The HCL Review Podcast

Abstract: This article addresses the challenging situation of having a manager who does not properly advocate or sponsor one's career advancement. Drawing on academic literature related to workplace relationships, politics, and self-promotion, the brief explores potential reasons why a superior may not champion a high-performing employee. Four specific self-advocacy strategies are then presented f...

Abstract: This article explores the major trends transforming the future of work through technological advancements like AI and robotics, globalization enabling distributed teams, and changing workforce demographics as younger generations and diversity alter the makeup of companies, necessitating that up to 375 million workers may need to switch jobs or acquire new skills by 2030. In response, the...

Abstract: The business landscape has undergone immense changes in recent decades due to factors like globalization, technological disruption, shifting workforce and customer demographics, and economic turbulence, creating a profoundly uncertain and volatile environment that requires constant adaptation for companies to avoid obsolescence. However, by drawing from research on complex adaptive syste...

This practitioner-oriented research brief examines why and how companies can strategically track employee lifetime value (ELV) metrics. ELV refers to the total financial contributions and indirect cost savings an employee provides over their career both within and beyond their tenure at an organization. After outlining the scholarly foundation demonstrating ELV as a key driver of competitive advan...

This article explores how organizations can design more meaningful feedback practices to boost employee engagement. Drawing on academic literature linking feedback and engagement, key drivers of the connection are identified, such as fulfilling psychological needs for competence and purpose. The brief then advocates shifting feedback focus from retrospective evaluations to forward-looking developm...

Abstract: Having a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace has become an important priority for many organizations today, however, diversity alone does not guarantee inclusion or equity as unconscious biases like affinity bias can undermine efforts if left unchecked. Affinity bias refers to the tendency to form stronger connections and have more positive feelings towards others similar in attr...

Abstract: This practitioner-oriented research brief explores coaching as the aspect of leadership that brings the greatest personal satisfaction and joy. Through a review of relevant literature on coaching paradigms and their effectiveness compared to more traditional leadership approaches, the brief establishes coaching as a means of empowering individuals to maximize their performance through al...

Abstract: This article explores the importance of informal networks, or "hidden teams", that exist within organizations alongside formal hierarchical structures, as research has shown these organic relationship-based networks play a key role in knowledge sharing, innovation, and driving work forward through efficient exchange of ideas and solutions across boundaries in communities of practice and...

Abstract: It is inevitable that at some point in our careers, most professionals will experience feelings of being stuck, whether due to a lack of growth opportunities, unsupportive management, unclear responsibilities, or unfulfilling work that fails to engage talents and interests long-term. However, sticking with the status quo will only prolong negative feelings, so it is important to understa...

Abstract: This article explores the research behind effective coaching methods and provides examples for how leaders can apply these techniques to better develop others. It examines the key tools of great coaches: asking thoughtful open-ended questions, actively listening without judgment, and connecting through empathy. The piece outlines research demonstrating how open questions promote deeper r...

Abstract: This article provides a step-by-step guide for holding people accountable in the workplace in a meaningful way that supports performance improvement and builds trust between managers and direct reports. Drawing from scholarly literature and the author's 15+ years of management consulting experience, key best practices are outlined for establishing clear performance expectations, monitori...

Abstract: This article discusses the unique challenges faced by women of color in the workplace and provides recommendations for organizations to address barriers they face. Research shows women of color report higher rates of feeling excluded and experiencing subtle discrimination. Key barriers include a lack of role models, feelings of isolation and tokenism, and unconscious biases. While divers...

Abstract: This paper explores the cognitive, creative and well-being benefits of incorporating more silence into daily life and work. Drawing from over a decade of consulting experience and a comprehensive review of neuroscientific and psychological literature, the brief makes the case that silence enhances key functions like problem-solving, focus, memory formation and divergent thinking. Studies...

Abstract: The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and challenges for organizations. While generative AI offers transformative potential to boost productivity through new forms of data creation, its implementation also brings significant human impacts that require thoughtful leadership. This article explores the human side of generative AI from both the...

Abstract: This article argues that organizations should embrace hiring and retaining older workers due to the many benefits they provide. It dispels common myths that skills and abilities necessarily decline with age by reviewing research showing cognitive abilities remain strong into one's 60s and experience can offset physical declines. The article then presents five key advantages of older work...

Abstract: This article examines the neurological bases of trust and how an awareness of unconscious trust processes can help leaders foster trusting relationships and high-performing teams. On a basic level, the brain's socioemotional circuitry generates rapid, automatic trust judgments when assessing new people or situations. Regions like the amygdala, insula, and orbitofrontal cortex evaluate fa...

Abstract: This article explores how organizational leaders can cultivate a culture of connection where employees feel a strong sense of belonging by discussing the importance of social bonds for both individual well-being and organizational success based on research evidence showing that loneliness and lack of social connection are linked to poorer physical and mental health as well as lower perfo...

Abstract: This article discusses strategies for organizations to achieve meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion by embedding it into their culture and operations. Despite commitments to increasing representation, superficial diversity efforts often fail due to social and cognitive forces that privilege homogeneity. Research shows people disproportionately bond with similar others, reinforcing...

Abstract: This article provides a strategic framework to help professionals navigate their careers amid today's disruptive workplace dynamics. After outlining three primary challenges—technological disruption, economic uncertainty, and rapid organizational change—that are contributing to a more tumultuous work environment, the article introduces a career navigation model centered around developing...

Abstract: This article examines the research showing differences in career expectations between younger Millennial and Generation Z workers versus older generations, with younger workers prioritizing opportunities for growth, learning new skills, flexibility in work arrangements, and finding meaning and purpose through social impact, valuing recognition and being less satisfied with static roles i...

Abstract: Procrastination is a pervasive challenge that undermines productivity, leading to missed deadlines, poor performance, and increased stress. Understanding the root causes—such as task aversion, poor time management, fear of failure, impulsiveness, and self-regulation issues—allows leaders to develop targeted strategies to combat it. This article explores research-backed techniques to over...

Abstract: In an increasingly data-driven world, organizations are leveraging people analytics to gain valuable insights into workforce behaviors and business outcomes. People analytics applies a scientific approach to analyzing factors such as leadership, team structures, compensation, and training to optimize HR processes and align organizational strategies. This article explores the impact of pe...

Abstract: With growing research demonstrating the therapeutic potential of psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA in treating mental health conditions, interest is mounting around potential applications beyond health. This article explores emerging evidence on the impact of psychedelics in key domains relevant to careers and the workplace including creativity, focus, stress and burnout, leadersh...

Abstract: Leading organizational change initiatives effectively while minimizing stress on stakeholders is a critical yet challenging aspect of transformational leadership. This practitioner-focused research brief examines evidence-based strategies for navigating change through a compassionate lens. Drawing from academic studies in change management, leadership, and occupational stress, key framew...

Abstract: This article examines strategies for empowering women through effective work-life balance policies and practices. It reviews literature demonstrating the disproportionate work-life challenges faced by women and the negative career impacts that can result without organizational support. Key policies shown to address these challenges and improve job satisfaction for women are discussed, in...