HBR On Leadership

In a captivating discussion, Herminia Ibarra, a London Business School professor and author, delves into the complexity of authentic leadership. She argues that true authenticity requires stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing discomfort. By trying new behaviors, you can genuinely evolve as a leader. Ibarra emphasizes the importance of balancing vulnerability with authority and adapting your communication style during organizational changes. Her insights challenge the traditional notions of authenticity, encouraging a journey of growth rather than mere self-disclosure.

Ben Dattner, an executive coach and organizational consultant, shares insights on the art of giving and receiving feedback at work. He emphasizes that feedback should be seen as a collaborative effort aimed at success, not as a confrontation. Dattner explores strategies to overcome resistance when employees don’t act on feedback and how to gracefully accept unexpected critiques. The conversation sheds light on the emotional dynamics of feedback conversations, highlighting the necessity of clear communication and trust in professional relationships.

Mimi Nicklin, a seasoned business coach and advertising executive, emphasizes the importance of empathy in bridging generational gaps at work. With her expertise from her book, she encourages leaders to listen actively, rather than enforce conformity. She shares real-world examples illustrating how empathy fosters collaboration and innovation among differing age groups. Nicklin dives into the evolution of empathy across cultures and highlights its essential role in leadership, especially in the post-pandemic context, encouraging a more inclusive and understanding workplace.

Fabricio Bloisi, founder and CEO of Movile, transformed a small startup in a garage into a global tech powerhouse serving over 150 million mobile customers. He shares insights on evolving from daily operations to a strategic leadership role, highlighting the importance of a skilled executive team. The conversation dives into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the journey to launching their successful app Play Kids, and the value of diversity in teams for growth. Bloisi's story is a masterclass in balancing agility with strategic scaling.

In this engaging discussion, Marcus Buckingham, head of research on people and performance at ADP and a bestselling author, shares insights on cultivating collaboration in teams. He highlights the importance of understanding individual team members' strengths and aspirations to boost productivity and morale. Buckingham explores innovative concepts like 'team joining' and emphasizes a culture of open communication. He also discusses adapting leadership styles to post-pandemic dynamics, focusing on curiosity and individual passions to enhance engagement and retention.

Barbara Kellerman, a Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and an expert on leadership and followership, dives deep into the concept of charisma in leadership. She emphasizes the emotional bond between leaders and followers, arguing that charisma relies on a shared power dynamic. Kellerman examines how this relationship shapes outcomes and challenges traditional views that focus solely on leaders. She also discusses gender biases in perceptions of charisma, revealing the historical challenges faced by female leaders in gaining recognition.

Megan Rapinoe, a professional soccer player and advocate for gender pay equity, discusses her journey from athlete to team-first leader. She highlights the importance of personal connections with teammates and how these relationships inspire motivation, especially after tough losses. Rapinoe also reflects on her experiences navigating pressure during the Women's World Cup and her commitment to social causes, emphasizing that leadership is as much about collaboration and advocacy as it is about personal performance on the field.

Join Amanda Goodall, a professor at Bayes Business School, as she dives into why the best leaders are often technical experts. She highlights the impact of leaders with deep organizational knowledge, like doctors running hospitals, on employee satisfaction and success. Goodall offers insights on transitioning from expert to leader and managing specialized teams. Discover why self-awareness and listening are crucial for generalists. This discussion uncovers the importance of expertise in fostering trust, effective feedback, and innovation in leadership.

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and venture capitalist, unfolds how leaders can leverage volatility as a catalyst for innovation. He emphasizes aligning social impact with business goals for meaningful change. Hoffman also dives into navigating risk in innovation, the importance of collaboration in transforming workspaces, and tackling pressing societal issues like climate change. Lastly, he discusses modern recruitment challenges, highlighting the necessity for diverse environments and robust employer-employee relationships to attract top talent.

Alice Boyes, an author and former clinical psychologist, dives into the connection between introversion and effective leadership. She discusses how shyness can enhance leadership qualities rather than hinder them. Personal stories from an emerging leader, Laura, reveal coping mechanisms for introverts in professional settings. Strategies for navigating social anxiety, embracing self-acceptance in leadership, and empowering introverted individuals take center stage. Boyes emphasizes that introverted leaders can leverage their unique strengths to thrive in the workplace.