard and Dan McGinn. He shares insights on tackling indecisiveness in leaders and emphasizes the need for clear communication to enhance decision-making. The conversation also delves into navigating workplace politics, the pitfalls of gossip, and strategies for authentic relationship-building amid office dynamics. Bregman highlights the importance of ownership in decision-making for fostering effective team environments.

Muriel Wilkins, an executive coach known for guiding leaders through career transitions, joins the conversation to delve into the C-suite ambitions of professionals like Sarah. They explore the emotional tug-of-war between career stagnation and growth, along with redefining success on personal terms. With a humorous take, Muriel highlights the need for introspection to align ambitions with genuine motivations. The balance of reactive versus proactive career management becomes a central theme, encouraging listeners to make confident, value-driven decisions.