HBR On Leadership

Lindsey Pollak, a workplace expert and author of "The Remix: How to Lead and Succeed in the Multigenerational Workplace," shares invaluable insights on managing a diverse workforce. She discusses the complexities of leading older employees and engaging them with new technologies. Pollak offers practical strategies for building trust, fostering open communication, and understanding individual motivations across generations. Her anecdotes highlight the importance of personalized communication and teamwork in creating a cohesive and effective work environment.

Jay Conger, a leadership professor at Claremont McKenna College and co-author of 'The High Potential's Advantage', shares insights on identifying and nurturing high-potential employees. He reveals five critical 'X factors' that set these individuals apart, including curiosity and the ability to simplify complex issues. Conger discusses the importance of aligning with management goals and how lateral moves can be misunderstood as setbacks, but are actually vital for skill enhancement. Discover how to leverage these traits for career growth.

Sydney Finkelstein, a professor at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and author of "Superbosses," discusses the hidden downsides of expertise in leadership. He reveals how being overly knowledgeable can stifle curiosity and breed overconfidence. Finkelstein stresses the necessity of humility and open-mindedness to combat these pitfalls. By embracing continuous learning and diverse perspectives, leaders can become more effective and adaptable. He shares research-backed strategies that highlight the importance of self-reflection and collaboration over mere technical prowess.

Explore the extraordinary journey of Oprah Winfrey, from daytime host to media mogul. Discover how she transformed her leadership style by embracing vulnerability and rejecting people-pleasing. Hear about her personal challenges and how they shaped her authentic leadership philosophy. Delve into the impact of her traumatic experiences on her evolution and commitment to education. Learn how being true to oneself can enhance relatability and effectiveness in leadership.

Madeleine Wyatt, an organizational psychologist and professor at King's Business School, explores the intricate dance of office politics without compromising one's integrity. She emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships to foster career growth. Key discussions include mastering essential political skills like apparent sincerity and interpersonal influence. The conversation also highlights the unique challenges women face in male-dominated workplaces and advocates for authentic engagement, showing that political savvy can enhance workplace culture.

In this insightful discussion, Robert Steven Kaplan, a Senior Fellow and Professor Emeritus at Harvard Business School, emphasizes the art of asking the right questions to boost leadership effectiveness. He outlines how leaders can clarify their key priorities and ensure their daily actions align with overarching goals. Kaplan advocates for vulnerability in leadership and the importance of 'clean slate thinking' to adapt strategies. His approach underscores that self-inquiry is vital for enhancing decision-making and fostering team collaboration.

Richard Sheridan, CEO of Menlo Innovations and author of Chief Joy Officer, emphasizes the critical role of joy in the workplace. He contrasts joy with happiness, arguing that joy fosters innovation and creativity in teams. Sheridan shares insights on transforming a stagnated work culture into one full of collaboration and engagement. He discusses the balance of leadership and self-awareness needed to navigate team dynamics, and illustrates how simple acts can create a thriving, joyful workplace environment.

Join Amy Gallo, a workplace conflict expert and author, as she delves into mending professional relationships. She shares her insights on the importance of empathy and self-reflection in overcoming workplace conflicts. Discover practical strategies for rebuilding trust and fostering communication. Gallo categorizes common relational hurdles and emphasizes prioritizing understanding over ego. By taking these steps, you can transform negative dynamics into productive collaborations.

Art Markman, a former psychology professor and current Senior Vice Provost at the University of Texas at Austin, shares insights on handling challenging employees. He discusses strategies for managing communication issues, from passive-aggressive behavior to excessive politeness. Markman emphasizes the importance of tailored feedback and active listening to enhance workplace dynamics. He also offers advice on empowering employees to be more assertive, promoting a supportive environment to foster their growth.

In a compelling discussion, James White, former CEO of Jamba Juice and co-author of "Anti-Racist Leadership," teams up with his daughter, Krista White, who brings a millennial perspective to the conversation. They tackle the slowdown of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in organizations, emphasizing the critical role of middle managers in instigating change. The duo shares actionable strategies for promoting anti-racist leadership and discusses the importance of engaging younger generations in advocating for corporate accountability, envisioning a more equitable future.