Are you curious about what truly sets successful leaders apart from the rest? In today's episode, I chat with Cass Sunstein about the huge differences between success and fame, and the role of luck in achieving both. We also talked about the limitations of popular business books, the importance of gathering diverse information, and practical strategies leaders can use to elevate their teams. Cass Sunstein is a Harvard professor, director of the program on behavioral economics, former White House Office administrator, and best-selling author. You'll discover how to recognize the role of luck while also understanding the importance of making clear decisions. Additionally, you'll learn why gathering detailed information is essential for good leadership. Catch all the action on Apple Podcast.

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Ever had to navigate a tough talk at work? Whether it’s about performance issues or current events, we all face challenging conversations. It turns out that mishandling these conversations can lead to more workplace stress and unresolved problems. But what if there’s a smarter way to handle them? In today’s Leadership Spark episode, we’ll break down the FLIPS method so you can start tackling tough talks with confidence. This strategy can turn dreaded discussions into opportunities for improvement and connection.

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Known for bestsellers like Profit First and The Pumpkin Plan, Mike Michalowicz is now transforming teams from good to great. In this episode, he dives into why rethinking money as a motivator can change your team’s focus from just getting paid to truly engaging and excelling. Mike also unpacks the dynamics between A, B, and C players and shows how tapping into this can supercharge team performance. He highlights the power of building trust and community at work, where shared experiences and the right kind of conflict can make team bonds stronger. Plus, he breaks down the FAST Model—Fit, Ability, Safety, and Ownership—sharing practical tips on how to use these elements to shake up your leadership style.Tune in to discover how these innovative approaches can help you create a team that’s truly unstoppable.

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Most of us have been taught to think of our careers as a ladder, moving from one job to the next. However, this traditional mindset is setting us up for failure. Nowadays, relying solely on job titles and roles is risky, as companies now prioritize skills like adaptability, communication, tech-savviness, and emotional intelligence. In today’s Leadership Spark, I explain why you need to reframe your career and share practical advice on identifying and leveraging your skills for career success.

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Think one-on-one meetings are just routine check-ins? When done right, meetings can be a game-changer for leaders and their teams driving employee engagement and retention.
Steven Rogelberg, Professor of Organizational Science, Management, and Psychology at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, and author of “Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings” shares his insights on transforming leadership through one-on-one meetings.

In today’s episode, Steve dives into the impact of one-on-one meetings on employee engagement and turnover. Steven explains the need for regular, predictable meetings and creating a psychologically safe environment. He also shares strategies like balancing short-term and long-term goals, avoiding micromanagement, asking probing questions, and setting a clear but flexible agenda.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

What does leadership mean to you? In my journey interviewing 140 CEOs and surveying 14,000 employees for my best-selling book, "The Future Leader," I discovered that everyone has a slightly different view of what leadership entails. This diversity in understanding can lead to confusion and inconsistency in leadership styles within the same organization, sometimes causing conflict and dissatisfaction. What if we could all start from a common definition and customize from there? In today’s leadership spark, I offer a definition of leadership developed from patterns observed across numerous top executives. I discuss how adopting a clear definition of leadership can align your team's efforts and enhance overall performance.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

AI has reshaped the business world in the last 24 months, compelling industries to rethink how they operate. Dartmouth professor Vijay Govindarajan dives into this topic, discussing how to use AI and real-time data strategically. In this episode, he introduces "Fusion Strategy," which integrates digital technology with traditional business processes. We explore the role of data graphs, used by giants like Google and Amazon, to track and leverage consumer data and how companies must evolve to stay competitive in this digital landscape. Vijay specifically focused on innovation in 4 key innovation areas: Brilliant Machines, Remarkable Results, Smart Systems, and Custom Solutions. If you’re looking to grasp the future of business and the necessary leadership skills to navigate it, this is an episode you wouldn’t want to miss.

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Why does throwing perks at employees not create lasting engagement? In today’s workplace, many companies try to woo and retain top talent with attractive perks like free food, unlimited vacation, and even on-site massages. However, the core problem is that perks do not address the fundamental aspects of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. What should companies focus on instead to foster a genuinely engaged workforce? In today’s leadership spark, I talk about why perks are not a sustainable strategy and explore the deeper, more effective approach of focusing on employee experience.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/