HBR On Leadership

Jerry Colonna, an executive coach and former venture capitalist, dives into the challenges of stepping outside one's comfort zone. He discusses navigating new responsibilities and the all-too-familiar feelings of imposter syndrome. Colonna emphasizes the importance of adopting a novice mindset, seeking feedback, and fostering collaborative teams. He shares insights on leading without formal authority, managing self-doubt, and embracing continuous learning to build confidence in leadership roles.

Three new managers share their candid experiences stepping into leadership roles, revealing unexpected challenges and rewards. They discuss the importance of building trust and adapting to new responsibilities. Insights into gender biases highlight the unique hurdles women face in leadership. Personal anecdotes illustrate the complexities of conflict resolution and the balance between competence and likability. The conversation emphasizes self-reflection and effective communication for first-time managers navigating their unique journeys.

Gautam Mukunda, a research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, delves into Cynthia Carroll's groundbreaking leadership decisions at Anglo American. He discusses her unprecedented choice to suspend operations at a South African platinum mine to prioritize worker safety, a move that significantly altered the company's culture. Mukunda highlights the challenges faced in the mining industry, including navigating ethics, safety, and workforce diversity, illustrating the profound impact of decisive action in times of crisis.

Sari Wilde, managing vice president at Gartner Research and co-author of 'The Connector Manager,' shares insights from her extensive research on management styles. She reveals that the most effective managers are 'connectors,' promoting peer learning and collaboration. Wilde discusses the crisis of confidence among leaders and the impact of digitalization on management. She emphasizes the importance of fostering trust and strong relationships within teams, advocating for a transformation in managerial approaches to enhance employee development and engagement.

Toto Wolff, the fearless team principal and CEO of the Mercedes F1 racing team, shares his journey through triumph and defeat in high-stakes sports. He discusses how to motivate a team during tough times and the crucial difference between directing and leading. Wolff offers insights on coping with losses, emphasizing the psychological impact and the need for self-reflection. He also explores the importance of learning from mistakes and trusting his team's expertise to bounce back stronger after setbacks.

In this insightful discussion, Tina Opie, an assistant professor at Babson College, and Candice Morgan, former Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Pinterest, explore the complexities of authentic leadership. They emphasize the importance of effective communication and emotional expression in fostering an inclusive workplace. The conversation touches on the unique challenges faced by women and the intersectionality of race and gender in leadership. They advocate for creating environments that honor individuality, supporting diverse voices, and encouraging personal and professional growth.

Tsedal Neeley, a Harvard Business School professor specializing in global collaboration, dives into the complexities of leading diverse teams in today's hybrid work environment. She shares the inspiring case of Tauri Khan, who faced the daunting task of managing an underperforming, culturally varied group. The discussion highlights effective strategies for overcoming language barriers and fostering team dynamics. Neeley emphasizes the necessity of cross-cultural awareness and leadership skills to succeed in a globalized workforce.

Ron Howard, the legendary filmmaker behind classics like 'Apollo 13,' shares his unique insights on leadership in Hollywood. He discusses how he vets acting talent and chooses diverse production crews to inspire creativity. Howard also reflects on managing creative conflicts, drawing parallels to his experiences coaching kids' basketball. Listeners will gain valuable lessons on collaboration, communication, and the courage needed in both filmmaking and teamwork.

Nancy Koehn, a Harvard Business School historian, dives into the life of Rachel Carson, a pioneering environmental activist and science writer. They discuss how Carson's book 'Silent Spring' revolutionized the environmental movement and challenged powerful industries. Koehn highlights Carson's remarkable resilience and leadership, particularly in balancing family responsibilities with her groundbreaking work. The conversation reveals caretaking as a vital aspect of leadership and showcases the profound impact one individual can have on policy and public awareness.

Mike Troiano, a venture capitalist and former tech CEO, shares his insights on what it truly takes to reach the C-suite. He addresses the challenges of self-doubt, strategic misalignments, and workplace rivalries. Troiano emphasizes the importance of empathy, team-building, and strategic planning while navigating one's career. He also explores how to handle job anxiety and the need for transparent communication during tough times, showcasing how positive rivalries can turn competition into collaboration.