Leadership

Leadership

A split image showing a detailed drawing of a bearded man on the left and a black-and-white portrait of a young Steve Jobs with long hair on the right.
How did Jobs revolutionize tech, not once but continually? Aspiring innovators — and today's Apple — should look to The Bard and seek out singularity.
A collage titled "The Nightcrawler," featuring a hand planting a seed, a distressed woman holding her head, and repetitive office cubicles in purple tones, explores trust amid cycles of anxiety and routine.
Welcome to The Nightcrawler — a weekly newsletter from Eric Markowitz covering tech, innovation, and long-term thinking.
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Why the most enduring organizations stop chasing trends and start designing systems that prioritize people over processes.
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Wales shares with Big Think his thoughts about the future of media, the promise of AI, and our need to build a culture on trust.
A silhouette of a person playing the trumpet symbolizes jazzy leadership, overlaid on a blue and white world map with radiating lines and data points.
In most organizations, contradictions are treated as problems to be fixed. But what if they’re actually the point?
Book cover of "Delivering the Wow" by Richard Fain, showcasing a large cruise ship on the ocean at sunset, with a clear sky and shimmering water—perfectly capturing Richard Fain’s vision of maritime excellence.
Richard Fain — Chairman and former CEO of Royal Caribbean Group — explains how a tongue-twister helped boost his company’s fortunes.
Collage with "The Nightcrawler" text, an image of a tree, two photos of elderly hands working with clay—reminiscent of Warren Buffett’s wisdom—and partial faces of an older person, all highlighted by orange accents.
Welcome to The Nightcrawler — a weekly newsletter from Eric Markowitz covering tech, innovation, and long-term thinking.
Book cover for "Bag Man" by Lew Frankfort, featuring a brown leather Coach handbag against a blue background with Lew Frankfort’s name in bold white text.
Lew Frankfort — Chairman Emeritus of Coach, Inc. — reveals the surest way for a brand to stand the test of time.
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Companies are pouring resources into AI, yet capability gaps hold employees back from using it effectively.
Book cover of "A CEO for All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership," a guide to CEO success by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, Vikram Malhotra, and Kurt Strovink, displayed on a light green background.
Why the best CEOs make their first year both a personal transition and a profound moment of institutional renewal — with this quartet of skills.
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How to foster a workplace environment where employees want to be present, rather than feel forced to be there.
Book cover for "The Devil Emails at Midnight" by Mita Mallick, featuring a bold red background, white and black text, and a partial clock showing midnight—hinting at themes like toxic positivity lurking beneath the surface.
What happens when your boss decides to weaponize positivity in the workplace?
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Leadership demands resilience, as it involves navigating high-stakes decisions amid challenges like market shifts, but venture capitalist Ben Horowitz advises that embracing tough problems rather than avoiding them is key to moving forward.
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A great idea requires resilience, persistence, and effective marketing for success, as highlighted by former GE vice chair Beth Comstock, who defines a "changemaker" as someone willing to take risks to achieve their vision.
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Effective leaders demonstrate self-awareness, credibility, and integrity, which not only enhance their persuasive abilities and business growth but also significantly influence the trust others place in them, as noted by economist Sylvia Ann Hewlett.
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Leading people is far more effective when they are excited about the journey ahead, as opposed to being pushed by directives; instead, we should inspire them with purpose and stories, according to Nancy Duarte, CEO of Duarte Inc.
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High-conflict personalities, characterized by predictable behaviors, create drama in relationships, but by recognizing these patterns in ourselves and others, as suggested by lawyer and therapist Bill Eddy, we can effectively navigate these challenging situations.
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The term "onlyness," coined by marketing expert Nilofer Merchant, highlights that each individual's unique qualities represent irreplaceable value in any industry, setting them apart from the competition.
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Collaboration consultant Erica Dhawan argues that while IQ and emotional intelligence were once prioritized, connectional intelligence (CxQ) is now essential for achieving success in the 21st century.
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To thrive in a new leadership role, Michael Watkins advises understanding the organization's culture and assessing its needs, which will help you adapt your leadership style and gain support from superiors and team members.
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In a complex marketplace, organizations must leverage human potential and overcome challenges in mind sharing through collaborative intelligence, as emphasized by Angie McArthur, to enhance creative problem-solving beyond mere intelligence.
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Former NBA player Shane Battier, known for his resilience and team-boosting skills rather than standout statistics, uses his basketball journey to highlight the fundamental principles of effective productivity regimens.
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Restaurateur Will Guidara emphasizes that extending hospitality to employees, alongside customers, fosters a culture of shared values and purposeful communication, ultimately enabling staff to feel valued and perform at their best.
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Productivity consultant Carson Tate emphasizes that while you may feel overshadowed by others' natural abilities, there is no universal method for productivity; instead, it's crucial to tailor your approach to maximize your results.
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In a crisis, trust, resilience, and accountability are essential, as emphasized by CEO and former Navy SEAL Brent Gleeson, who believes that cultivating a strong culture is key to achieving these qualities.
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In both business and life, constant change is inevitable, and Professor Rita McGrath emphasizes the importance of recognizing significant shifts before they occur.
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Cultural psychologist Michele Gelfand illustrates that a system's tightness or looseness correlates with the threats it faces, and understanding this framework can enhance collaboration, reduce tensions, and improve organizational health.
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Simon Sinek emphasizes that both individuals and organizations thrive by identifying their "why," fostering a purpose-driven culture that supports personal growth and honesty in the pursuit of meaningful goals.
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True leadership is demonstrated in challenging times when accountability is embraced, as emphasized by ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott, who asserts that the right to win must be earned, not simply given.
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Leadership is evolving from traditional views of strength and ambition to a focus on authenticity, as emphasized by Bill George, former chairman and CEO of Medtronic.