Havard Management Tip of the Day

If your global mental health programs aren’t gaining traction, factors beyond just stigma may be standing in the way. To create initiatives that resonate across geographic regions, ethnic backgrounds, and value systems, rethink your approach. Here’s how to overcome common pitfalls and deliver real results. Question your assumptions about culture. Don’t jump to conclusions when […]

In many organizations, the line between work and personal life has blurred, creating a culture of constant availability. While organizations promote wellness and work-life balance, they often contradict themselves by rewarding overwork and penalizing employees who unplug. Here’s how to change that dynamic. Audit who you’re rewarding. Are your top performers simply the most visible […]

As a senior leader, it’s easy to focus on big goals and visible results. But legacy isn’t built on titles or accolades—it’s shaped by the small, everyday choices you make. Here’s how to lead with intention and let the facts of your leadership speak for themselves. Clarify what you want to be known for. Step […]

Generative AI can boost your team’s productivity, but overuse may actually erode their motivation. While gen AI can deliver faster, more polished outputs, it risks making work feel less fulfilling. Here’s how to help your team stay engaged. Blend AI and human contributions. Encourage your team to use AI for drafts or outlines but require […]

You won’t find workplace norms in the employee handbook, but they shape how things actually get done. From how promotions happen to how meetings are run, unspoken expectations influence behavior—and in uncertain times, clear norms matter more than ever. If you want a fairer culture, you need to help define what “normal” should be. Clarify […]

Boards often choose CEOs based on impressive track records—but past performance alone doesn’t predict future fit. To avoid missteps, supplement interviews and resumes with a forward-looking tool: the growth plan. Here’s how. Shift from history to future vision. Ask each candidate to write a concise, two-page plan outlining what success would look like in their […]

Return-to-office policies aren’t just logistical decisions—they reflect a deeper shift in how employees interpret fairness and trust. When leaders unilaterally impose mandates, they risk breaking the psychological contract: the unspoken understanding employees have about what they owe the company and what the company owes them. To rebuild trust, use these three questions to guide your […]

The power of celebrity endorsements in shaping public perception and increasing product sales is well known—but securing a high-profile shareholder is an oft-overlooked way to boost credibility, sway other investors, and even improve media coverage. To attract these coveted investors, use the FAMOUS framework. Foster transparency and shareholder engagement. Celebrity investors need to trust your […]

When change is constant, many leaders default to saying yes to unreasonable requests and goals, afraid that refusal will damage their credibility. But this can lead to burnout, poor execution, and declining trust on their teams. The best leaders practice strategic refusal: knowing when—and how—to say no. Here’s how. Reframe refusal as prioritization. It’s not […]

Research has shown that DEI initiatives can be helpful in improving a variety of employee and organizational outcomes, including access to new markets and innovation. But many recent DEI efforts have fallen short because their execution is outdated. To make these initiatives work better for everyone, start by rethinking your approach in three areas: Metrics. […]

Proactive work—for example, taking the initiative to improve workflows or design new resources—can energize you and create real value. But it also disrupts your routine and drains mental energy, making it harder to focus, make decisions, or stay engaged later in the day. To stay sharp while going the extra mile, take a few simple […]

AI has the power to streamline board operations. But with automation comes a hidden cost: the erosion of board chairs’ influence. As AI takes over routine tasks, it can quietly displace the strategic thinking that defines effective senior leadership. Here’s how to safeguard that power. Recognize which tasks carry influence. Power-conduit tasks—like shaping agendas, framing […]

In a world of constant disruption, the instinct to seek clarity can lead you to oversimplify complex problems. Instead of defaulting to questions that inadvertently narrow your focus, ask questions that expand your thinking and reveal wiser paths forward. Start with these four. What decision today will still make sense a year from now? This […]

Many leaders dismiss empathy as an optional, “touchy-feely” skill. But failing to demonstrate it can lead to low morale, poor retention, and a culture where people withhold ideas and concerns. If you want to drive better results, use these strategies to make empathy part of how you lead—consistently and clearly. Start with a shared definition. […]

If you’re feeling exhausted every Monday morning, the problem might not be how much free time you have on the weekend, but how you use it. Instead of defaulting to passive activities, try “leisure crafting”: a more intentional approach to your free time that improves your well-being—and even boosts your work performance. Identify activities that […]

Managing international teams demands more than simply applying Western leadership ideals. To succeed, you must expand your approach by developing cultural intelligence, which will allow you to adapt to culturally complex situations. Here’s where to start. Adjust how you motivate people. Not everyone thrives on autonomy. Many team members from collectivist cultures perform best under […]

As a senior leader, your words carry weight. So even if generative AI can mimic your communication style, that doesn’t mean you should use it for every message. Here’s how to leverage the technology wisely. Be transparent about AI use. If employees learn you’ve used AI without telling them, it can erode trust. Communicate how […]

As a leader, your emotional tone can shape how your team members perform. Research shows positivity can help drive performance during long-term projects—but timing matters. Keep these two strategies in mind to make your team members feel a greater sense of worth and respect while performing at their best. Lead with early, sincere encouragement. If […]

If your manager runs on adrenaline, frequently rushing in to save the day, you’re likely working for a “firefighter boss.” These leaders create urgency, reward crisis response, and often overlook the planning that prevents problems in the first place. Here’s how to survive—and shift—the dynamic. Celebrate the emergencies that don’t happen. Firefighter bosses crave recognition. […]

Unspecific feedback like “be more strategic” or “push for innovation” can leave you guessing about what you actually need to change. The higher you rise, the more common this becomes—but you don’t have to settle for ambiguity. Here’s how to make unclear input actionable. Ask great questions. Generic prompts like “Do you have feedback?” often […]