10 Must-Read Articles From Harvard Business Review on Leadership
Harvard Business Review (HBR) has been a go-to resource for business professionals looking to improve their leadership skills for decades. With the ever-evolving challenges of leadership, HBR has continued to produce up-to-date research and insights to help leaders navigate the changing landscape. As a result, we have compiled a list of 10 must-read articles from HBR on leadership that every aspiring and experienced leader should read.
1. “What Sets Successful CEOs Apart” by Elena Lytkina Botelho, Kim Rosenkoetter Powell, Stephen Kincaid, and Dina Wang
This article, published in May 2017, is based on a decade-long study of CEO performance. The authors found that CEOs of high-performing companies have a few things in common, such as setting a strategic vision, making decisions with speed and conviction, building relationships, and adapting to change.
2. “The Smart Way to Respond to Negative Emotions at Work” by Christine Porath
In this article from January 2016, Christine Porath explores how negative emotions in the workplace can affect overall productivity and offers tips on how leaders can respond to them in an emotionally intelligent way. The article emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions and showing empathy to maintain positivity and trust.
3. “Why Inclusive Leaders Are Good for Organizations, and How to Become One” by Juliet Bourke
Juliet Bourke’s article from March 2016 highlights the research that supports the value of inclusive leadership in driving innovation and team performance. She also offers practical and actionable strategies that leaders can use to become more inclusive.
4. “What Great Managers Do Daily” by Jim Harter
Based on Gallup research, Jim Harter provides insight into what makes a great manager in this October 2017 article. The article highlights the importance of frequent communication, utilizing employees’ strengths, providing employee recognition, and focusing on employee development.
5. “Cognitive Biases That Distort Decision Making” by Ann E. Tenbrunsel and Max H. Bazerman
This HBR article from January 2011 offers an explanation of cognitive biases, and how they can distort decision-making processes. The authors emphasize the importance of recognizing these biases to make better-informed decisions and provide tips on how to overcome them.
6. “The Authenticity Paradox” by Herminia Ibarra
Authenticity is a buzzword in leadership, but what does it really mean? Herminia Ibarra delves into the topic in this January 2015 article. She argues that leaders who are too focused on being authentic may be limiting their growth as leaders and provides strategies for leaders to expand their leadership style.
7. “What Makes a Leader?” by Daniel Goleman
In this November-December 1998 HBR article, Daniel Goleman explores the six leadership styles that can be used to achieve success in various workplace situations. He emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, which includes self-awareness, self-regulation, and motivation, in achieving successful leadership.
8. “Leading Change: Why Transformation Efforts Fail” by John P. Kotter
In this HBR article from March-April 1995, renowned Harvard Business School professor John P. Kotter lays out the eight-step process that is required to successfully implement organizational change. The article provides an excellent roadmap for leaders to follow when leading transformation efforts.
9. “How to Give a Killer Presentation” by Chris Anderson
As leaders, giving presentations is a critical component of communication. Chris Anderson, former TED curator, offers tips on how to give an excellent presentation in this June 2013 HBR article. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on storytelling and providing a clear and memorable message.
10. “Level 5 Leadership: The Triumph of Humility and Fierce Resolve” by Jim Collins
Jim Collins coined the term “Level 5 Leadership” in this HBR article from July-August 2005. He describes Level 5 leaders as those who possess both humility and fierce resolve. The article delves into the characteristics of these leaders and emphasizes the importance of developing the right personal qualities to achieve success.
In conclusion, these articles touch on some of the most critical leadership challenges that the modern workforce faces. From decision-making to management techniques, communication to organizational change, these articles provide essential information and practical strategies that can take your leadership career to the next level.
