Posts

Want to Know The Secret Ingredient for Success? Permission to Fail

I've discussed psychological safety in the workplace before, but it deserves a deeper look, especially when it is essential for building innovative, high-performing teams. This concept brings together some of the most valuable lessons in leadership: the art of failure…

Agile Leadership: 7 Mindsets and 6 Skills for Tomorrow’s Leaders

Leadership Memo 2024-10 In a world where change is the only constant, agility is no longer an option, it's a necessity. But what does it mean to be an effective leader in this age of disruption? At a recent conference,…

Want profit? Try focusing on solving customer needs instead

We've all heard the saying: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." But what if the best way to go far isn’t the straightest path? That’s the idea behind “obliquity,” a…

Navigating Uncertainty: Leadership Lessons for Today’s World

In today's fast-paced business environment, leadership must constantly evolve. Many people want to become great leaders, but the real test is staying great over time. As businesses face more and more changes amidst uncertainty, what qualities help leaders not only…

Beyond Cartoons: Pixar’s Storytelling Secrets for Effective Leadership

Pixar Animation Studios has captivated audiences worldwide with its enchanting animated films. Since becoming part of Walt Disney Studios in 2006, Pixar has maintained its distinct storytelling style, stunning visuals, and unforgettable plots. The studio’s achievements are reflected in its…

How to Unlock Success Through Influence

In leadership and business, one key factor stands out: influence. This quiet but powerful force shapes decisions, drives change, and affects results at every level of an organization. Though it's critical, influence often operates in the background, unnoticed behind more…

Bayer’s New Model: Bill Anderson’s Vision and Early Results

Leadership Memo 2024-9 Over the past few months, we've been following Bill Anderson's audacious strategy to revitalize Bayer, the struggling German pharmaceutical giant. At the heart of this corporate experiment lies Dynamic Shared Ownership (DSO), a corporate experiment unlike any…

Knowing When to Step Down: A Leader’s Guide to Timely Departures

Leadership is a topic I've spoken and written about extensively. Today, I'd like to address a rarely discussed aspect: when and why a leader should step down. Leaving as a leader is never easy. The timing never seems right. Departing…

Beyond Words: Storytelling as a Catalyst for Effective Leadership

Do you know that storytelling is a crucial skill for effective leadership in today’s business world? In their book The Leadership Challenge, Professors James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner identify five essential leadership practices: Model the Way Inspire a…

Beyond Hierarchies: The Challenges and Promise of Bayer’s Decentralization Strategy

Leadership Memo 2024-8 In recent months, I introduced you to the most audacious corporate experiment in recent years: Dynamic Shared Ownership (DSO). DSO is Bill Anderson’s bold strategy to revive Bayer, the struggling German pharmaceutical giant. I’ve explained what DSO…