The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

Imagine running a marathon only to find that the person who strolled in hours later gets the same prize as you. This is exactly the problem with metaphorical participation trophies in the workplace. What happens when high performers see no difference in recognition between their hard work and others' minimal efforts? Equalizing rewards creates a false reality, diminishes motivation for top perform...

Is your company still stuck in the same old top-down management approach? It's time to ditch that old playbook. In this episode, Frederic Laloux, Author of "Reinventing Organizations" and Co-founder of The Week, discusses why organizations need to reinvent traditional management approaches in today's fast-paced world. He breaks down why outdated hierarchical structures often fail to engage employe...

We often hear the famous words "age doesn't matter," but it's not really an easy thing to accept in the context of leadership. In today's Leadership Spark, we'll tackle this common concern: the unease of working under a leader who's younger than you. It's a frequent issue because we often equate age with experience. The situation becomes particularly challenging if the younger leader lacks the nec...

Culture is not a finite element but something we shape daily through our interactions. But how can we create a thriving culture if no one takes ownership of their role in shaping it? In this episode, Michael Weening, CEO of Calix, discusses how leaders can foster a culture of accountability and emphasize our individual responsibility for shaping culture. He also addresses the damaging effects of v...

As we head into 2024, leaders are facing a landscape that's changing faster than ever, and new challenges are on the rise. In today's Leadership Spark, we'll explore the eight leadership trends that every leader needs to watch out for this year along with some practical tips on how to handle the challenges that come with these trends. We'll discuss embracing vulnerability, enhancing work ethic, pr...

What does the future hold for hiring practices in the age of artificial intelligence and evolving skill demands? In this episode, Joe Fuller, Professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School, discusses the all-in economics of skill-based hiring, the current progress, challenges, and the importance of this hiring approach in the future, and real-world examples of this approach from compa...

Have you heard the saying, "leadership isn't about you?" That's complete NONSENSE! Leaders like Satya Nadella and Tim Cook have dramatically transformed their companies, highlighting how leadership is very much about the individual at the helm. In today's Leadership Spark, we'll look into the personal role and impact of leaders, covering how their unique styles influence six key areas: setting vis...

Every leader is talking about implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), but making it work in the real world is a whole different challenge. In today's episode, we look at the evolution and controversies surrounding DEI with Dr. Frank Dobbin, Sociology Department Chair at Harvard University and Author of "Getting to Diversity." We explore starting with JFK's 1961 order for affirmative a...

How should you address your team after a promotion? While acknowledging your inexperience or newness to the role can create a sense of authenticity and approachability, it is crucial to also demonstrate your commitment to growth and competence. In today's Leadership Spark, I'll show you how you can achieve this by outlining specific actions you are taking to improve your leadership skills, such as...

Tommy Mello is the founder of A1 Garage Doors, a $200 million home service business that is growing rapidly. In today's episode he shares some of his early leadership mistakes and how building a strong team and getting the right mentors transformed his company. Tommy highlights how leaders can inspire hard work by aligning employee goals with the company's vision. He shares his tough-love leadersh...

Are you aware of the bad habits holding back your leadership? Many leaders focus on what they should start or keep doing to lead better, but they often overlook the bad habits they need to stop. Marshall Goldsmith, the world's #1 Executive and CEO Coach, has pinpointed harmful behaviors that can sabotage your leadership's effectiveness and your overall success. These habits can damage relationship...

You've probably heard of the adage that too much of a good thing can actually be bad. It turns out, even something as beneficial as psychological safety in the workplace might have its drawbacks. In this episode, Dr. Peter Cappelli, Management Professor and Director of the Center for Human Resources at the Wharton School of Business, reveals surprising research findings about the potential downsid...

In gaming, some characters are just there for show, but the main character has the adventure. Turns out, most employees are like those non-playable characters (NPCs) blending into the background, unnoticed and unengaged. How can you stand out and truly make an impact? In today's Leadership Spark, we'll explore how you can take charge of your career. Show up, lead with vulnerability, build relation...

Transforming a traditional organization into a digital powerhouse isn't easy, but Forbes CEO Mike Federle has done just that. In this episode, we explore how he transformed Forbes from a print magazine into a global digital giant with 140 million users. You'll learn how Mike led Forbes through the tech evolution, revamping their newsroom model, building a contributor network, and embracing native...

Ever been told leaders should never apologize or show emotion? Or perhaps that they must always be the smartest in the room? Well, it's time to challenge these norms. In today's Leadership Spark, I'm dissecting the seven outdated leadership stereotypes that might be silently sabotaging your career. You'll discover why saying sorry could be your leadership superpower, the benefits of showing your h...

Chess Grandmasters are like master strategists, meticulously planning every move. In this episode, Maurice Ashley, the first African-American Chess Grandmaster, shares how the principles of elite-level chess can transform your business and leadership strategies. Learn how to cultivate the mental endurance and focus necessary for success, and why embracing the mindset of an "advanced beginner" can...

You've been handed an important project at work, but something goes wrong, and now you have to face your boss to explain what happened. This scenario happens too often at work, leaving many wondering how to handle it without damaging their reputation. In this episode, we explore the right way to talk about mistakes at work, a crucial skill for career growth. You will learn how to effectively commu...

The pandemic has accelerated the shift from lifelong employment to demands for purpose, safety, and inclusion, creating new challenges for organizations. In this episode, Rachel Cooke, former HR Director at American Express and host of the Modern Mentor podcast, highlights significant workforce trends and evolving employee expectations. She tells personal stories, like her friend who commutes an h...

Did you know a little fear in leadership can be beneficial? In today's Leadership Spark, we'll explore the controversial yet intriguing role of fear in effective leadership. We'll also talk about the distinctions between healthy and unhealthy fear, how it ensures accountability and helps maintain high performance standards, and practical examples from daily life and notable leaders like Elon Musk...

Randy Parker is the CEO of Hyundai Motor America and in today's episode we go over what it takes to get into a senior leadership role and dispel some of the myths of leadership without sugarcoating! We'll talk about how to get your people to follow you as a leader, the importance of coaching and mentoring as well as hard work and determination, and some key performance indicators (KPIs) that can h...

Do you want to know what separates the most successful leaders from the rest? In today's Leadership Spark, I unpack the secret sauce behind the world's most successful leaders drawing on my interviews with best-selling authors and distinguished leadership experts. We will explore the top mindsets and skills leaders must have to need to have that mark a truly effective leader, with a peek into how...

Leadership isn't just about giving orders or having the most persuasive ideas. Fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued is just as important in their role. Cass Sunstein, Harvard Law School Professor and former senior advisor in the Obama administration, points out why leaders who talk less often lead more effectively. In this engaging episode, Cass shares transformative expe...

Ever had to navigate a tough talk at work? Whether it's about performance issues or current events, we all face challenging conversations. It turns out that mishandling these conversations can lead to more workplace stress and unresolved problems. But what if there's a smarter way to handle them? In today's Leadership Spark episode, we'll break down the FLIPS method so you can start tackling tough...

Known for bestsellers like Profit First and The Pumpkin Plan, Mike Michalowicz is now transforming teams from good to great. In this episode, he dives into why rethinking money as a motivator can change your team's focus from just getting paid to truly engaging and excelling. Mike also unpacks the dynamics between A, B, and C players and shows how tapping into this can supercharge team performance...

Most of us have been taught to think of our careers as a ladder, moving from one job to the next. However, this traditional mindset is setting us up for failure. Nowadays, relying solely on job titles and roles is risky, as companies now prioritize skills like adaptability, communication, tech-savviness, and emotional intelligence. In today's Leadership Spark, I explain why you need to reframe you...