s+b Blogs
December 6, 2019
True lessons about failure from the best business satire ever written
In his 1975 novel J R, William Gaddis predicted our excesses.
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December 4, 2019A guide to establishing your leadership presence
Express your own commitment as a leader in a more effective way. For further insights, read “10 principles for leadership.”
December 4, 201910 principles for leadership presence
Build muscle memory to support conviction, commitment, and resilience for yourself and your organization.
s+b BlogsDecember 3, 2019The question that helps businesses overcome unconscious bias
Asking what you know about other people can challenge your assumptions.
December 2, 2019The remedy for high turnover
In service industries, where employees frequently quit, upskilling frontline managers and redesigning the hiring and onboarding processes can help ease the pain.
s+b BlogsNovember 27, 2019Becoming your most charismatic self
Some people may be born with charisma, but it turns out managers can train themselves to become more compelling leaders.
November 26, 2019Thawing the frozen middle
As businesses put trillions of dollars into digital transformations, they need a plan to ensure that middle management is helping make the most of the investment.
November 19, 2019Does your legal department spark joy?
How a contract management system can extract untapped value from your legal processes.
November 18, 2019The digital approach to organizational effectiveness
How leaders can use digital twin technology to optimize their company’s health. For more insights, see www.pwc.com/digitaltwin.
November 18, 2019The leader’s secret weapon: Listening
Great leaders are invariably intent listeners, but they still need to make the practice a priority.
November 14, 2019How being a cancer survivor has shaped my leadership coaching
Listening to your inner voice and understanding why you want to lead can help you become a better manager.
s+b BlogsNovember 14, 2019Taking a closer look at female board appointments
Firms facing pressure to add women to the board tend to increase the number of seats, not replace incumbent men — which dilutes the female directors’ power.
s+b BlogsNovember 12, 2019Strategy talk: Does shareholder value still have a place in strategy?
Some recent announcements have cast a shadow on the concept, but it’s still a great tool for optimizing a company’s strategy, performance, and potential.
s+b BlogsNovember 6, 2019Inflexible work arrangements
When it comes to encouraging and enabling remote work, company practices lag policies.
s+b BlogsNovember 4, 2019Why women must break out of their comfort zone to advance
Women often feel secure in knowledge-based roles, and their bosses are at ease keeping them there. But to grow a career, it’s necessary to acquire a new set of skills.
November 1, 2019Creating an agile mind-set at PepsiCo
The company’s Central and South America unit transformed itself after implementing a more nimble approach that stoked innovation and increased employees’ free time.
s+b BlogsNovember 1, 2019Lucky you!
Acknowledging that your success is a function of both good fortune and talent may not be flattering, but it could make you a better leader.
October 31, 2019How powerful people slip
Neuroscience reveals the counterproductive side effects of authority. Attention to inclusion measures can help you avoid the pitfalls.
October 30, 2019Preparing for a shake-up in global finance
Large companies are probably ready for the obvious effects of the impending shift away from LIBOR, but hazards could be lurking in unexpected places.
October 28, 2019Using culture to offer more customer-centric healthcare
What it means for healthcare companies to serve patients effectively is changing. Here’s how understanding and transforming your culture can help you get there.
s+b BlogsOctober 11, 2019Us vs. them: Another way is possible
Whether in the boardroom or the halls of government, we can achieve more peaceful and productive ways of working.
s+b BlogsOctober 4, 2019How to engage men in corporate wellness programs
Communicating the link between health and workplace performance may help close the gender gap in participation.
s+b BlogsOctober 3, 2019Can you be a shaper of great institutions?
Former Tata Group director R. Gopalakrishnan, who's written a new book, says the best leaders focus on building both a better business and a better world.
s+b BlogsOctober 2, 2019How leaders can bridge the empathy gap in a crisis
Executives tend to err on the side of caution, rather than compassion, when disaster strikes. Here are four ways they can do better.
September 26, 2019Why aren’t successful people happier?
Yale psychologist Laurie Santos delves into the social sciences to understand how people can overcome the internal obstacles and biases that prevent them from living their best life — and how leaders can set an example.
September 25, 201910 principles of workforce transformation
How to raise the skills of your employees to meet your digital challenges. See also “A guide to workforce transformation.”
September 25, 2019A guide to workforce transformation
How to raise the skills of your employees so that they can move successfully into the future. For further insights, read “10 principles of workforce transformation.”
September 23, 2019They lead, we coach: A multigenerational approach to innovation
With mentorship, the digital natives in generation Z can help create a competitive advantage.
September 13, 2019Difficult, uncomfortable, and courageous conversations
At the 2019 meeting of CEO Action, chief executives talk about the challenge of fostering diversity and inclusion in their companies and industries.
September 11, 2019Diagnose your risk of unforced errors
Create an early warning system to avoid self-sabotaging behaviors. For further insight, read “Develop a personal early warning system to avoid making bad leadership choices.”
s+b BlogsSeptember 10, 2019Career management lessons from Friends
Making the most of even the most marginal opportunities.
s+b BlogsSeptember 5, 2019People are more trustworthy than you think
When leaders routinely default to an attitude of mistrust, they create a negative loop that undermines relationships and hinders change.
s+b BlogsAugust 28, 2019Develop a personal early warning system to avoid making bad leadership choices
By understanding the mistakes you’re most likely to make — and when you’re most likely to make them — you can maximize your effectiveness and opportunities. See also “Diagnose your risk of unforced errors.”
August 27, 2019Beware this insidious word in the workplace
How a seemingly neutral word can undermine people’s motivation.
August 21, 2019Smart and dumber
In his new book, The Intelligence Trap, David Robson explains why intelligent people engage in unintelligent behavior.
August 21, 2019Creating a culture of learning
Steelcase CEO Jim Keane explains how giving people work-space choices can make workplace behavior more human.
s+b BlogsAugust 20, 2019Authority alone won’t get leaders very far
There’s a difference between having followers and having subordinates, and effective leaders need followers, whose cooperation is built on trust.
s+b BlogsAugust 19, 2019Offering mental health apps as part of corporate wellness programs can be risky
Why companies need to tread carefully in this unregulated space.
s+b BlogsAugust 16, 2019How to win over a team of experts
Specialist employees can resist a boss who knows less than they do. But working through a pain point can turn things around.
August 13, 2019Why your customers should be central to your innovation efforts
Ditching the “science fair” mentality toward innovation will help transform ideas into commercial reality.
August 12, 2019More than a feeling: How do you measure culture?
Simple metrics that demonstrate momentum are key to turning good intentions into replicable business results.
August 8, 20196 steps to upskilling your people
A comprehensive way to build talent and fill jobs in our rapidly changing digital economy. For further insights, read “A strategist’s guide to upskilling.”
August 6, 2019Survival skills for the digital age
Three principles can guide you when the connectivity of the digital era becomes overwhelming.
s+b BlogsAugust 5, 2019To strengthen innovation, make sure every voice is heard
Companies should be as process-driven about disruptive ideas as they are about other aspects of business.
s+b BlogsAugust 1, 2019Bartleby, the office enigma
Herman Melville’s short story Bartleby, the Scrivener provides lessons on how to deal with troubled colleagues.
s+b BlogsJuly 30, 2019The secret to getting things done
Leaders should stop asking themselves how to get people to act and instead find ways to tap into intrinsic motivation.
July 29, 2019Incentives for a strong leadership culture
Three key pay and performance metrics can help define and influence an organization’s values.
s+b BlogsJuly 29, 2019Find your pillar before you pivot
Ground yourself in your organization’s values, principles, and strategy when considering a sharp turn.
July 26, 2019The seven stages of strategic leadership
How to build the mental habits that enable you to make a living while making a better world.
July 25, 2019A strategist’s guide to upskilling
Companies and local governments can unlock opportunity by working together to raise the quality of talent. See also “6 steps to upskilling your people.”
s+b BlogsJuly 25, 2019Getting full value from external talent
More and more leaders recognize the need to manage contingent workers, but their companies and cultures often undercut their efforts.
s+b BlogsJuly 23, 2019Develop better leadership habits to thrive in an age of information overload
Learning to do more in-depth thinking and taking full advantage of hidden decision-making opportunities can reduce anxiety.
July 16, 2019The wisdom of Charles Handy
In his new book, the renowned business thinker and philosopher passes on his experiences of life, work, and how not to fall into the management trap.
s+b BlogsJuly 15, 2019How to discover your organization’s story
Asking questions about what leaders and colleagues value can unearth authentic narratives.
s+b BlogsJuly 12, 2019Peter Drucker’s favorite leadership writer
As leadership memoirs go, the lessons and life-and-death stakes in Anabasis by Xenophon are hard to beat.
July 11, 2019A winning effort
In his new book, Neil Irwin finds that people who succeed in management careers do so by trying new things, learning from failures, and embracing changes in direction.
July 10, 2019The catalytic co-investor: How Siemens US keeps R&D alive
Barbara Humpton, US CEO of one of the largest and oldest engineering firms in the world, talks about continuous innovation, the future of AI, and the societal aspects of technology.
s+b BlogsJuly 8, 2019How to give women a fair shot at advancement
At most companies, the competition for career success is systemically skewed in favor of men. Here’s how to change that.
s+b BlogsJune 27, 2019Millennials are risk-aware, not risk-averse
Believing the popular perceptions about millennials could be risky business.
June 26, 2019Get ready for the “you’re it” moment
Growing into a meta-leader gives you the tools to skillfully manage any situation.
s+b BlogsJune 21, 2019Why living your values takes work
Recent brain research shows how you can increase your credibility as a leader.
s+b BlogsJune 17, 2019The fortune at the bottom of the org chart
How inexperienced and entry-level colleagues can deliver some of your biggest opportunities.
June 10, 2019How productivity tracking can empower employees
It’s important to know what your workforce is actually doing, yet many employees balk at being monitored. But if monitoring is done right, employees benefit.
s+b BlogsJune 3, 2019Learn to pivot like a dolphin
Get yourself unstuck by paying close attention to cues and experimenting until you figure out what’s needed of you.
s+b BlogsMay 31, 2019Update your leadership skills to bridge the digital–human divide
Classic “soft skills” need new definitions and applications for workplaces of the future.
May 30, 2019Diversifying the high-tech talent pool
Pinnacle Group CEO Nina Vaca’s top priorities are to keep growing fast and expand the talent pipeline.
s+b BlogsMay 29, 2019Managerial hubris brought down MacArthur
As the general’s example shows, too much confidence and pride are a recipe for leadership disasters.
May 29, 2019Organizational effectiveness goes digital
New technologies offer leaders an agile way to assess their company’s health and embark on improvement. See also “The digital approach to organizational effectiveness.”
s+b BlogsMay 24, 2019Rethinking Brand You
Excellence provocateur Tom Peters sharpens the career advice he’s been giving for the past 20 years.
May 22, 2019Why Net Promoter Score is past its prime
The metric was useful in simpler times, when companies were beginning to understand the importance of customer experience. But it’s time to replace it.
s+b BlogsMay 22, 2019The new company towns
Cash handouts and high-speed Internet are attracting people to unlikely places now that remote working is on the rise.
May 20, 2019How to create happier employees
Professor Jochen Menges on the ways companies can develop well-being initiatives that genuinely make people feel better.
s+b BlogsMay 20, 2019Why office spaces should include Wi‑Fi‑enabled buses
As traffic gets worse and commuting times lengthen, companies could improve productivity and employees’ well-being by providing dedicated transit.
May 15, 2019How new leaders can step out of the shadow of a legendary CEO
Five game-changing practices to help those waiting in the wings succeed. For further insights, read “Succeeding the long-serving legend in the corner office.”
May 15, 2019Succeeding the long-serving legend in the corner office
According to the 19th annual CEO Success study by PwC’s Strategy&, boards and new CEOs can reduce the risk associated with handing off the baton after a long tenure. See also “How new leaders can step out of the shadow of a legendary CEO.”
May 14, 2019The case for general excellence
In his new book, Range, David Epstein argues that although specialization has its virtues, businesses need people with wide horizons and ranges of interests in order to succeed.
s+b BlogsMay 10, 2019Don’t be a “leader”
Successful leaders must recognize that their role is much more than the endgame of a specialist. Leading requires constant learning and a balance of specialized and broad knowledge.
s+b BlogsMay 8, 2019Uniting creatives and consultants
If professionals want to change the world, they need to master the Four Cs.
May 3, 2019Three ways to better understand disappointments at work
The next time you’re confounded by an unexpected or confusing situation at work, use these practical strategies to move forward with greater success. For further insights, read “Three ways to demystify disappointments at work.”
s+b BlogsMay 2, 2019The hidden perils of temp turnover
In the gig economy, more companies are employing temporary workers for greater flexibility. But that strategy comes at a cost.
April 30, 2019Bad meetings no more
In his new book, UNC-Charlotte professor Steven Rogelberg offers an evidence-based guide to holding better meetings.
April 26, 2019Uncovering the hidden talent on your staff
Worried about a skills gap? CEOs can try these strategies to find the employees who have what it takes to transform a business.
s+b BlogsApril 25, 2019Three ways to demystify disappointments at work
When things don’t go the way you expect them to, you can use practical strategies to better understand the situation and move forward with greater success. See also “Three ways to better understand disappointments at work.”
s+b BlogsApril 18, 2019In praise of the purposeless company
No purpose? No problem. Create customers, care for employees, be a good citizen, and make money instead.
April 18, 2019Social science’s lessons for business
Big data is giving a soft science a hard edge, from which business can gain important insights — if those insights are properly put in context.
s+b BlogsApril 16, 2019In defense of work–life balance
Even as the concept of integrating our professional and personal lives gains currency, it is important to demarcate borders between the two.
s+b BlogsApril 5, 2019Draw yourself a leader
Visual thinking can give you fresh insight into your own beliefs about leadership.
April 4, 2019Involving your whole organization in the transformation journey
Tim Davie, CEO of BBC Studios, talks about making change efforts meaningful by involving people at every level of the process. For more insights, visit the Transformation Talks podcast series.
s+b BlogsApril 4, 2019How to get your company’s people invested in transformation
Big change can’t happen without employee buy-in, which is easier to get if you’re an emotionally engaged leader.
April 4, 2019Empowering employees with creativity during a transformation
Dan Cable, professor of organizational behavior at the London Business School, argues that although managers need an element of control to get results, change efforts should happen with less work and more play. For more insights, visit the Transformation Talks podcast series.
April 4, 2019Trusting the executive team during a transformation
Moya Greene, former chief executive of Royal Mail, shares insights on how to approach a complex change initiative involving multiple stakeholders. For more insights, visit the Transformation Talks podcast series.
s+b BlogsApril 2, 2019What is an office for?
The rise of remote working is making companies more focused on the spaces they create to bring people together.
March 29, 2019ROX: How to get started with the new experience metric
Make sure you understand “return on experience” — the new way of tracking the results of your investments in customer and employee experiences — and how to implement it.
March 27, 2019How to be confident when you’re not
Two strategies to help you be a more self-assured leader. For further insights, read “How to regain your confidence when it falters.”
s+b BlogsMarch 26, 2019Have we reached “peak” chief digital officer?
Companies are recognizing that digital transformation needs to be part of their core strategy and are creating fewer CDO positions than they were two years ago.
s+b BlogsMarch 18, 2019How to regain your confidence when it falters
Two reflective strategies can help you manage dips in self-assurance and be a more effective leader. See also “How to be confident when you’re not.”
s+b BlogsMarch 15, 2019Want to change corporate culture? Focus on actions.
Leaders have the most impact when they take the company mission and values off the wall and translate them into everyday practice.
March 11, 2019Why paternity leave is needed to promote gender equality
To level the playing field at the office, it is essential that companies promote work–life balance and family-friendly policies for all employees.
March 5, 2019Focus on corporate culture to prevent the next scandal
For boards, understanding and shaping the forces that drive behavior should move to center stage.
s+b BlogsMarch 4, 2019The silver lining of an aging population
Economists often warn that an abundance of elders will be problematic for the economy. But new research shows that such a demographic shift could be a good thing.
March 1, 2019Finding your company’s cultural sweet spot
In her new book, psychology professor Michele Gelfand explains some of the differences between social groups, and the conflicts that erupt among them.
February 25, 2019You can’t benchmark culture
Your company’s ideal behavioral strengths are unique, and shouldn’t be borrowed or copied — not even from a high-performance enterprise.
February 21, 2019A Guide to Modernizing Your Company’s Technology
An essential pocket guide for your digital transformation, from legacy technology systems to the platforms of the future. For more insight, read “10 Principles for Modernizing Your Company’s Technology.”
February 21, 201910 principles for modernizing your company’s technology
Today’s technology platforms are not just new versions of legacy systems. They allow you to design a completely new digital enterprise — as long as you follow these guidelines. See also “A Guide to Modernizing Your Company’s Technology.”
February 18, 2019Five Ways Companies Can Give People a Good Work Experience
Workers today want careers that fit their values, are enjoyable, and contribute to society. Here’s what business leaders can do to deliver on this idea of “good work.” For further insights, read “Good Work.”
February 18, 2019A Crucial Role for Human Resources
How HR leaders can play a vital part in providing a compelling environment for tomorrow’s workforce.
February 18, 2019Good work
Today’s employees want jobs that are intrinsically rewarding and that fit their values. And though the meaning of work is different for each person, companies that act now to address these demands will gain a lasting competitive advantage. See also “Five Ways Companies Can Give People a Good Work Experience.”
s+b BlogsFebruary 13, 2019Middle Managers Deserve More Respect
Most employees follow their lead — maybe more CEOs should too.
February 11, 2019The short life of enlightened leadership (and how to extend it)
Most companies that try to do well by doing good can’t make it last. Their leaders need to think more carefully about their philosophy and governance.
February 6, 2019Inside Symantec’s tech transformation
Symantec chief information officer Sheila Jordan has spent four years leading IT during one of Silicon Valley’s most noteworthy corporate change efforts.
February 5, 2019Team Human vs. Team AI
To make artificial intelligence live up to its promise, we need to understand and reframe the values implicit in the technology.
s+b BlogsJanuary 31, 2019How to Tell When It’s Quittin’ Time
To deter turnover, managers can watch for the behaviors that employees exhibit when they are considering leaving.
s+b BlogsJanuary 30, 2019Who Are Your Company’s Keystone Employees?
A framework borrowed from nature illuminates why these workers are valuable and why they should be nurtured.
January 22, 2019What You Can Learn from Your Employee Networks
Many companies support resource groups that bring people together, but stop short of assessing their value.
January 21, 2019The View from the Top of Women’s Tennis
Former United States Tennis Association president Katrina Adams believes that diversity is essential to winning, on and off the court.
s+b BlogsJanuary 10, 2019Stop Dropping the Baton during Business Transitions
How to avoid the destructive effects of handoffs.
January 8, 2019Accidental Adversaries
Inside every company, people work across functions to meet their own goals and their firm’s priorities. But relationships that start out well often become adversarial over time. For more insight, read “Turning ‘Accidental Adversaries’ into Allies.”
s+b BlogsJanuary 8, 2019Turning “Accidental Adversaries” into Allies
Transforming the hidden causes of conflict in strategic collaborations.
January 7, 2019HQ 2.0: The next-generation corporate center
Major companies are transforming their core and rethinking their functions.
s+b BlogsDecember 18, 2018Would You Walk through Fire for Your Company?
The science behind how intense experiences could help build better teams.
December 11, 2018Long Live the Human Network Effect
Scaled-up, spontaneous networks can help solve tough problems when people come together.
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