It’s no secret that the term “pre-work” inspires groans, eye-rolls, and even — during that all-too-familiar moment of realization that you haven’t done the pre-work — a sense of impending doom. Because of this, and because pre-work so often goes … Continue reading →

Studies have found January to be the least-productive month of the year, and this year, the problem is compounded by headline-making layoffs, so-called quiet quitting, and a broader productivity slump. The signs are strong that 2023 won’t be an easy … Continue reading →

Even the most effective leaders recognize how much is outside of their control, but one thing we all have agency over is how we communicate with others. Clearly articulated requests, the kinds that elicit real responses, don’t come naturally to … Continue reading →

As company leaders grapple with what a return to the office should look like, they should take the opportunity to think carefully about which parts of work should be done in person, which should be virtual, and which can benefit from a mix, then can design… Continue reading →

By: Julia Gorham and Dan Waldman Organizations benefit from actively fostering kindness. In workplaces where acts of kindness become the norm, the spillover effects can multiply fast. When people receive an act of kindness, they pay it back, research shows … Continue reading →

What can leaders do to make hybrid presentations more inclusive and more successful? What can we do to ensure that all participants — those remote and in person — not only feel included and addressed — but can participate fully and add maximum value to the discussion? The authors offer seven strategies for presenters and meeting leaders to more effectively engage everyone in their hybrid audience. Continue reading →

The math is different when you’re planning for a virtual meeting! Here’s some rules of thumb to keep in mind. Cut your expected outcomes by half. If you were planning to do eight things with the participants in person, plan … Continue reading →

When Muriel Rukeyser, American poet and political activist, wrote that “…the universe is made of stories, not of atoms,” she touched upon a particularly salient point in the enduring tension between humanity and science, and, perhaps even more pertinent, between … Continue reading →

Maya and I are delighted to share our first published article in Harvard Business Review, “Plan a Better Meeting with Design Thinking.” There is great food for thought here for all of us about how to think ahead – and think … Continue reading →

We’ve heard a lot about listening during this presidential campaign season. Candidates like Hillary Clinton, Marco Rubio, John Kasich and Ted Cruz went on official “listening tours,” while others held intimate “town hall” meetings between rowdy campaign rallies. The candidates … Continue reading →