The hottest Leadership Substack posts right now

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Unintended Consequences

Fish Food for Thought • 21 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Metrics Incentives Strategy
  1. Making changes based on certain metrics can lead to unexpected problems. For example, Wells Fargo's sales goals pushed employees to open fake accounts.
  2. Good intentions behind laws and incentives can sometimes backfire. The Cobra Effect shows how trying to control a cobra population led to more snakes instead.
  3. It's important to regularly rethink our goals and how we measure success. Metrics can guide us, but we must also consider their potential downsides and the bigger picture.

Long overdue life updates

box. • 419 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Product Development Personal Growth Leadership Time management
  1. Finding a balance between creating for an audience and focusing on personal projects is tricky but important. Having too many outside distractions can slow down real work, so taking breaks from attention helps keep goals on track.
  2. Loneliness is a big issue that needs meaningful solutions. Sometimes it's hard to work on this emotionally heavy topic, but caring about it makes the work feel worthwhile.
  3. Managing time as a solo founder can be challenging. Setting boundaries and valuing personal time helps stay focused on what truly matters, without getting overwhelmed by small tasks.

Founder Mode: Elevating Individual Contributors

Rethinking Software • 249 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Work Culture Entrepreneurship Organizational Behavior
  1. Founder mode empowers individual contributors by reducing management interference. It allows them to work freely, focusing on their tasks without being micromanaged.
  2. Good founders support and trust their teams instead of controlling them. They believe in hiring smart people and letting them decide how to do their jobs.
  3. Too many managers can create a bloated, inefficient system. Founder mode prevents this by maintaining a lean structure where everyone can contribute effectively.
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2024 NBA Finals Leadership Lessons

DruGroup • 79 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🎾 Sports Leadership Teamwork Motivation Strategy Performance
  1. Success can lead to complacency. When teams or leaders get too comfortable after success, they often fail later on. It’s important to stay humble and keep pushing forward.
  2. Failure can be a stepping stone to success. Just because something didn't work out before doesn't mean it can't succeed later. Learning and adapting can turn past failures into future wins.
  3. Having great team players is key to winning. In basketball, no one can do it alone. It's important to recognize and appreciate the role of all team members in achieving success.

Comment Décider ?

Venture Prose • 738 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
💼 Business Leadership Framework Engagement
  1. To make decisions effectively, leadership, a decision-making framework, and team engagement are crucial.
  2. Leadership entails setting direction, rhythm, and ensuring alignment with the company's vision and mission.
  3. Utilizing a decision-making framework involves considering the level of information, potential impact, execution intensity, and reversibility of decisions.

Time is emphasis: planning your calendar as a leader

Lessons • 511 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
💼 Business Time management Leadership Productivity Delegation Strategy
  1. Your calendar as a leader affects what gets done in the company and how you spend time and resources.
  2. Setting clear priorities and having a structured calendar system are crucial for spending time on strategic priorities.
  3. Create a calendar skeleton to lay out core activities and priorities, and regularly revisit and adjust your system.

Ralph Nader Looks Ahead, at Age 90. What He Sees Is Not What You'd Expect.

Breaking the News • 474 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
💼 Business Leadership Entrepreneurship Social Responsibility Business Ethics Corporate culture
  1. Ralph Nader, at age 90, surprises with a new book 'The Rebellious CEO' showcasing leaders who use their influence for good in business, workers' treatment, and environmental policy.
  2. The book has a chatty and personal tone, highlighting the importance of individuals making a positive impact and how small groups can bring meaningful change.
  3. Rebellious CEOs featured in the book prioritize fair treatment of workers and consumers, environmental responsibility, clear communication, and excellence in business without overpaying themselves or whining about regulations.

Engineering Culture and Team Dynamics in a Challenging Climate

peoplefirstengineering • 12 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Engineering Team Dynamics Culture Leadership Workplace
  1. Engineering culture is really important. It can help teams work better together and overcome tough times in the industry.
  2. Improving team dynamics and culture is hard work, but it pays off. When people feel motivated and safe, they can contribute more effectively.
  3. Since there's no one-size-fits-all approach, leaders need to pay attention to what works for their specific teams and focus on building supportive environments.

Building a technical career path at Spotify

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 19 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Career development Engineering Company Culture Leadership
  1. Spotify emphasizes that career paths should fit the company's culture. Using a framework from another company often doesn't work well.
  2. Creating a career path framework should happen after seeing a real need for it, rather than forcing it too early in a company's growth.
  3. The Spotify model focuses on team success and personal growth, not just climbing a ladder. It encourages diverse development without penalizing role changes.

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Perspectives • 8 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership Innovation Culture Personal Growth Technology
  1. Ancestry helps people discover their family stories and create connections. They have made it easier for many to explore their heritage and find personal connections through their platform.
  2. The author enjoyed building a company culture and connecting with team members through shared experiences. They valued discussions and ideas, which led to new products that benefited customers.
  3. The author is taking a break for personal health and family reasons, while continuing to document their own family's history. They believe in the importance of legacy, both in work and family.

Unlocking the Time Management Puzzle

QUALITY BOSS • 59 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
💼 Business Leadership Productivity Time management Strategy Coaching
  1. Time blocking can be challenging because admin tasks often take over the blocks. It's important to set separate times for these tasks to protect your focused work.
  2. Interruptions can break your flow, so setting 'do not disturb' periods or specific times to check messages can help. Communicating the importance of your focused time to your team is crucial.
  3. Procrastination can still happen even with a schedule. Breaking tasks into smaller steps or tackling the hardest tasks first can make projects feel more manageable.

Season 4 Finale: A Fond Farewell, What’s Next, & Would You Rather?

Dev Interrupted • 23 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎙 Podcasts Technology Engineering Leadership Software AI
  1. The show is ending its fourth season but is excited to change things up next year. They will introduce new ideas, formats, and even have live events.
  2. Programmers need focus time to be productive, and it's important to set aside non-negotiable blocks in the calendar to minimize distractions.
  3. In 2025, leaders want to see real results from AI investments instead of just hype. It's all about proving that AI can make a positive impact on their work.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 235 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
💾 History Politics Social Progress Leadership
  1. Admiral George Dewey's victory in the Spanish-American War led to the US expansion into the western Pacific
  2. Theodore Roosevelt's leadership focused on improving conditions for New York's working poor
  3. Roosevelt emphasized the importance of civic virtue in social progress

Transformation, Leadership & Talent: A conversation with David Kenny.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 25 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Leadership Transformation Talent Management Strategy
  1. Transformation needs to have a clear direction. It's about knowing what you want to achieve, not just how fast you move.
  2. Leaders should build trust by being honest and clear. They need to be open about their decisions and willing to change when new information comes in.
  3. Diversity is key to business success. Having different perspectives helps in solving problems and finding the best talent from all backgrounds.

What can we learn from Spotify layoffs?

Alex Ewerlöf Notes • 255 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
💼 Business Efficiency Leadership Market Dynamics Corporate culture
  1. Spotify's layoffs serve as a warning for other companies, especially those that have grown rapidly and may need to optimize operations.
  2. Layoffs are often caused by a combination of external factors like market conditions and internal factors like fake work and lack of alignment.
  3. It's critical for companies to focus on meaningful value creation and avoid falling into traps like bureaucracy, fake work, and fragmented responsibilities.

Company Culture and Leadership

Fish Food for Thought • 13 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership Company Culture Corporate ethics Scandals Employee engagement
  1. A company's culture often reflects its leadership. If leaders ignore ethics, the whole organization can suffer as a result.
  2. Leaders must take accountability for their company's actions. Not addressing unethical behavior can lead to major problems down the line.
  3. Creating a safe space for employees to speak up is important. When employees feel heard, it helps prevent small issues from becoming large scandals.

TBM 227: Explicit vs. Implicit Strategy

The Beautiful Mess • 1507 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
💼 Business Strategy Leadership Team Dynamics Product Management Company Culture
  1. A strategy should be a clear description of challenges, decisions on what to address, and specific actions to impact those challenges.
  2. Translating strategy into tangible goals and budgets is crucial for making it meaningful to people in the organization.
  3. Creating a safe space for hard discussions, dedicating time for strategy development, and focusing on deployment are essential for making a strategy effective.

The honeymoon is over for Rishi Sunak's faltering premiership

Inside-Out, political commentary from Philip Stephens • 432 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Leadership Policy Economic issues International relations Government
  1. Rishi Sunak's premiership is no longer viewed positively due to economic issues and failing public services.
  2. Sunak's focus on addressing issues one by one is now seen as a weakness rather than a strength.
  3. There is criticism that Sunak lacks political imagination and a clear guiding political purpose.

Season 05 - Newsletter 02 --> When Your Boss Wants Strategy but You're Stuck in the Weeds: A Product Leader's Dilemma

Product Hustle Stack Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Strategy Leadership Product Development Communication
  1. It's common for product leaders to feel stuck in daily tasks while their bosses want more strategic thinking. Balancing the two is crucial for success.
  2. To improve strategic vision, start by imagining where you want your product to be in three years and then work backwards. This helps paint a clear picture for everyone involved.
  3. Communication is key. Create something like an 'impact dashboard' to show how your day-to-day work connects to the bigger goals your boss cares about.

Nikki in NH

Things I Didn't Learn in School • 235 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Leadership Policy Candidates Government
  1. Nikki Haley's potential win in New Hampshire could lead to significant changes and a corrective feature in the US system.
  2. Haley's focus on fiscal responsibility and deflationary policies may impact US Treasuries and the economy positively.
  3. Her background, qualities, and approach suggest a shift in political norms and potential for US power and influence if she wins.

Staying Human in the Age of Data.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 20 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Data science Human Resources Leadership Innovation
  1. Data is important, but focusing too much on it can harm the long-term success of both businesses and people. It's crucial to balance numbers with human emotions and culture.
  2. Leaders should encourage open discussions about tough topics and avoid wasting time in unnecessary meetings. This helps create a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
  3. Successful companies need to remember that their employees are not just numbers. Investing in their development and well-being leads to a more motivated and productive workforce.

Resilient Cyber Newsletter #8

Resilient Cyber • 19 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity AI Vulnerability Management Software Leadership
  1. CrowdStrike is facing lawsuits after a significant outage affected Delta Airlines and many flights. This situation raises concerns about the reliability of software and the idea of software liability.
  2. Cybersecurity has many common mistakes, or anti-patterns, that organizations fall into. These include chasing the latest trends instead of focusing on core security practices.
  3. The SEC's new rules may be harming the effectiveness of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in the U.S., making it harder for them to focus on reducing risks for their organizations.

University administrators have forgotten what leadership is

The Recovering Academic • 415 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🚌 Education Leadership Faculty Administration Higher Ed University
  1. University administrators are being criticized for forgetting what true leadership entails, especially in the field of academia.
  2. Leaders in higher education should prioritize trust, respect, and shared risk with faculty and staff for effective leadership.
  3. Lessons from military history, like trusting and respecting subordinates, can offer valuable insights into effective leadership practices in academia.

How much power does Speaker pro tempore McHenry have?

Matt’s Five Points • 419 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Leadership Political Process
  1. Patrick McHenry is acting as Speaker pro tempore following the vacancy of the Speaker's position. His authority is uncertain and is a topic of debate within the House.
  2. There is no clear precedent for what powers McHenry holds, which makes it difficult to determine if he can conduct normal House business or just oversee the election of a new Speaker.
  3. The decisions McHenry makes now could set important precedents for future Speakers pro tempore, affecting how much power they will have in similar situations.

Foundations

Venture Prose • 419 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Productivity Leadership Success Work ethic
  1. Success is about making people around you happy, including employees and customers, while also ensuring profitability for sustainability.
  2. Having a healthy balance is crucial; success should not drain all your energy, you must prioritize maintaining your physical and mental well-being to last in the long run.
  3. Happiness and fulfillment come from connecting with your inner self and surrounding yourself with the right people who share your aspirations and provide support.

The Biggest Challenges Ahead for Our Startup Ecosystem

Midwest Humble • 9 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups Investment Entrepreneurship Economic Policy Leadership
  1. There is a need for more startup capital in Michigan. Founders and investors want to see faster progress, and having more options for funding can help.
  2. Building a strong community and culture is important for startups. Events and collaboration can help people connect and create new opportunities.
  3. Storytelling is essential for success. Sharing local achievements can improve recognition and support, helping to brand Michigan's startup ecosystem better.

On Work.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 27 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Work Culture Remote work Future Trends Leadership Organizational Design
  1. Work is a big part of our lives. It gives us money, identity, and community, plus it helps us grow and find purpose.
  2. We're going to see big changes in how we work because of technology and shifting mindsets. Many people will start freelance jobs or want more flexibility in their work.
  3. It's important for both employees and companies to rethink what work means and how they can adapt. This includes updating skills, structures, and strategies to thrive in the future.