HBS Leadership Initiative

In 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia tragically disintegrated during re-entry, claiming the lives of seven astronauts. Harvard Business School Professor Amy Edmondson examined this disaster through the lens of leadership and organizational culture. Edmondson, an expert in psychological safety, explored how a lack of openness to dissenting voices contributed to the tragedy. Her insights remind us of the importance of fostering a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and heard. Leaders must ensure that employees feel safe to speak up, especially in high-stakes environments. Edmondson's work emphasizes that a commitment to organizational learning is essential for avoiding catastrophic failures. #Leadership #OrganizationalCulture #PsychologicalSafety #NASA #LearningFromFailure #HarvardBusinessReview

We're so proud of our Associate Director, Letty Garcia, for her important work with Executive Education on the "Myth of the Perfect Mentor". Congratulations to the whole team and we are excited to continue to hear about your endeavors!

In a world overflowing with data, it’s easy to either trust the numbers without question or dismiss them entirely—both are risky moves. The real value lies in taking a balanced approach. Leaders should engage in thoughtful discussions to assess the validity and relevance of any data before making decisions. Consider the research’s sample size, setting, and time period, and ensure you're focusing on meaningful outcomes, not just what's easy to measure. It’s also wise to seek additional research to confirm or challenge the findings. By systematically evaluating data, you can leverage it to make better decisions and drive meaningful results. #Leadership #DataDriven #DecisionMaking #BusinessInsights #HarvardBusinessReview

Great leadership is not just about skills—it's about embodying qualities that resonate and inspire. Rebecca Knight, writing for the Harvard Business Review, highlights eight essential qualities outlined by our very own Dr. Linda Hill, an HBS professor and top expert on leadership. You can read the re-published highlights here! Hill's insights emphasize that authenticity, curiosity, analytical prowess, adaptability, creativity, comfort with ambiguity, resilience, and empathy are crucial for today's leaders. These qualities not only empower leaders to navigate complexities but also help them build stronger connections and foster innovative environments. As we develop the next generation of leaders, especially in dynamic fields like healthcare, these traits become more important than ever. Are you cultivating these qualities in your leadership journey? Let's reflect and grow together. #LeadershipDevelopment #HarvardBusinessReview #AdvisoryBoard

How can newly appointed CEOs thrive in a role that's unlike any they've held before? This insightful Harvard Business Review article explores key strategies for success. https://lnkd.in/eQiwuea7 A must-read for anyone stepping into leadership or looking to understand the unique challenges faced by CEOs. #Leadership #CEO #ExecutiveLeadership #CareerGrowth #HarvardBusinessReview #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessStrategy

Too many companies are missing the mark when it comes to innovation. The traditional polarized approach is often the culprit: corporate R&D focuses on incremental upgrades, while venture capitalists chase high-risk, transformational innovations. Both strategies have their merits, but they also come with significant limitations. A refreshing perspective comes from a new framework called the Growth Driver Model. This model leverages internal resources and talent alongside external entrepreneurs to identify and develop innovative opportunities. If your company is struggling with innovation, it might be time to explore this balanced approach. Find the middle ground and watch your innovation efforts thrive! #Innovation #GrowthDriverModel #CorporateStrategy #R&D #VentureCapital #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #HarvardBusinessReview

Historically, automation hit blue-collar jobs first, with white-collar roles often benefiting from the shift. Remote work, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, further empowered white-collar workers with increased autonomy. But the rise of generative AI is shifting this. Generative AI is making digital tasks—once the domain of remote workers—more susceptible to automation. While this presents significant productivity gains, it also poses a challenge. While some roles may be lost to automation, there’s an urgent need for reskilling, especially in management and AI-specific areas. Embracing these changes and investing in new skills will be crucial for staying relevant and productive in the evolving work environment. #GenerativeAI #Automation #FutureOfWork #RemoteWork #Reskilling #AI #Productivity #CareerDevelopment #HarvardBusinessReview

We all face moments when managing our emotions feels challenging. It’s perfectly normal to experience negative feelings, but how we handle them can significantly impact our relationships, performance, and overall well-being at work. Instead of trying to suppress these emotions, let's focus on enhancing our emotional intelligence. By developing self-awareness, self-regulation, and fostering positive connections, we can transform our approach to workplace challenges. Here are three practical strategies to boost your emotional intelligence: Assess Your Emotional State: Pay attention to your bodily sensations, cognitive load, and emotional states to better understand your feelings. Practice Strategic Breathing: Use deep breathing exercises to manage stress and regulate your emotions effectively. Engage in Acts of Kindness: Perform authentic and intentional acts of kindness to strengthen connections and foster a supportive work environment. #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceWellbeing #SelfAwareness #SelfRegulation #PositiveConnections

Many companies talk about the importance of culture but struggle to make it actionable. It’s not just about stating values—it’s about how you handle real-world dilemmas. Here’s how to make your culture truly impactful: Base Culture on Real Dilemmas: Ground values in the tough decisions employees face. Test Your Values: Ensure they guide practical choices. Communicate Clearly: Use vivid language to make values memorable. Hire for Fit: Choose people who align with your culture. Align Culture with Strategy: Let culture guide strategic decisions. Adapt as Needed: Adjust values to stay effective. #CorporateCulture #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #CompanyCulture #HarvardBusinessReview

In the evolving landscape of leadership, co-leadership structures are becoming increasingly popular. Yet, a recent article highlights a crucial aspect often overlooked: the ongoing communication and integration between co-leaders. It's essential to ensure that both leaders continuously align their efforts and avoid falling into the trap of operating as separate entities. In short, co-leadership is not just about having two leaders but about creating a cohesive partnership that drives the organization forward.  #Leadership #CoLeadership #BusinessGrowth #Teamwork #HarvardBusinessReview