Difficult conversations

Airing it out is better than bottling it up.

Support them while setting boundaries.

It can evoke feelings of uncertainty and apprehension. But it can also be an opportunity to grow.

Recognize your culpability.

Self-advocacy is the most important skill you can hone.

Burnout, though not new, worsened during the pandemic. In "Beyond Burned Out," Jennifer Moss presents new research showing the true depths of burnout...

You really do have a choice.

Four strategies for building bridges instead of walls.

Five ways to shift the conversation from adversarial to cooperative.

Getting behind an idea means imbuing it with our conviction and our passion. Such commitment is vital when pushing for an initiative or suggestion that you think is important to implement. This enthusiasm also helps you bring others to your cause. But it can also be your worst enemy when someone, such as your boss, […]

Which one do you need to overcome?

Five steps to help you pick your battles, prepare for the conversation, and advocate for yourself.

Should you tell the boss or mind your own business?

Use empirical evidence to make your case.

Five ways to make the time more valuable. Based on the work of Margaret Moore, co-founder of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical...

Or is it all in your head?

Four tactics to get the information you need to grow.

It won't be as bad if you're prepared for conflict.

Since the 1970s most U.S. organizations have sought to address sexual harassment (or to protect themselves from being sued because of it) with mandatory...

Focus on how to improve next time.

Dr. Curley is an obstetrician that deals with a very difficult birth of the new Santorini child. The Santorinis have been through a stillbirth, and upon...

In this short vignette on ethics in consulting, Daniel Lee, a new Associate assigned to work with an important client executive, must decide whether to...

The "HBR Women at Work" series, based on the popular HBR podcast of the same name, spotlights the real challenges and opportunities women experience throughout...

Take the stress out of giving feedback. To help your employees meet their goals and fulfill their potential, you need to provide them with regular feedback....

An inspirational, practical, and research-based guide for standing up and speaking out skillfully at work. Have you ever wanted to disagree with your...

Forget about the hard bargain. Whether you're discussing the terms of a high-stakes deal, forming a key partnership, asking for a raise, or planning a...

A first-of-its-kind look at the outrage gripping organizations worldwide--and how leaders can respond to it. Outrage is everywhere--on the left and on...

A female GSB graduate assumed the role of CEO of a SaaS company operating at slightly above breakeven. Three weeks into the role, she had built trust...

Set yourself up for a successful transition. Retirement is perhaps the greatest and most deeply personal career transition you'll ever make. Will you...

Rise faster with quick reads, real-life stories, and expert advice. It's not easy to navigate the world of work when you're exploring who you are and...

While some of us enjoy a lively debate with colleagues and others prefer to suppress our feelings over disagreements, we all struggle with conflict at...

Listening is a critical skill that leaders and managers often take for granted. By learning to listen mindfully, you can keep your employees more engaged,...

In Differences at Work: Martin (A) HBS Case No. 9-408-019 is set in Italy. Martin, a gay man who has not disclosed his sexual orientation at his Italian...

This is a role-play case, intended for use in a leadership development course for MBA students. The case has four roles: two for students playing the...

Are you a good boss--or a great one? Good bosses can handle the day-to-day work of running a team. Great bosses go beyond that, finding ways to help employees...

Mary Griffin, Vice President of Consumer Products, must provide feedback to one of her direct reports, Simon York. York is a strong performer, but he...

Changing hearts is an important part of changing minds. Research shows that appealing to human emotion can help you make your case and build your authority...

This is not your typical family business case and that is what makes it such a rich teaching tool and learning experience. The Paul Newman story covers...

A Brief Note on Difficult Discussions Between Doctors and Patients provides students with a framework to help them think about how to have such discussions....

Make yourself heard. Having your voice heard at work can be challenging, whether you're confronting a colleague about an inappropriate comment or trying...

Airing it out is better than bottling it up.

Support them while setting boundaries.

It can evoke feelings of uncertainty and apprehension. But it can also be an opportunity to grow.

Recognize your culpability.

Self-advocacy is the most important skill you can hone.

Burnout, though not new, worsened during the pandemic. In "Beyond Burned Out," Jennifer Moss presents new research showing the true depths of burnout...

You really do have a choice.

Four strategies for building bridges instead of walls.

Five ways to shift the conversation from adversarial to cooperative.

Getting behind an idea means imbuing it with our conviction and our passion. Such commitment is vital when pushing for an initiative or suggestion that you think is important to implement. This enthusiasm also helps you bring others to your cause. But it can also be your worst enemy when someone, such as your boss, […]