131: Superbosses: How Exceptional Leaders Master the Flow of Talent | with Sydney Finkelstein

Some leaders foster a disproportionate share of top talent … the kind of talent that goes on to transform their entire industry. Professor Sydney Finkelstein noticed this and then figured out a way to identify who these “superbosses” are and how they do it. Most of what he discovered is counter-intuitive.

In one of the most extensive and rigorous research projects of its kind, Sydney spent 10 years systematically studying business legends and pop culture icons like Lorne Michaels, Ralph Lauren, George Lucas, Larry Ellison, Miles Davis, Julian Robertson, and Alice Waters. He found that although they differ considerably in their interpersonal styles, the ways they identify, motivate, coach, and leverage others are remarkably consistent, unconventional, and powerful.

In his new book, Superbosses: How Exceptional Leaders Master the Flow of Talent, Sydney explores how the world’s greatest leaders spread their influence by grooming extraordinary talent.

Sydney Finkelstein is a professor of strategy and leadership at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. He is the author of several books, including the bestseller Why Smart Executives Fail. Sydney is a consultant to senior executives around the globe, as well as an executive coach, focusing on talent development, corporate governance, learning from mistakes, and strategies for growth. He is listed in the “Thinkers 50,” the world’s most prestigious ranking of leadership gurus.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Website: http://www.superbosses.com

Book: Superbosses: How Exceptional Leaders Master the Flow of Talent 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sydfinkelstein

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinkelsteinSydney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-finkelstein-3900032

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydfinkelstein/

Harvard Business Review article: Secrets of the Superbosses 

Assessment tool: 12 questions anyone can ask themselves

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