HBR On Leadership

Sid Sijbrandij, Co-founder and CEO of GitLab, shares his insights on leading one of the world's largest all-remote companies. He discusses effective strategies for recruiting and onboarding talent suited for remote work, emphasizing radical transparency and detailed documentation. Sid explores how to foster team culture and communication in a dispersed environment while promoting social connections to counter isolation. He also highlights the significance of inclusivity and transparency in strengthening community relationships and enhancing talent branding.

Mike Tushman, a Harvard Business School professor specializing in technological change and leadership, takes listeners through Deloitte's innovative Pixel initiative. He discusses the initial resistance to adopting freelance talent in consulting and how effective leadership transformed skepticism into support. Tushman highlights the importance of selecting credible leaders and building strong networks to foster collaboration. The conversation offers a fascinating look at navigating corporate innovation and adapting traditional methods to drive successful outcomes.

Suzanne Peterson, an associate professor of leadership at Thunderbird School of Global Management and co-author of an influential HBR article, dives into the nuances of leadership visibility. She reveals how talented professionals often overlook the importance of relationship-building in career advancement. Peterson emphasizes that small, intentional changes in behavior can significantly enhance one's leadership presence. She explores the balance between likability and authority, drawing parallels with leaders like Roger Federer and Jacinda Ardern.

Melanie Parish, a leadership coach and author of "The Experimental Leader," shares her insights on managing difficult team dynamics. She highlights how leaders often overlook their own behaviors impacting team morale and performance. Parish suggests practical strategies for improving collaboration and resolving conflicts, especially in diverse teams. Listeners learn the importance of treating suggestions as experiments and fostering an inclusive atmosphere during organizational changes. Tune in for actionable advice on enhancing your team's effectiveness!

In this insightful discussion, Nashater Deu Solheim, a forensic psychologist and leadership coach, delves into the art of influence at work. She shares techniques to engage effectively with peers, clients, and superiors, even in virtual environments. Solheim introduces her ABC framework—advanced preparation, body language, and conversation—to help listeners enhance their impact. The conversation also emphasizes the power of empathy and trust, highlighting the importance of active listening and understanding others' motivations for successful collaboration.

When a star employee leaves, it can hit hard emotionally for managers. Leaders share personal experiences of resignations, exploring the challenges of maintaining morale and managing feelings of guilt and anxiety. The discussion emphasizes the importance of empathy and open communication while navigating transitions. Strategies for maintaining authentic connections in a virtual space are highlighted, along with the need for proactive discussions with teams about departures. It's a candid look at managing emotions and fostering resilience in the workplace.

Lisa Rosh, assistant professor at Yeshiva University and co-author of 'Be Yourself But Carefully,' discusses the delicate art of self-disclosure in leadership. She highlights how sharing personal information can enhance trust within teams, while warning against oversharing for approval. Rosh underscores the importance of timing, substance, and cultural sensitivity when revealing personal stories. Through compelling case studies, she demonstrates how thoughtful self-disclosure can transform team dynamics and facilitate collaboration, paving the way for effective leadership.

Amy Gallo, a workplace conflict expert and HBR contributing editor, shares insightful strategies to manage emotions during workplace arguments. She discusses how to recognize when you’re in fight-or-flight mode and emphasizes the importance of emotional labeling and mindfulness. Gallo provides actionable techniques, like focusing on breath to regain composure and the value of taking breaks when emotions run high. Her expertise offers listeners practical tools to navigate tough conversations with greater ease and emotional intelligence.

Nancy Koehn, a Harvard Business School professor and historian, shares insights on the legendary leadership of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. She discusses how Shackleton's empathy and team-building skills were vital during his crew's two-year struggle for survival in Antarctica. Koehn highlights important lessons on crisis management and the power of personal connections in leadership. Listeners will learn how Shackleton’s experiences can inform contemporary leadership tactics, stressing resilience and adaptability in dire situations.

Joe Badaracco, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Managing in the Gray," shares his insights on making tough managerial decisions, especially when personal relationships complicate professional judgments. He emphasizes the importance of gathering diverse perspectives and considering the consequences of actions. Badaracco discusses the challenge of honest performance evaluations when personal ties are involved, and highlights the balance between transparency and emotional intelligence in leadership.