Search

This article from Harvard Business Review discusses the concept of workaholism and provides insights from over 1,000 individuals who have experienced it. Workaholism is described as the inability to disconnect from work, leading to it taking over one's thoughts and actions and negatively impacting other areas of life. The article highlights common experiences of workaholics, such as constant connectivity, inability to stop thinking about work, prioritizing work over loved ones, and neglecting self-care. It also offers suggestions for breaking free from workaholism, including setting boundaries, taking breaks, and considering bigger changes like leaving work environments that encourage workaholism. The article emphasizes that recovering from workaholism is an ongoing struggle and encourages individuals to prioritize their well-being and relationships over work. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Harvard Business Review explores the concept of workaholism and its negative impact on individuals and organizations. The author draws on personal experiences and interviews to highlight the challenges faced by workaholics. The article offers six strategies for achieving a healthier work-life balance, including redefining urgency, reinventing to-do lists, learning to say no and delegate, fixing the workaholic clock, controlling rumination, and embracing rest and recovery. The author emphasizes the importance of personal change in overcoming workaholism and provides practical guidance for workaholics to reclaim their lives and find a better work-life balance. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the common networking mistake of failing to follow up after meetings. The authors conducted a survey and found that more than half of the participants had never received any follow-up from networkers they had met. The article challenges conventional advice that suggests extravagant gestures or reciprocation, and instead recommends a three-part thank you (3TY) approach. The top three elements of a great follow-up, according to respondents, were hearing that their advice had positively impacted the person who reached out, being thanked, and hearing that their advice had been followed. The article emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude, highlighting specific insights, and humbly asking if additional questions can be asked in the future. The authors suggest that these small acts of follow-through can build trust and establish a strong network. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the topic of job hopping and provides advice on how to explain it during job interviews. It challenges the negative perception of job hoppers and addresses the stereotype that millennials and Gen Z workers are disloyal and entitled. The article suggests that job hopping can be driven by factors such as work-life balance, mental health, flexibility, and competitive salaries. It emphasizes the importance of finding a workplace that aligns with one's values and long-term goals. The article also highlights the use of digital platforms for employees to share their experiences and hold companies accountable, and encourages job seekers to prioritize their well-being and values when seeking new opportunities. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Harvard Business Review provides a guide to standing out in a job interview. It emphasizes the importance of doing thorough research on the organization and the job, as well as the people conducting the interview. The article also highlights the value of crafting compelling personal stories that connect to the job requirements and the organization's values. It advises practicing and rehearsing these stories, as well as treating the interview as a conversation and being flexible in responding to the interviewer. The article also offers tips for virtual interviews, such as preparing the space and dressing appropriately. Overall, the article provides practical advice for job seekers to make a great impression in their interviews. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a list of Harvard Business Review's most-read articles of 2024 so far. The articles cover a range of topics, including Starbucks' decline in brand value, different leadership styles and when to use them, the art of asking smarter questions, the new rules of executive presence, and questions to ask at the midpoint of one's career. These articles offer insights and strategies for personal and professional growth, and can be valuable resources for individuals looking to improve their skills and decision-making abilities. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "How to Craft a Memorable Message, According to Science," discusses the importance of creating messages that are memorable. The author, a neuroscientist, explains that human memory is limited and that we often forget much of what we experience. To make a message stick, the author suggests using the four C's of memorable messaging: chunking information, making it concrete with examples, providing callbacks to previously learned information, and sparking curiosity by highlighting knowledge gaps. By incorporating these techniques, communicators can create lasting memories and have a lasting impact. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the warning signs of ethical burnout on a team and provides strategies to counteract these signs. The authors highlight four warning signs: increased commercial pressures and targets, "survival mode" thinking, decision-making overload and speed, and envy of unhealthy status symbols. They emphasize the importance of setting realistic goals, acknowledging workforce stress, encouraging slower decision-making, and promoting collaboration rather than competition. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for early intervention to prevent ethical dilemmas from escalating into major scandals. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of keeping business strategy simple and clear. It highlights the common mistake of developing strategic plans for individual functions, such as marketing or HR, instead of focusing on the overall business level. The author emphasizes the need to separate strategy from action and suggests using language that focuses on stakeholders and customers rather than internal functions. The article concludes by stating that a strategy should be outward-looking and high-level, with specific steps determined after identifying the desired direction. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the negative impact of cynicism on success and offers strategies to combat it. Cynics believe that people are self-interested and that success requires ruthless competition. However, research shows that cynical thinking hinders career growth and leads to lower satisfaction at work. Cynics are more likely to pursue power through manipulation, but this ultimately isolates them and limits their success. The article suggests that success is achieved through building trusting connections and alliances, rather than through cutthroat competition. It also emphasizes the importance of trust, collaboration, and creating a positive work culture. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses how consumers spend loyalty points and cash differently. The authors conducted a study analyzing data from 29,000 loyalty points transactions made by 500 airline loyalty program consumers. They found that consumers fell into four categories: money advocates, currency impartialists, point gamers, and point lovers. Each group has different attitudes towards points and money, and businesses can leverage these attitudes to create personalized loyalty strategies. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer segmentation and tailoring approaches to enhance loyalty, engagement, and growth. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the relationship between the CEO and board chair in organizations, particularly in the context of separating the roles. While separating the roles can increase board independence, it also introduces new dynamics that can impact the performance of the board and the organization. The article emphasizes the importance of trust in the CEO-board chair relationship and identifies five critical moments that can either build or destroy trust. These moments include CEO compensation negotiations, annual CEO evaluations, executive sessions of the board, board composition, and moments of adversity. Building a transparent and trust-based relationship between the CEO and board chair is crucial for the success of the organization. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the value of a college education in the era of online learning. It argues that college provides valuable experiences, opportunities, and skills that cannot be replicated online. While it acknowledges that there is a wealth of information available online, it emphasizes that college offers a transformative journey where students can develop transferable soft skills and network with others. The article also highlights that many organizations still consider a college degree as an indicator of readiness for the workforce. However, it acknowledges that college tuition is rising and suggests that students should ensure their curriculum is keeping up with the fast pace of changing technologies. The article provides strategies for maximizing the benefits of higher education, including learning the latest innovations through courses, networking, taking advantage of teamwork and problem-solving opportunities, and supplementing education with internships and additional resources. Overall, it suggests that a college education can provide distinct advantages in the workforce, but students should carefully consider the costs and ensure their education aligns with industry demands. [Extracted from the article]

Feeling underappreciated at work is a common experience for many employees. A recent survey found that over half of respondents felt somewhat or not valued at all by their organization. The author conducted research and found that feeling underappreciated often stems from communication issues between managers and team members. Many employees reported difficulty in getting promotions or raises and felt confused about why they were not selected for growth opportunities. The author suggests that leaders and managers can improve employee morale by improving communication and clarifying the value of their team members. For employees in this situation, the author advises engaging in self-reflection to understand the unique circumstances contributing to their feelings of underappreciation. They also suggest avoiding unhelpful comparisons with peers and considering whether their experience is common in their company or industry. The author provides strategies for moving forward, such as distinguishing between high-visibility and status-granting roles and setting limits on taking on extra work. Ultimately, employees should gather information and make decisions that best serve their professional growth and well-being. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses psychological hurdles to making retirement decision, that include identity issues, sense of purpose at work and progress toward goals, and the dread of losing relationships accumulated over the course of a successful career.

The article outlines several reasons for the failure of co-leadership arrangements, that include selecting co-leaders to solve a talent problem and not to drive sustained results, inability of co-leaders to continue to build credibility, and division of work according to preferences and not the needs of the business.

The article recommends strategies to create equitable and fair distribution of opportunities and high-profile work at a company, that include redistribution of office housework regardless of race and gender, improving access to career-enhancing work, and interrupting bias sustainably.

The article shares lessons from the leadership turmoil at "The Washington Post" newspaper, that include workplaces becoming like newsrooms, the importance of character when vetting for leaders, and the need for balance between patience and urgency when a leader falters.

This article, titled "Identify — and Develop — Your Natural Strengths," discusses the tendency for individuals to focus more on their weaknesses rather than their strengths. The author explores the reasons behind this behavior, such as societal conditioning and a negativity bias, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and leveraging one's innate strengths. The article provides strategies for identifying these strengths, including seeking feedback from mentors and colleagues, putting oneself in new situations, and being aware of biases. The author encourages readers to prioritize the development of their strengths and to use them intentionally. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Harvard Business Review discusses the importance of learning to delegate as a first-time manager. It emphasizes that as a manager, you cannot do everything on your own and should not try to. The article provides strategies for changing your mindset, determining what tasks to delegate and to whom, communicating effectively with your team members, and providing feedback and support. It concludes by highlighting the benefits of delegation and the importance of investing in your team and yourself as a leader. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the concept of "degrowth" and challenges the belief that infinite economic growth is sustainable. It highlights three myths about sustainable growth: the idea of an energy transition, the belief that energy efficiency will solve climate change, and the notion that innovation will save us. The article argues that these myths overlook the interconnectedness of economic growth and emissions and fail to address the fundamental challenges of growth. It suggests that leaders need to shift their thinking and prioritize social and ecological well-being over profits, reconfigure unsustainable business models, and embed sustainability throughout their organizations. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the onboarding process for new employees in a hybrid workplace, based on research conducted by Microsoft. The research suggests that new hires benefit from spending a few days in person during their first 90 days, as it helps build relationships and improve communication. However, being in the office most of the time does not provide additional value for short-term or long-term onboarding outcomes. The article also highlights the importance of tailoring the onboarding experience to different groups of new hires and providing resources such as clarity about role responsibilities and feedback. Overall, the article emphasizes the need for an intentional and flexible approach to onboarding in a hybrid work environment. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the challenges that leaders face in effectively communicating their company's strategy to employees. It emphasizes the importance of providing context and clarity in strategy communication to avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding. The article suggests three ways to improve strategy communication: presenting rejected alternatives, linking strategic decisions to the company's purpose, and involving employees in the strategy development process. These approaches can help employees understand and appreciate the choices made in the company's strategy. [Extracted from the article]

This article categorizes business strategies into four groups based on an analysis of the strategy/creativity literature. The four categories are: adaptations of successful strategies from the same industry, importing strategies from other industries, combining strategies from multiple industries, and strategies created from scratch. The article provides examples for each category, such as Shein's fast fashion approach, Best Buy's "store-within-a-store" strategy, Spotify's combination of music streaming and social networking, and Elon Musk's first principles thinking in developing reusable rockets. The article emphasizes the importance of creativity and reflection in crafting effective strategies. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Harvard Business Review provides strategies for individuals who are experiencing the transition of becoming empty nesters. It suggests thinking ahead and envisioning what life could look like without children at home, as well as taking time to rest and be mindful of the present moment. The article also emphasizes the importance of focusing on professional development and re-evaluating personal interests. It encourages individuals to explore new opportunities and take their time in determining their next steps. The author, Anne Sugar, is an executive coach who specializes in working with senior leaders in various industries. [Extracted from the article]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has passed a new rule that prohibits the use of noncompete clauses in any industry with any worker, including senior executives. This rule is based on empirical evidence that trade secrets can still be protected even when talent is freely mobile. The rule broadens the definition of noncompete clauses to include any terms or conditions that prevent a worker from competing, such as overly broad NDAs and nonsolicitation clauses. The FTC believes that this ban on noncompetes will lead to increased innovation, higher wages, more patent filings, and a rise in new business formation. However, the rule is already facing legal challenges in federal court. [Extracted from the article]

A research article published in the Harvard Business Review explores the relationship between employees' identification with their company and their ability to recognize gender discrimination in the workplace. The study suggests that when employees strongly identify with their organization, they are more likely to interpret instances of incivility as general disrespect rather than gender-based discrimination. This phenomenon, known as "not here" bias, can make it difficult for individuals to recognize bias when it occurs within their own organization. The article offers suggestions for leaders and employees to foster more gender equity in the workplace, including clarifying organizational values and engaging with employees to address incivility and mistreatment. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Harvard Business Review provides advice on how to gracefully decline a promotion at work. It emphasizes the importance of framing the decision strategically and offers tips on how to communicate your decision effectively. The article also addresses common concerns, such as fear of disappointing your employer or the challenges of balancing work and family. It suggests considering compromises or proposing alternative solutions that align with your career goals and personal circumstances. The article concludes by highlighting the need for inclusive and equitable workplaces, particularly for women contemplating motherhood. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the reasons why people buy upcycled products. While sustainability is often cited as a motivation, the authors of the article argue that creativity is actually a more significant factor. Through an analysis of consumer feedback, the authors found that consumers value the creativity of upcycled products more than their sustainability. They also discovered that upcycled products are more appealing when they are made from components originally designed for different purposes. The article provides guidelines for designing and marketing appealing upcycled products, including using components from different industries and emphasizing the creativity of the process. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the lessons that can be learned from Beyoncé's experience of navigating workplace exclusion. The author highlights Beyoncé's response to the backlash she faced after her performance at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards, which many perceived as racist. The article explores the reasons for exclusionary experiences, such as historical systems of inequality, bias, discrimination, and fear and resentment. It also suggests three possible responses to exclusion: exiting the conversation, working for change within the system, and creating your own lane. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of finding inspiration in Beyoncé's strategic approach and considering the broader impact of one's work. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the role of universities in promoting social innovation and addressing complex societal and environmental issues. It presents a three-stage process that universities can follow to support innovation, which includes supporting student innovation, engaging with the broader community, and orchestrating an inclusive ecosystem. The experiences of New York University and the Technical University of Denmark are used as examples to illustrate how universities can foster innovation and bring ideas from the drawing board into the marketplace. The article emphasizes the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in promoting social innovation and encourages readers to consider its potential in their own fields of interest. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Lehigh@NasdaqCenter surveyed 450 professionals to determine the key factors for developing networking skills. The study found that networking skills can be developed regardless of age, gender, career stage, or level of extroversion or introversion. The study identified five key factors that can boost introverts' ability to network successfully: cognitive flexibility, a promotion focus, perceived prowess, persistence, and a future-focused temporal orientation. By improving in these areas, anyone can become a successful networker, regardless of their personality type. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the impact of different rating presentation formats on user behavior in the gig economy. The study conducted nine experiments to understand how the way low ratings are communicated shapes user experience and behavior. The findings suggest that incremental rating systems, which highlight low scores, prompt performance improvement and allow providers to outgrow setbacks. On the other hand, averaged rating systems help soften the blow of low scores, aiding retention and loyalty. The choice between these rating systems significantly affects how users respond to low ratings, and platforms should carefully consider their rating formats to align with their goals and adapt to user engagement. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the importance of adopting a beginner's mindset in order to succeed with artificial intelligence (AI). It highlights the fears and anxieties that often accompany technological advancements and emphasizes the need for leaders to let go of their ego and expertise in order to approach AI with openness and curiosity. The article explains that cognitive flexibility and a willingness to learn are key to navigating the changes brought about by AI. It also emphasizes the impact of a leader's mindset on employee well-being and productivity. The article concludes by providing questions for leaders to assess their own beginner mindset and encourages them to embrace learning and creativity in order to engage with the opportunities and challenges of AI. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses six common leadership styles and how to determine which style to use in different situations. The author, Daniel Goleman, identifies these styles as coercive, authoritative, pacesetting, affiliative, democratic, and coaching. Each style has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the most effective leaders are able to adapt their style to fit the circumstances. Goleman emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and suggests that anyone can expand their range of leadership styles through practice and focusing on developing emotional intelligence competencies. The article concludes by stating that a leader's success depends on the productivity and effectiveness of their team. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses three career-building strategies for navigating the increasingly complex world of work. The first strategy is leveraging digital platforms and networks to establish a strong online presence and engage with professional communities. The second strategy is using open talent and freelancers to enhance productivity and capability by delegating tasks and utilizing freelance platforms. The third strategy is harnessing the power of AI to automate routine tasks, enhance decision-making, and stay informed and upskill. By adopting these strategies, individuals can thrive in the age of AI and open work. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "You're More Than a Success Machine," discusses the concept of work addiction and how it can negatively impact our personal relationships and overall well-being. The author, social scientist Arthur C. Brooks, explains that workaholism is an addiction to success that can lead to a constant pursuit of achievements without finding fulfillment. Brooks suggests that cultivating genuine connections with others and recognizing that success is not a zero-sum game can help break the cycle of work addiction. He also emphasizes the need for societal solutions to redefine success beyond material wealth and busy lifestyles. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses how Pixar Animation Studios fosters a culture of vulnerability at work. It highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the fear that some employees have of being penalized for sharing their stories. The article emphasizes that vulnerability can be more challenging for women, people of color, and other marginalized groups, as they are already at a disadvantage in the workplace. It provides strategies for employees to be strategically vulnerable and for leaders to create a safe environment for vulnerability. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to eliminate structures that penalize individuals for sharing authentically, in order to create a more inclusive and empowering workplace. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the various ownership roles within a family business and the potential challenges that can arise when these roles are not clearly defined. The author identifies five types of family business owners and emphasizes the importance of open and honest conversations about desired roles and expectations. The article offers guidance on navigating evolving owner roles, including creating a common language, defining goals and commitments, adjusting governance structures, evolving information flows, and establishing processes for evaluating progress. The Amouri family is used as a case study to illustrate these concepts. The article, written by Nick Di Loreto, highlights the importance of intergenerational dialogue and understanding during the process of generational transition in family businesses. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of allyship in generating inclusion in the workplace. It highlights that well-intentioned managers and executives often feel paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong. However, new research suggests that acts of allyship are more appreciated by people from underrepresented groups than majority groups might think. The article provides examples of high-profile allyship misfires and presents findings from 10 studies that demonstrate the underestimation of allyship appreciation. It suggests that organizations can encourage allyship by recalibrating expectations, providing training on appreciation, and surveying underrepresented group members to determine the most effective forms of allyship. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the benefits of innovation that is not disruptive. It uses the example of SmileDirectClub, a teledentistry company that went bankrupt after facing resistance from dentists and regulators. The article argues that targeting the core of an existing industry with disruptive solutions often invites strong resistance, and companies should consider non-disruptive creation as an alternative path to innovation and growth. Non-disruptive creation allows companies to avoid direct confrontation with established incumbents, secure support from internal stakeholders, and largely avoid backlash from external stakeholders. The article concludes that disruption and non-disruptive creation are complementary strategies, and companies should choose the approach that best suits their specific market conditions. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses strategies for making informed strategic decisions when there is limited data available. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limitations of existing data and seeking early warning signs of change. The article suggests two places to look for these signs: with customers and by paying attention to relevant startups in the sector. Additionally, the article recommends experiencing emerging technologies firsthand and practicing associative thinking to develop novel ideas. These approaches can help executives navigate uncertainty and identify potential opportunities. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the challenges faced by market alternatives, such as organic farms and fair-trade distributors, as they grow and try to maintain their values and impact. It highlights the example of the B Corp movement, which has successfully expanded while staying true to its mission of social and environmental responsibility. The article identifies three strategies employed by the B Corp movement: relaxing and strengthening standards, mandating and easing identity transitions, and blurring and fortifying movement boundaries. The success of the B Corp movement is attributed to its ability to embrace divergent perspectives and balance the competing goals of expansion and purity. [Extracted from the article]