The HCL Review Podcast

Finding Your Voice: Strategies for Speaking Up at Work, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article discusses strategies for effectively speaking up at work when issues arise. It explores the benefits of speaking up for both individuals and organizations based on research, but also examines common barriers like fear of retaliation that deter such discourse. To overcome these barriers, the article proposes approaches backed by evidence, such as cultivating a psychologically safe environment where candid feedback is supported, and modeling speaking up oneself. It emphasizes the importance of careful preparation when voicing concerns, like gathering data, understanding multiple perspectives, suggesting remedies, and focusing on solutions rather than solely problems. Examples from healthcare, technology and education demonstrate how strategic yet considerate communication of well-researched issues positively enabled organizational change. In conclusion, the article stresses that speaking up strengthens outcomes when leaders empower respectful discourse and individuals prepare by framing problems positively and concentrating on collaborative resolutions.

Hacking Habits for High-Performance Leadership, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article discusses how leaders can continuously improve their skills and effectiveness through habit hacking. It explores how reframing mindsets, building supportive systems, and committing to small daily optimizations can strengthen areas of weakness over time. Specifically, the article recommends practicing self-compassion and adopting a growth mindset. It also suggests implementing daily rituals like morning reflection and scheduled time for skill-building. Leaders are encouraged to do micro-optimizations like extending exercise routines slightly each day. Recognizing even small milestones is important for maintaining motivation. Real-world examples demonstrate how specific leaders hacked habits like prioritizing tasks, scheduling device-free breaks, and sharing mistakes to boost various outcomes like productivity, creativity, morale and innovation. The conclusion emphasizes that viewing routines through a growth lens and hacking habits through small tweaks can significantly enhance leadership abilities and fulfillment as part of an ongoing development process.

Leading Cultural Transformation: Your Key to Sustainable Competitive Advantage, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article discusses how organizational leaders can strategically transform their company culture to gain a sustainable competitive advantage. The article argues that culture is a key determinant of change success and financial performance, but is also difficult to recognize and influence. The article outlines several foundational principles for cultural transformation, including developing a clear vision and values, building urgency through strategy, fostering open communication, modeling desired behaviors, and aligning structures and systems. It then provides a multi-phase framework for evolving culture specifically towards high performance and innovation. The framework involves assessing culture, aligning around priorities, piloting changes, and institutionalizing shifts through HR, recruiting, and operations. The article also stresses the importance of leading the emotional transition with empathy to drive individual-level buy-in for transformation efforts.

Rethinking Leadership Development for the 21st Century: C-Suite Perspectives on Change, Talent, and Representation, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article examines organizational perspectives on bridging leadership development gaps in three key areas: change management, talent development, and diversity/inclusion. Executive surveys find that while disruptive change preparedness is a top priority, leadership programs often fail to adequately develop adaptability. To close this gap, companies emphasize developing agility, experimentation, and change-ready cultures. For talent development, identification must leverage broader strengths over past roles. Emerging leaders benefit from diverse mobility experiences through rotations and global assignments. Regarding diversity, representation is viewed as more than a social responsibility but a business imperative for accessing varied perspectives. Leaders recommend making inclusion central to mission/strategy and reevaluating sponsoring and sourcing approaches to give minority talent fair opportunities. Overall, holistically developing adaptive, diverse leaders through experiential learning better positions organizations to navigate complexity.

Walking the Walk: How Genuine Organizational Transformation Can Enhance DEI Initiatives, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article discusses how genuine organizational transformation can enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to deliver meaningful results. The article suggest that standalone DEI programs are generally insufficient for driving sustainable cultural change. Instead, DEI needs to be embedded throughout an organization through systemic shifts in mindsets, processes, policies, and practices. The article outlines recommendations for advancing DEI through reimagining strategic vision and leadership behaviors, restructuring human resources systems and resource allocation, cultivating an inclusive culture, and demonstrating continued commitment through action, progress measurement, and issue response. Case examples from various industries are provided. The article argues that holistic organizational transformation integrating DEI into the fabric of the organization is key to authentically advancing diversity and inclusion.

Managing Fatigue at Work: Strategies for Preserving Your Energy, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article examines the widespread myth that endless work is virtuous by exploring the causes and costs of workplace fatigue. It draws on research that links overwork, lack of recovery time, poor self-care, and unbalanced workloads to burnout. Specific drivers of fatigue discussed include workload issues, insufficient breaks and off-hours, lack of control, unclear priorities, and individual traits. Recommendations are provided for organizations to manage workloads sustainably, support recovery, and foster a culture of well-being. Implementation examples focus on healthcare, technology, and education sectors, such as limiting overtime alerts, rotating flexible schedules, and allocating passion project time. The conclusion argues that respecting human energy limits, enabling recharging periods, and caring for employee wellness leads to higher performance and engagement over the long run compared to outdated models glorifying overwork.

Engaging and Managing Diverse Stakeholders in HR Initiatives: Implementing an Inclusive Approach, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article explores strategies for effectively engaging and managing diverse stakeholder groups in HR initiatives. It acknowledges that while workforce diversity has business benefits, it also introduces management complexities that leaders must thoughtfully navigate. Specifically for HR initiatives, buy-in must be gained from a wide range of internal and external stakeholders who are impacted. The article outlines common stakeholder categories and highlights the diversity within each. It then presents an inclusive framework comprising tailored engagement methods, two-way communication, and an iterative process. Specific operational tactics are discussed along with real-world industry examples. The framework aims to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders through respecting their differences. This inclusive, partnership-oriented approach to stakeholder engagement is argued to deliver credibility and relationship benefits that are critical for HR initiatives' long-term success.

Understanding the Hidden Drivers of Unethical Decisions, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article examines the psychological factors that can drive unethical behavior in workplace settings. The article explores how desires for small wins and social validation, overconfidence bias, and rationalizations of unethical pro-social behavior can undermine integrity. It discusses how these cognitive distortions and motivations contributed to escalating issues like fabricated metrics and regulatory non-compliance in various companies. To address these tendencies, the article recommends that leaders clearly communicate ethical guidelines, model adherence to standards consistently, establish a just culture of accountability and learning, and emphasize integrity as a non-negotiable priority above short-term outcomes. By understanding and mitigating these hidden drivers, the article suggests executives can foster an organizational culture grounded in principled decision-making.

Better Decisions Through Self-Reflection and Assessment, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article outlines a strategic framework for making high-quality career decisions based on self-reflection and research. It recommends starting with thorough self-assessment to understand one's core motivations, values, skills, personality preferences, and ideal work environments. With self-awareness, individuals can identify what really drives and fulfills them as well as prioritize what is most important in a future role. The next step is exploring potential career options and using a weighted decision matrix to prioritize factors like compensation, work-life balance, industry fit, and company culture. Top options are then evaluated against personal priorities to determine the overall best fit. The article provides an example of weighing two consulting firm offers. It emphasizes periodic reviews to adapt to changing priorities over time and handling transitions smoothly. With a systematic, research-backed approach balancing self-knowledge and option evaluation, individuals can make career decisions aligned with long-term motivation and fulfillment.

The Power of Strategic Silence: A Quiet Strength for Effective Leadership, by Jonathan H. Westover, PhD

Abstract: This article examines the underutilized yet potent leadership tool of strategic silence. While communication skills rightly remain a focus in leadership literature, certain studies now validate that selectively employing stillness over additional speech can foster psychological safety, build trust, and enhance decision-making by allowing time for reflection, understanding diverse perspectives, and formulating thoughtful responses. Drawing from situational leadership theories, case examples illustrated across nonprofits, healthcare, academia and technology demonstrate strategic silence's versatility in empowering staff, mitigating resistance to change, facilitating open discussion, and maintaining presence with minimal interference through judicious usage of attentive listening. Ultimately, the article makes a compelling case that adeptly alternating commentary with well-timed stillness optimizes outcomes for any organizational leader by cultivating understanding, eliciting discretionary efforts, and advancing goals through discerning when thoughtfully deploy one's voice versus yield the floor.