This note uses physics metaphors like energy and momentum as a framework for leaders to drive success in their organizations. Effective leaders mobilize their organization’s latent potential – skills, talent and creativity – turning it into work for progress and innovation. Steve Jobs’s culture of learning at Apple illustrates how potential can become transformative action.
Focus is central to utilizing energy – articulating a mission and strategy, and setting clear goals, akin to taking aim with an arrow. Tools like Google’s OKRs align and measure collective efforts towards these targets. Sustaining organizational energy demands a culture of support, open communication and commitment to continuous development, thus fostering a motivated and engaged workforce. Leaders must also create momentum through strategic resource alignment and goal setting, as exemplified by Satya Nadella’s leadership at Microsoft. Influential power, demonstrated by Jacinda Ardern’s empathetic and trust-building approach, is crucial for navigating crises and driving change.
To waltz smoothly through office life, we need to balance vulnerability and honest feedback for greater trust building as a leader.
Katrina Edmunds’ return to sport shows how rowing shapes resilient leadership and teamwork through lessons that drive success in business and life.
Omnipotent leaders may seem untouchable, but systems crack. From mass mobilisation to quiet non-compliance, discover how pressure builds and where resistance begins.
A new law requires large listed companies in the EU to appoint members of the underrepresented gender (usually women) to 33% of all director roles.
A relentless focus on accountability and continuous improvement transformed Valmet from an underdog into an industry leader in a decade. Pasi Laine tells Jean-François Manzoni how it was done.
According to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in employers is declining for the first time. Here are practical measures to get back on track.
Three Ways to Deal with Your Boss when they act against civility, empathy, and ethics. Discover strategies to handle difficult workplace dynamics effectively.
Julie Linn Teigland of EY tells IMD's Howard Yu why it’s better to admit you’re unsure and collaborate to find a solution.
Broken talent pipeline – Traditional methods of finding and keeping talent no longer work. Businesses must rethink hiring with two key mind shifts, says Cynthia Hansen.
Six ways leaders can shape corporate reputation building strategies within their organizations, drawing on key insights from a Bloomberg Media study.
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Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications