Abstract: This article explores the psychological drivers underlying micromanagement behaviors in organizational leaders. Drawing from scholarly literature in management, leadership, and psychology, common hidden beliefs that can fuel micromanagement are identified, including needs for certainty, perfectionism, external locus of control tendencies, and distrust or control issues. The article delineates how these unconscious beliefs manifest as identifiable thought patterns and micromanaging workplace behaviors amongst leaders. Practical suggestions are then provided for how organizations and leaders can work to develop self-awareness of underlying motivations and gradually reshape unhelpful beliefs through assessment, open discussion, flexibility experiments, empowering work structures, and general workplace support. Two brief case studies illustrate the sustainable progress that is possible when leaders address deeper psychological drivers of their previous micromanagement. The goal of this article is to enhance understanding of micromanagement's root causes in order to foster empowering work environments and optimal leader and employee functioning.

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Abstract: Empathy is an essential yet often overlooked component of successful leadership. This article explores the importance of empathy - defined as understanding another's perspective and feelings - for key leadership functions through a review of recent studies and insights from consulting experience. It examines how empathy strengthens relationships, increases engagement, and fosters innovation by transforming rapport into empowerment for both leaders and followers. Practical strategies are then proposed for cultivating greater empathy within oneself and across organizations, illustrated through case studies. The article argues leadership approaches grounded in genuine human connection, rather than directives alone, are better suited for today's workplace contexts that demand emotional intelligence. Overall, empathy is positioned as a leadership advantage for addressing challenges, maximizing talent, and achieving shared goals in personally fulfilling ways.

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Abstract: This article examines how individuals and organizations can proactively develop skills that research indicates will remain difficult to automate as artificial intelligence and new technologies continue to transform the future of work. Through a review of comprehensive skills studies by McKinsey Global Institute, World Economic Forum, and OECD, core human capabilities like complex problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management and emotional intelligence are identified as least vulnerable to automation. The article then provides recommendations for how people can strengthen these skills personally through lifelong learning and hands-on experiences. It also outlines best practices organizations are utilizing, such as skills assessments, individualized development planning, strategic upskilling partnerships, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, to help equip their workforce for emerging capabilities. The goal is to help prepare both people and companies to not just withstand but thrive amid ongoing workplace disruptions.

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Abstract: This article explores the topic of self-awareness, an important yet often misunderstood concept, through a conceptual and practical lens. After defining self-awareness as having an accurate perception of one's abilities, characteristics and behaviors, the article examines self-awareness development as occurring along a continuum from subjective to constructively-developmental understanding. Drawing from leadership, coaching, and psychological literature, key strategies for cultivating self-awareness are proposed, including 360-degree feedback, reflective journaling, developmental experiences, and transformative feedback. Examples demonstrate tangible organizational impacts like enhanced soft skills, decision-making, and business outcomes resulting from systematic self-awareness initiatives. While recognizing its nonlinear nature, the article advocates embracing self-awareness as an ongoing learning journey to develop wisdom and grace. Overall, the article aims to provide scholars and practitioners with a grounded perspective on conceptualizing and fostering authentic self-awareness.

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Abstract: As more teams conduct their work remotely, effective collaboration across distances has become increasingly important. However, remote work also introduces unique challenges to teamwork and productivity that require strategic solutions. This practitioner-oriented brief provides research-backed guidance and examples for overcoming barriers to remote collaboration. Drawing from literature on virtual teams, knowledge management, and distributed work, it establishes the communication, coordination, and community-building practices necessary for maximum effectiveness when working apart rather than together. Specific strategies are offered for areas like establishing communication norms, leveraging collaboration technology, delegating coordination responsibilities, and facilitating community beyond simple task execution. Case studies illustrate real-world applications. The brief concludes that with forethought applied to seamless collaboration processes and relationship development, remote teams can achieve outcomes on par with co-located counterparts when supported appropriately. Managers are equipped to enable engaged, productive virtual work.

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Abstract: As artificial intelligence transforms work through automation, a "wellbeing paradox" may emerge if its social and psychological impacts are not consciously managed. This practitioner-focused research brief explores the tensions between AI's productivity gains and potential threats to human thriving. Through a review of recent studies at the intersection of technology, jobs and wellbeing, it identifies challenges like job insecurity, social isolation, technostress, employee surveillance and over-reliance on algorithms that could undermine individuals' sense of purpose, autonomy, relationships and overall wellbeing. Meanwhile, AI provides an opportunity to cultivate resilience for workers through career support, meaningful reskilling, internal mobility and social connection in the workplace. The brief also outlines strategies for organizations to optimize human-AI collaboration through transparency, explainability and prioritizing augmentation over automation. It concludes with a "digital ergonomics" framework of boundary-setting, mindfulness, presence and wellbeing nudges to proactively design technology that enhances rather than depletes human capacities and fulfillment.

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Abstract: This practitioner research brief examines the under-explored issue of under-management in organizations and its implications for employee and organizational performance. Under-management is defined as a hands-off, laissez faire approach to management where leaders provide very low levels of oversight, guidance and support to direct reports. Drawing from the academic literature as well as reflections on the author's 15+ years of experience as a management consultant, potential risks of under-management are identified, including lack of direction, poor work quality, employee disengagement, stalled growth and missed opportunities. To bring these concepts to life, challenges stemming from under-management are described within case studies of a fast-growing tech startup and hospital nursing unit. The brief concludes by advocating for a balanced, differentiated approach tailored to team needs rather than extremes of micromanagement or under-management. Key recommendations focus on regular communication, feedback, collaboration enablers and customized development to optimize both employee and business outcomes over the long-term as circumstances evolve.

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Abstract: This research brief challenges the common assumption that having employees in the office together five days a week is essential for building and maintaining a strong organizational culture. Through a review and synthesis of relevant scholarly literature from fields such as management, psychology, and sociology, the article finds little empirical evidence supporting the notion that co-location drives cultural outcomes like performance, collaboration, and engagement. Two case studies are presented of companies that have flourished culturally while embracing hybrid and remote work arrangements. The article concludes by outlining practical strategies that forward-thinking leaders are using to nurture connections, shared purpose, and cultural vibrancy regardless of employees' physical work locations. These strategies include clarifying core values, redesigning workspaces, training managers for hybridity, and nurturing interpersonal bonds through a variety of virtual and in-person relationship building activities.

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Abstract: This  research brief examines strategies for leaders to more effectively manage conflict and enhance their positive influence. It explores how conflict, if left unresolved, can significantly undermine individual and organizational performance. The brief outlines a framework combining research insights with practical approaches for reducing the costs of conflict. Key recommendations include developing self-awareness of one's tendencies, fostering psychological safety, listening to understand diverse perspectives, focusing on shared interests versus positions, and reframing differences as opportunities for collaborative problem-solving and learning. Real-world examples demonstrate applying these strategies consistently and flexibly across situations. The brief argues that by shifting one's mindset and adopting these research-backed methods, leaders can transform discordant interactions into collaborative solutions that strengthen relationships, cooperation and overall effectiveness within their teams.

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Abstract: This article explores how flattened, team-oriented organizational structures aimed at boosting flexibility, collaboration, and innovation may unintentionally make it harder for women to navigate career opportunities and progression. Through a review of relevant academic literature, the article examines research showing that flattened hierarchies tend to de-emphasize clear career ladders, rely more heavily on informal networks, and reward aggressive self-promotion - all factors that can place women at a systematic disadvantage compared to their male counterparts due to entrenched gender biases and norms. The article then proposes evidence-based strategies for mitigating these deterrents, such as formally defining career lattices, implementing sponsorship programs, providing implicit bias training, and distributing recognition equitably across teams. Case studies of technology companies adopting such practices demonstrate how intentional efforts have yielded success expanding representation while sustaining innovative cultures. The article aims to equip practitioners with research-grounded solutions for broadening opportunities for women within collaborative work structures.

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