The HCL Review Podcast

The Not-So-Charm of Toxic Leadership, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article explores the critical issue of toxic leadership in organizations, examining its defining characteristics, manifestations across different sectors, and potential remediation strategies. Drawing on scholarly research from Lipman-Blumen, Padilla, and others, the authors identify key toxic traits including narcissism, lack of integrity, self-interest, and poor self-awareness, demonstrating how these behaviors undermine organizational health and effectiveness. Through analysis of examples from military, technology, and non-profit sectors, the paper illustrates how toxic leadership manifests in real-world contexts and the damage it causes. The article conclude by offering practical solutions including 360-degree feedback, succession planning, transparency cultures, and emotional intelligence training, emphasizing that addressing leadership toxicity requires proactive development and accountability systems that prioritize stakeholder well-being over personal gain.

The Strategist's Craft: Honing Your Inquisitive Mind and Foresight Through Intentional Practice, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article explores practical approaches for leaders to demonstrate strategic thinking capabilities in their daily work, a critical skill for navigating today's complex business environment. Strategic thinking—defined as synthesizing information to envision future states and formulate long-term plans—is characterized by systems thinking, change anticipation, and cross-functional perspective. The article outlines five key practices: engaging in strategic conversations that connect disparate issues; championing strategic initiatives that visibly translate strategy into action; conducting regular environmental scanning to identify emerging trends and opportunities; cultivating strategic capabilities in team members through mentorship and learning opportunities; and applying structured frameworks to analyze complex challenges. Through these deliberate practices, leaders can build credibility, earn stakeholder trust, and effectively guide organizations toward their long-term vision despite volatility and uncertainty.

Don't Just Tell Employees Organizational Changes Are Coming — Explain Why for Buy-in and Success, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

This article explores the critical importance of effective communication during organizational change, emphasizing that successful transformation requires more than simply announcing changes. It demonstrates how leaders must proactively build trust by explaining the rationale behind changes, addressing employee concerns with empathy, and fostering two-way communication throughout the process. Drawing on research and real-world examples, the authors illustrate how transparency helps overcome natural resistance to change by reducing uncertainty and giving employees a sense of control and partnership in the transformation. The article provides practical strategies for leaders to equip employees with necessary resources and training, measure ongoing engagement, and create a collaborative environment where change is viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat. Ultimately, it concludes that organizations achieve more successful transitions when leaders approach change as a partnership built on honest communication, understanding of emotional reactions, and mutual investment in long-term success.

How Perfectionists Can Get Out of Their Own Way, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article explores perfectionism as a double-edged sword among successful professionals, examining how the relentless pursuit of flawlessness can both drive achievement and sabotage progress. It distinguishes between self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism while detailing how these tendencies manifest in workplace behaviors such as analysis paralysis, procrastination, diminished creativity, and fear of failure. Through personal examples and research-backed strategies, the article presents practical approaches for transforming perfectionistic tendencies into constructive forces, including setting flexible process-oriented goals, practicing self-compassion, challenging all-or-nothing thinking, and celebrating incremental progress. The article ultimately advocates for a balanced leadership approach that channels the drive for excellence while embracing imperfection as essential to growth, innovation, and sustainable success.

Creating an Inclusive Culture: How Organizational Leaders Can Foster a Sense of Belonging for All Employees, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article examines the critical role of inclusion and belonging in contemporary organizational success as workplaces become increasingly diverse. Drawing on established research from scholars like Nishii (2013) and Shore et al. (2011), the authors demonstrate how psychologically safe environments where employees feel valued for both their uniqueness and group membership drive enhanced engagement, creativity, and performance outcomes. The paper presents a comprehensive framework organized around three evidence-based pillars—promoting identity safety, valuing individual uniqueness, and empowering through autonomy—alongside practical implementation strategies across culture, community, and care dimensions. By showcasing real-world applications from companies like Google, Cleveland Clinic, and Boeing, the article provides leaders with actionable insights to foster environments where employees can authentically contribute. This research synthesis establishes that cultivating inclusive workplaces represents not merely an ethical imperative but a strategic advantage in attracting and retaining diverse talent in today's competitive landscape.

Finding Higher Purpose: Helping Your Team Discover Meaning and Direction, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This study examines how leaders can foster meaningful engagement by helping teams discover higher purpose beyond routine responsibilities. Drawing from research on purpose-driven motivation, the article explores how connecting work to broader significance enhances individual well-being and organizational outcomes. The authors review evidence demonstrating that purpose orientation increases motivation, reduces burnout, improves health outcomes, and creates competitive advantages through enhanced retention and performance. The paper outlines practical leadership strategies for cultivating purpose, including modeling authentic purpose-alignment, creating reflection opportunities, highlighting meaningful impact stories, clarifying organizational mission, and redesigning roles to better fulfill purpose. Case studies from healthcare and education sectors illustrate successful implementation of these approaches, with recommendations for sustaining purpose-driven cultures through changing circumstances.

The Art & Science of Trust, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: Trust is a fundamental component of successful organizations, impacting employee motivation, collaboration, and performance. This article examines both the scientific research behind trust-building and the practical leadership approaches needed to cultivate it. The authors present trust as both an art and science, requiring emotional intelligence alongside strategic implementation. The paper explores how trust develops through demonstrated competence, character integrity, effective communication, and industry-specific applications in healthcare and technology. Special attention is given to trust-building during crisis situations, where transparency and compassionate leadership become critical. By balancing research insights with actionable leadership practices, the article provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and strengthening organizational trust as a strategic advantage in today's complex business environment.

The Paradox of Management: Achieving the Optimal Balance between Micro and Macro, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article examines micromanagement and under-management as two equally problematic yet opposite management approaches that undermine organizational effectiveness. While micromanagement involves excessive control that stifles employee autonomy and creativity, under-management represents insufficient guidance and accountability that leaves employees directionless. Drawing on research demonstrating how both styles negatively impact employee engagement, productivity, and retention, the article proposes a balanced "middle way" management approach that combines clear expectations with appropriate autonomy. This optimal management style empowers employees through trust while maintaining necessary oversight, providing timely feedback, and remaining available for support—ultimately creating environments where employees can thrive while organizational objectives are achieved through evidence-based strategies applicable across diverse industries.

Adapting Leadership for a Boundary-less Future: Preparing Organizations and Leaders for an Agile, Global, and Transparent Tomorrow, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article examines how organizational leadership has fundamentally transformed in recent decades, characterized by increasingly boundary-less operations, heightened agility, globalization, and unprecedented transparency. These shifts create both opportunities and challenges, requiring leaders to adopt more fluid collaborative approaches, embrace constant adaptation, develop cultural dexterity, and maintain impeccable transparency. Success in this evolving landscape demands that leaders reimagine traditional structures, cultivate experimental mindsets, broaden global perspectives, and build trust through openness. The article contends that future organizations will thrive as networked models rather than hierarchies, with leaders who proactively develop adaptive competencies positioned to navigate uncertainty and leverage change as a competitive advantage.

Strong Leadership, Strong Management: A Dual Necessity for Organizational Success, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article explores the symbiotic relationship between leadership and management in organizational success. While leadership focuses externally on vision, inspiration and strategic direction, management concentrates internally on processes, systems and day-to-day operations—each with distinct yet complementary responsibilities. Research consistently demonstrates that neither function alone can sustain high performance; rather, both must operate synergistically across all organizational levels. Through industry examples from technology, healthcare, education and manufacturing, the article illustrates how balanced leadership and management create optimal outcomes. It provides practical guidance for distributing these responsibilities throughout organizational hierarchies and presents a pharmaceutical company case study demonstrating their interdependence. The conclusion emphasizes that today's complex business environment demands both compelling vision and meticulous execution—leadership that motivates transformational change alongside management that ensures operational excellence and stability.