HBR On Leadership

Guy Raz, the host behind popular podcasts like How I Built This, shares invaluable insights from his extensive interviews with entrepreneurs and leaders. He reveals three key behaviors that set great leaders apart: fostering a culture of collaboration, encouraging risk-taking, and embracing failure. Raz discusses practical strategies for cultivating teamwork and innovation, the balance between collaboration and competition, and how a supportive environment can lead to radical ideas and growth. His experiences highlight the importance of learning from failures to drive success.

Therese Huston, a cognitive scientist at Seattle University and author, teams up with Jessica Gomez, an elementary school principal renowned for her feedback strategies. They delve into the nuances of giving feedback, exploring types like appreciation and coaching. Their discussion highlights the importance of trust in tough conversations, particularly for women leaders. They also stress follow-up conversations and proactive communication as keys to fostering growth. With personal anecdotes and practical strategies, they make the art of feedback both accessible and engaging.

In a compelling discussion, Kristie Rogers, an associate professor at Marquette University and a specialist in workplace respect, unpacks the critical balance between owed and earned respect in teams. She emphasizes that owed respect relates to basic civility, while earned respect ties to individual achievements. Kristie reveals how managers can inadvertently convey disrespect and highlights innovative case studies, including the transformation of female inmates into professionals, showcasing the profound impact of a respectful workplace culture on loyalty and motivation.

Explore the art of active listening and how it can transform conversations. Discover various listening styles and learn to adapt them for better interactions. Gain insights into thoughtful questioning techniques that deepen discussions. The podcast also highlights the unique challenges leaders face in fostering open communication. Enhance your workplace environment by implementing strategies that promote active listening and encourage valuable feedback.

Morra Aarons-Mele, a writer, entrepreneur, and the author of "The Anxious Achiever," discusses the crucial conversation around mental health in the workplace. She highlights how understanding and discussing our own mental wellness can improve leadership and team dynamics. Aarons-Mele shares practical tips for managing anxiety and fostering a supportive environment for employees. The dialogue emphasizes breaking the stigma of mental health, adapting to challenges, and even transforming anxiety into a leadership strength.

Jensen Huang, CEO and co-founder of NVIDIA, leads the charge in AI-driven innovation. He discusses the transformative role of generative AI in business operations and emphasizes the importance of flat organizational structures for fostering creativity. Huang highlights the challenges tech leaders face in navigating compliance and human oversight in AI development. He also addresses the significance of diversity in enhancing resilience and explores the complexities of advanced GPU development and future possibilities in quantum computing.

In this discussion, Sandra Sucher, a Harvard Business School professor and expert on layoffs, delves into the unseen repercussions of workforce reductions. She highlights how layoffs often lead to lost institutional knowledge, lower employee engagement, and decreased innovation. With compelling examples from Twitter and Nokia, she advocates for more compassionate approaches to handling layoffs. Sucher also stresses the importance of rebuilding trust and addressing the emotional toll on both employees and managers, urging thoughtful decision-making in these challenging times.

Jen Dary, a leadership coach specializing in helping individuals navigate new professional identities, shares invaluable insights for new managers. She addresses common challenges like time management and team conflicts, while emphasizing the emotional journey of redefining oneself as a leader. Dary discusses the importance of boundary-setting, self-awareness, and reflecting on personal leadership styles. Listeners will discover strategies to manage responsibilities, combat disillusionment, and thrive in their new roles.

Sue Ashford, a leadership expert from the University of Michigan, dives into how people perceive themselves as leaders and the dynamics of leadership identity. She discusses the concept that leadership is not just inherent but can be cultivated in anyone. The conversation explores shared leadership models, emphasizing collaboration and flexibility, and highlights the psychological factors of warmth and competence in effective team performance. Practical tips for self-reflection and enhancing leadership qualities are also shared, making it a rich dialogue on modern leadership.

Leanne Davey, an organizational psychologist and author of "The Good Fight," discusses the pivotal role trust plays in workplace dynamics. She offers insights on navigating trust issues with new bosses and colleagues through effective communication. Davey emphasizes the importance of clarifying expectations to avoid misunderstandings. The discussion also highlights generational workplace challenges and how ambition must be balanced with diplomacy in leadership. Practical strategies for team bonding and creating a supportive environment are shared, crucial for fostering collaboration.