Periods of organizational transformation—such as acquisitions, strategic pivots, and reorgs—create a paradox for leaders. While they’re focused on navigating big changes, employees often feel uncertain about their futures. Research from KPMG, for example, shows that attrition rates can double after an acquisition announcement. In industries facing cost pressures and shifting skill needs, this uncertainty doesn’t just […]

A recent Financial Times analysis of S&P 500 filings found that 374 companies mentioned AI on their earnings calls last year—and nearly nine out of 10 described it in glowing terms. When pressed to explain the upside, however, most leaders fell back on vague promises of still unrealized “productivity gains.” Not only that, their annual reports were far […]

They’ve finally made it: They’re in a senior executive role. Whether they’re an SVP, EVP, or C-level executive, the assumption is clear: They’re a master of their craft and the kind of leader who no longer needs handholding. But that’s the paradox of being a senior leader: The higher you climb, the thinner the air […]

Every day, in every organization around the globe, people disagree about everything from pricing strategies to hiring decisions to major acquisitions. And disagree they should. Research across every social science shows that disagreement offers important benefits: Divergent perspectives spark creativity, prevent costly errors, and drive better decisions. But, of course, there is also risk: Disagreement handled poorly […]

How often has your team changed lately? A new member joins. A key player exits. Roles shift. Strategy evolves. A conflict brews. Performance dips. Today’s teams are in constant flux—reshaped by both internal dynamics and external pressures. And yet many leaders push forward without pausing to reset after a team change. The best leaders know that […]

Many workers are anxious, worn down, and demoralized. Headlines about AI displacing jobs dominate the news while CEOs publicly tout layoffs and cost-cutting. Economic uncertainty from trade wars, tariffs, and inflation only adds to their concerns. The numbers are stark. Employee engagement at companies around the world has risen overall since 2008, but according to Gallup dated in April, it’s still […]

Senior executives have to deal with a constant stream of what seem like urgent challenges, more than they can possibly deal with. But it’s not always clear when they need to jump in. When can they delegate? And what can they ignore? Last year, HBR published a framework from Nitin Nohria, a professor at and former dean of […]

Every leader faces challenges like establishing credibility, managing up, and building strategic relationships when they start a new role. One of the most sensitive and critical challenges is giving feedback, which can feel like walking a tightrope: You haven’t had the chance to build credibility with your new team, but you’re under pressure to prove your value quickly. Moving […]

In today’s complex, fast-moving business environment, the ability to influence others is no longer a “nice to have” leadership trait—it is foundational to strategic success. As organizations continue to operate in increasingly matrixed structures, with heightened ambiguity, speed, and global interdependence, leaders must influence without relying solely on authority. Influence is about gaining traction for […]

In the age of knowledge, ideas are the foundation of success in almost every field. You can have the greatest idea in the world, but if you can’t persuade anyone else to follow your vision, your influence and impact will be greatly diminished. And that’s why communication is no longer considered a “soft skill” among […]