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New research on communication from Harvard Business School faculty on issues including intentiona nd meaning, communication technology, and communication strategies.
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Passion at Work Is a Good Thing—But Only If Bosses Know How to Manage It

by Sean Silverthorne

Does showing passion mean doing whatever it takes to get the job done? Employees and managers often disagree, says research by Jon Jachimowicz. He offers four pieces of advice for leaders who yearn for more spirit and intensity at their companies.

How to Live Happier in 2023: Diversify Your Social Circle

by Michael Blanding

People need all kinds of relationships to thrive: partners, acquaintances, colleagues, and family. Research by Michael Norton and Alison Wood Brooks offers new reasons to pick up the phone and reconnect with that old friend from home.

Why TikTok Is Beating YouTube for Eyeball Time (It’s Not Just the Dance Videos)

by John Deighton and Leora Kornfeld

Quirky amateur video clips might draw people to TikTok, but its algorithm keeps them watching. John Deighton and Leora Kornfeld explore the factors that helped propel TikTok ahead of established social platforms, and where it might go next.

Feeling Separation Anxiety at Your Startup? 5 Tips to Soothe These Growing Pains

by Julia Austin

As startups mature and introduce more managers, early employees may lose the easy closeness they once had with founders. However, with transparency and healthy boundaries, entrepreneurs can help employees weather this transition and build trust, says Julia Austin.

Looking For a Job? Some LinkedIn Connections Matter More Than Others

by Michael Blanding

Debating whether to connect on LinkedIn with that more senior executive you met at that conference? You should, says new research about professional networks by Iavor Bojinov and colleagues. That person just might help you land your next job.

Gen Xers and Millennials, It’s Time To Lead. Are You Ready?

by Lane Lambert

Generation X and Millennials—eagerly waiting to succeed Baby Boom leaders—have the opportunity to bring more collaboration and purpose to business. In the book True North: Emerging Leader Edition, Bill George offers advice for the next wave of CEOs.

Why People Crave Feedback—and Why We’re Afraid to Give It

by Michael Blanding

How am I doing? Research by Francesca Gino and colleagues shows just how badly employees want to know. Is it time for managers to get over their discomfort and get the conversation going at work?

All Those Zoom Meetings May Boost Connection and Curb Loneliness

by Michael Blanding

Zoom fatigue became a thing during the height of the pandemic, but research by Amit Goldenberg shows how virtual interactions can provide a salve for isolation. What does this mean for remote and hybrid workplaces?

Extroverts, Your Colleagues Wish You Would Just Shut Up and Listen

by Pamela Reynolds

Extroverts may be the life of the party, but at work, they're often viewed as phony and self-centered, says research by Julian Zlatev and colleagues. Here's how extroverts can show others that they're listening, without muting themselves.

Career Advice for Minorities and Women: Sharing Your Identity Can Open Doors

by Pamela Reynolds

Women and people of color tend to minimize their identities in professional situations, but highlighting who they are often forces others to check their own biases. Research by Edward Chang and colleagues.

Why Digital Is a State of Mind, Not Just a Skill Set

by Sean Silverthorne

You don't have to be a machine learning expert to manage a successful digital transformation. In fact, you only need 30 percent fluency in a handful of technical topics, say Tsedal Neeley and Paul Leonardi in their book, The Digital Mindset.

Silos That Work: How the Pandemic Changed the Way We Collaborate

by Jay Fitzgerald

A study of 360 billion emails shows how remote work isolated teams, but also led to more intense communication within siloed groups. Will these shifts outlast the pandemic? Research by Tiona Zuzul and colleagues. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

What’s Next for Nigerian Production Studio EbonyLife Media?

Re: Andy Wu

After more than 20 years in the media industry in the UK and Nigeria, EbonyLife Media CEO Mo Abudu is considering several strategic changes for her media company’s future. Will her mission to tell authentic African stories to the world be advanced by distributing films and TV shows direct to customers? Or should EbonyLife instead distribute its content through third-party streaming services, like Netflix? Assistant Professor Andy Wu discusses Abudu’s plans for her company in his case, EbonyLife Media. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Feeling Seen: What to Say When Your Employees Are Not OK

by Pamela Reynolds

Pandemic life continues to take its toll. Managers who let down their guard and acknowledge their employees' emotions can ease distress and build trust, says research by Julian Zlatev and colleagues. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Scrap the Big New Year's Resolutions. Make 6 Simple Changes Instead.

by Kristen Senz

Self-improvement doesn't need to be painful, especially during a pandemic. Rather than set yet another gym goal, look inward, retrain your brain, and get outside, says Hirotaka Takeuchi. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Good News for Disgraced Companies: You Can Regain Trust

by Lane Lambert

Companies skilled at building trust focus on four key elements, say Sandra Sucher and Shalene Gupta in their book, The Power of Trust. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

The Pandemic Conversations That Leaders Need to Have Now

by Boris Groysberg, Robin Abrahams, and Katherine Connolly Baden

It's time for leaders to rebuild the bonds that COVID-19 has shaken. First step: Start talking. Boris Groysberg and colleagues share advice for making these conversations meaningful. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Information Avoidance and Image Concerns

by Christine L. Exley and Judd B. Kessler

People avoid information that might compel them to behave more generously. While many people avoid information due to concerns about their self-image, there is a substantial role for other reasons, such as inattention and confusion.

Employee Performance vs. Company Values: A Manager’s Dilemma

Re: Nitin Nohria

The Cold Call podcast celebrate its five-year anniversary with a classic case study. Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria discusses the dilemma of how to treat a brilliant individual performer who can't work with colleagues. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

How Leaders Can Navigate Politicized Conversations and Inspire Collaboration

by Kristen Senz

Francesca Gino discusses the psychology of conversation in politicized workplaces and how managers can improve their conversation styles to create high-quality collaboration. Open for comment; 0 Comments.