HBR On Leadership

Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group and a pioneer in AI and gender diversity, discusses her innovative leadership strategies. She emphasizes the importance of integrity, competence, and curiosity in hiring while integrating AI to enhance customer experiences and streamline internal operations. Sun explores the challenges of hybrid work, sharing insights on how tailored environments boost productivity. Additionally, she highlights initiatives promoting gender equality in tech and discusses the evolving landscape of AI in the travel industry, aiming to redefine service quality.

Sydney Finkelstein, a Professor of Management at Dartmouth's Tuck School, emphasizes that leaders should adopt a teaching mindset to enhance employee performance. He discusses how direct interaction, akin to classroom teaching, can foster team connections and a culture of learning. Finkelstein also shares innovative mentorship strategies, pressures of gender dynamics, and the necessity of meaningful feedback over mere praise. He advocates for clear communication, stressing that a teacher-leader approach can lead to better team dynamics and personal growth.

Amy Gallo, a workplace conflict expert and author of 'Getting Along', shares invaluable insights on handling team conflict. She dives into the types of conflicts new managers may face, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and reframing difficult conversations. Gallo discusses the delicate balance between leadership and friendship while addressing performance issues. She provides practical strategies for intervention and encourages viewing conflict as a growth opportunity instead of a threat.

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.