Management

Yesterday we shared strategies for how to use language in disagreements. If you want people to share bold ideas and challenge assumptions, you also need to create the right environment for it. Here’s how.  Train for verbal skill, not just mindset. Instead of instructing people to be open minded or empathetic, show them how to […]

Constructive disagreement can spark creativity, prevent costly errors, and drive better decisions. To keep disagreements from escalating into conflict, you need to use language that shows your counterparts that you’re coming from a place of curiosity and empathy. Here’s how to turn disagreements into better ideas and decisions.  Signal that you want to learn. Start […]

Many companies falter when their early leaders step away—not because their vision was wrong, but because it wasn’t built to endure. If you want your organization to outlast you, your convictions must shape the culture, not just strategy. Here’s how to lead using principles that stick. Ensure every decision reinforces your value proposition. Don’t chase […]

Yesterday we shared five ways board members can orchestrate a successful CEO exit. But what about the person leaving the role? Exiting the CEO role isn’t just a logistical shift—it’s an emotional one. Even when the timing feels right, the final stretch can be emotional, stirring up feelings of lost identity and status. But handled […]

Too many CEO exits are treated like terminations, not transitions. Organizations fall back on boilerplate legal language—don’t poach, don’t disclose, don’t disparage—rather than crafting a deliberate plan for continuity, culture, and leadership. As a board member, here’s how you can reinforce your organization’s identity and continuity during this crucial moment.  Reinforce with incentives. Align exit […]

Generative AI use has surged in workplaces—but it’s not always helpful. When used thoughtlessly, AI tools can produce what researchers call “workslop”: polished, passable output that lacks depth, creating more work for others. As a leader, you need to actively prevent this from clogging your workflows. Here’s how.  Don’t default to AI for everything. If […]

When a CEO is hard to work with, the ripple effects can be quick and damaging. If your CEO is unpredictable, dismissive, or intolerant of dissent—but still delivering on financial results—it can be tough to know how to lead effectively from the middle. Here’s how to protect your team and influence upward. Manage up with […]

As companies find ways for AI to automate routine tasks, entry-level roles are at risk of disappearing. But instead of eliminating these jobs, you can redesign them to develop talent, strengthen culture, and create long-term value for your organization. Here’s how to start. Make tasks about learning, not repetition. Stop assigning juniors the work AI […]

Disruptive innovation doesn’t start with a breakthrough product—it starts with a mindset. Whether you’re designing software or writing cookbooks, certain behaviors can help you challenge the status quo and create real change. Here’s what to practice.  See the world through your customer’s eyes. Focus on what your audience actually needs. Use their language, shop where […]

Yesterday we outlined six ways to identify your core values to improve your decision-making. Now it’s time to test them. Once you’ve identified a few themes from your answers, label each one with a short phrase, such as “show up for others” or “build trusting relationships.” Then ask yourself these four questions to confirm whether […]

As a leader, you’ll face numerous high-stakes situations. When there’s no clear playbook for how to handle them, your personal core values can guide your most difficult decisions. But to use them effectively, you need to define them first. Start with these six prompts to surface what matters most to you, then look for common […]

When executive indecision stalls progress, your leadership becomes the engine that keeps momentum alive. Instead of waiting for clarity from above, use these strategies to manage up and move your team and organization forward.  Reframe requests. Large, irreversible proposals often trigger hesitation. Instead, position the ideas you propose to executives as low-risk, time-bound experiments. Shifting […]

In today’s workplace, teams are often asked to perform flawlessly while also learning and innovating. But trying to pursue both equally can backfire. Teams achieve more when they commit to one clear purpose. Here’s how to keep them focused. Choose a dominant orientation—then commit to it. If your team’s job is to explore new ideas, […]

In times of uncertainty, your team looks to you not just for strategy, but for reassurance and direction. To move people from fear to confidence, you need to show up with clarity, conviction, and calm. Here’s how. Communicate a clear purpose. Share a reason for being that feels bigger than day-to-day tasks. Frame the work […]

Loneliness isn’t just a personal struggle—it’s a workplace challenge that quietly erodes trust, creativity, and performance. As a leader, you can counteract it by embedding connection directly into how your team works. Here’s where to start. Build team cohesion through shared identity. Create shared narratives and simple rituals that reinforce belonging—for example, quarterly “culture calibrations” […]

With headlines questioning AI’s value, it’s tempting to see experimentation as a waste. But the real problem isn’t trying new things—it’s unfocused efforts that fail to connect to real business opportunities. To avoid repeating past mistakes, you need a disciplined approach. Frame AI as part of a bigger shift. Don’t treat AI as an isolated […]

As a senior leader, your calendar is packed, and the decisions you have to make are many. But not every call should be yours to make. To lead effectively—and sustainably—you need to delegate the right decisions to the right people. Ask these four questions to figure out what to hand off, and to whom. Who’s […]

When morale is low and organizational dysfunction is high, your team needs more than encouragement—they need protection. As a leader, your job is to buffer them from organizational chaos. Here’s how. Set clear standards. Don’t passively inherit the culture around you. Instead, co-create a team identity based on shared values. Define how you’ll treat each […]

When your team expands rapidly but your support system doesn’t, the result is often leadership overload. Here’s how to adjust your approach so you don’t get buried—and your team doesn’t burn out.  Reset how you work—together. Don’t lead a large team like a small one. Revisit your availability, role in decisions, and team routines. Set […]

The more expertise you gain over the course of your career, the easier it is to fall into routine. Mastery can end up quietly limiting your flexibility, creativity, and curiosity. To stay mentally agile, you need to regularly escape your comfort zone. Here’s how to apply strategic amateurism—the practice of intentionally becoming a beginner again.   […]