While most good bosses try to be fair and balanced with their direct reports, it's only human to prefer the company and work styles of some team members over others, and employees are keenly aware of those preferences. They see favorites and non-favorites, ingroups and outgroups -- and when those divisions fester, they can destroy team culture and performance. Ginka Toegel, professor at IMD Business School, explains why even well-intentioned managers succumb to favoritism, how workers on both sides are affected, and what we can do to both avoid and rectify the problem. Toegel is the coauthor of the HBR article "Stop Playing Favorites."

Many managers struggle with initiating difficult conversations around an individual’s subpar performance. Often, leaders wait way too long to sit down with an employee who isn’t meeting expectations. Leadership coach Jenny Fernandez says that increasing the frequency of feedback and consciously developing better relationships with direct reports help make these conversations easier to start. And she shares how the right preparation, tone, and open-minded approach lead to more effective discussions that improve not just the one-on-one relationship, but also team morale and turnover rates. Fernandez is the author of the HBR article "How to Talk to an Employee Who Isn’t Meeting Expectations."

Darius Rucker has reached the top of the music charts in not just one but two genres: first as the lead singer of the 1990s band Hootie and the Blowfish, then in a second act as a solo country star. He shares lessons on following your passion, staying humble, working your way up, and defying stereotypes and expectations. He's the author of a new memoir Life's Too Short.

When news breaks of a CEO succession, much of the attention is given to the new leader and how they will change the company. But new research shows that the leave-taking process of the outgoing chief executive is often mishandled, with negative impacts on succession and the organization. Rebecca Slan Jerusalim, an executive director at Russell Reynolds Associates, and Navio Kwok, a leadership advisor at RRA, say that boards are often surprised when a CEO gives notice, and they often make that person feel excluded during the handoff process. The researchers share stories from the front lines about CEO psychology, best practices for outgoing leaders and their boards, and broader lessons for effective transitions. Jerusalim and Kwok wrote the HBR article "The Vital Role of the Outgoing CEO."

There's a fine line between pitching in to help your team and taking on too much at the expense of your mental health and performance. Author and coach Hailey Magee walks us through why some of us fall into people-pleasing patterns, the negative impact it can have on our careers, and how to stop. She also offers advice for managers on how to help employees identify and break out of these bad habits. Magee is the author of Stop People Pleasing and Find Your Power.

Many marketers today focus on getting consumers to consciously change their behavior. But that’s a sure path to failure, according to Leslie Zane, founder of Triggers Brand Consulting. She says neuroscience research shows that mastering instinct is far more effective than persuasion. And she shares her key lessons for aligning with the instinctive mind to improve company brands, new products, social campaigns, or your own personal brand. Zane is the author of the book The Power of Instinct: The New Rules of Persuasion in Business and Life.

It's hard to imagine a more challenging work environment than the International Space Station. During her 24 years as a NASA astronaut, including a six-month stint on the ISS, Cady Coleman learned pivotal lessons about everything from managing stress and assessing risk to cross-cultural communication and navigating bias. She shares how the skills she picked up can be applied in all kinds of careers. Coleman is the author of the book Sharing Space: An Astronaut's Guide to Mission Wonder and Making Change.

Many managers don't know what to say when a team member appears angry, frustrated, or sad. They might even feel it is unprofessional to acknowledge those feelings at all. But research shows that avoidance is costly. Doctoral student Christina Bradley and professor Lindy Greer, both of the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, say teams perform better when their leaders respond effectively to members’ emotions. The researchers outline when and how to do that in a way that builds stronger relationships, teams, and organizational culture. Bradley and Greer are coauthors, with Michigan Ross professor Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks, of the HBR article "When Your Employee Feels Angry, Sad, or Dejected."

We live in an age where we have more data than ever. But most leaders have two strong reactions to new data. Either they rely too heavily on studies or information to make decisions. Or they dismiss outright data that could be very relevant. The better way is learning how to interpret, question, and engage with data and studies, say Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School professor Michael Luca. They break down the essential analytical tools to assess and interrogate data to be able to apply it to business decisions. Edmondson and Luca are coauthors of the HBR article "Where Data-Driven Decision-Making Can Go Wrong."

CEOs get a ton of credit or blame for a company’s performance. But the entire leadership team is vital to success, and any dysfunction is often overlooked. Sometimes the CEOs leading them don’t even see that they’re not working. Thomas Keil, management professor at the University of Zurich, and Marianna Zangrillo, a partner at The Next Advisors, have interviewed more than 100 CEOs and senior executives. Their research identifies three main types of failing leadership teams: shark tanks, petting zoos, and mediocracies. And they identify the pitfalls of each pattern and how to turn those teams around. Keil and Zangrillo wrote the HBR article "Why Leadership Teams Fail."

Generative artificial intelligence is here to stay, and that means employees and managers need to think even more carefully about how to make the most effective use of it. Accenture's H. James Wilson, global managing director of technology research and thought leadership, and Paul R. Daugherty, chief technology and innovation officer, argue that we all need to build what they call "fusion skills." They include intelligent interrogation (using research-backed prompting techniques to deliver better results), judgment integration (ensuring there is a human in the loop when necessary), and reciprocal apprenticing (training ChatGPT, Claude, Co-pilot or proprietary tools to improve while we get better at working with them). They offer advice on how to hone all three. Together, they wrote the HBR book Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI, now available in a New and Expanded Edition as well as the HBR article “Embracing Gen AI At Work.”

What if the key to efficiency in a world increasingly powered by AI wasn't quantity, but quality? Neuroscientist Mithu Storoni has looked at how and when our brains are the most creative and truly productive at knowledge work. As automation and AI take more rote takes off our plates, she shares how we can train our brains to be more effective at doing work that really matters. She explains how our brains tackle different kinds of work, how we can better schedule our days to align with those states of mind, and what this all means for managers and organizations. Storoni is the author of the new book Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work.

The worlds of business and politics might seem worlds apart, but executives can learn a lot from the most successful political communicators. Terry Szuplat spent several years on the speechwriting team for President Barack Obama, helping to carefully craft his messages and win over audiences. He has gone on to coach business leaders including Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, and he says that many of the same principles for good speechwriting and delivery apply - whether you’re giving a presentation to your team, pitching a client, or making comments in a moment of crisis. He explains the importance of authenticity and personal stories, structure, language choice and presence. Szuplat is the author of the book Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience.

We live in a world that seems more divisive and polarized than ever, and it’s common to describe this phenomenon as tribalism. But Michael Morris, professor at Columbia Business School, says that term is often misunderstood and that tribal instincts can in fact be very positive influences in society and at work. He uses the lens of cultural psychology to explain the deep-seated instincts behind the human need to join and identify as a group. And he breaks down how team managers and organizational leaders can leverage tribal instincts in positive ways strengthen workplace culture. Morris is the author of the new book Tribal: How the Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together.

Many companies are investing heavily in artificial intelligence right now, hoping to improve both efficiency and innovation. But, as with any technology that sees widespread adoption, AI itself won't be enough to build a long-term advantage over competitors, says Jay Barney, professor at the University of Utah's Eccles School of Business. Yes, leaders need to deploy these new tools, especially those that use GenAI, to stay relevant. But they also need to think about how AI can be applied to their business' differentiating competencies and offerings to truly add value. Barney is the coauthor, along with Martin Reeves of Boston Consulting Group, of the HBR article "AI Won't Give You a New Sustainable Advantage."

There was a time when business leaders and managers didn't worry so much about psychology or other social science research. Malcolm Gladwell's writing played a big role in changing that. His popular exploration of tipping points — the phenomenon where small, incremental actions can suddenly fuse into a full-blown social behavior — brought research insights to life and made them mainstream. Now he's revisiting tipping points, this time looking at how they can be used for damaging results. In this episode, HBR editor in chief Adi Ignatius speaks to Gladwell about how the author’s ideas have changed, the importance of social science and journalism in today's world of virality, and the unexpected ways leaders should consider human behavior. Gladwell is the author of the new book Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering.

Managing is a tough job, sometimes a seemingly thankless one where you can feel squeezed from all sides. But for team leaders who are feeling burnt out or overwhelmed with their job, Daisy Auger-Domínguez has advice on regaining your joy at work. She recommends various techniques to incorporate optimism and well-being into your management role. They include remembering your purpose, embracing a beginner’s mindset, keeping a folder of positive feedback as inspiration, and celebrating the contributions of team members. Auger-Domínguez is a workplace strategist and the author of the HBR article "Finding Joy as a Manager — Even on Bad Days."

Unwelcome employee turnover can create big problems for managers, teams, and organizations, so it's important to understand the real drivers of attrition. New research from Ethan Bernstein, associate professor at Harvard Business School, and Michael Horn, cofounder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, points to a host of push and pull forces that cause workers to jump ship and also outlines better retention strategies. They are the coauthors, along with Bob Moesta, of the HBR article "Why Employees Quit" and the book Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career.

We live in an age of data. But having powerful tools to gather employee feedback doesn't mean you’ll get powerful results. It’s challenging for executives to turn that feedback into substantive action. New research from Ethan Burris, professor of management at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, sheds light on how to weed through all the data, make sure workers feel heard, and turn employee insights into real results. Burris is a coauthor of the HBR article "What Companies Get Wrong About the Employee Experience."

Reid Hoffman is one of the most prominent and recognizable voices in Silicon Valley, and after predicting some of the biggest trends that have shaped our world in the last 25 years, he is sharing his thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence. In this interview with HBR Editor in Chief Adi Ignatius, Hoffman shares his approach to managing technological change and innovation, explains why he thinks generative AI won't destroy jobs, and imagines how these new tools will transform our world. Spoiler: It's all about managing technological change and innovation the right way. Previously, Hoffman founded or co-founded PayPal, Inflection AI, and LinkedIn, where he served as CEO and is now its executive chairman. He’s also an active early-stage investor at Greylock Partners, host of the Masters of Scale and Possible podcasts, and author of the forthcoming book Superagency.

Around the world, the past few years have been marked by increasing political polarization and public outrage. Like it or not, this spills over into the business world, with employees, customers, and shareholders more willing than ever to challenge companies -- and one another -- on a range of issues. It's hard to know how to lead gracefully in such turbulent times, but Karthik Ramanna, professor at the University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government, has some answers. Drawing on his work with government officials and corporate executives, he walks us through the root causes of our current crisis, explains how to effectively navigate through disagreement, and offers practical takeaways for managers at every level. Ramanna is the author of the book The Age of Outrage: How to Lead in a Polarized World.

With more than $7 billion in annual revenue and 24,000 employees, SAIC provides engineering, digital, AI, and mission support to defense, space, intelligence, and civilian customers. CEO Toni Townes-Whitley took the helm a year ago, after stints as a senior executive at Microsoft, CGI Federal, and Unisys. She discusses her approach to strategic transformation at SAIC through fine tuning and employee upskilling, rather than wholesale change. She also shares how the company is incorporating cutting edge technologies, like generative AI, with appropriate safeguards for government clients.

Imagine you’re leading a small organization, but you’re struggling to recruit and afford the senior talent you need to grow. You could hire a part-time executive. So-called “fractional leadership” is common in startups and is spreading to other businesses and nonprofits. But while a fast-growing number of senior leaders seek this work arrangement, many companies are unsure of how to go about it. Tomoko Yokoi and Amy Bonsall are experts on the practice. Yokoi is a researcher at the TONOMUS Global Center for Digital and AI Transformation at IMD Business School. Bonsall is a former executive at IDEO and Old Navy who works as a part-time chief product officer with several organizations. They explain when and how fractional leadership works best—for the individual as well as the organization—and how to do it right. Yokoi and Bonsall wrote the HBR article “How Part-Time Senior Leaders Can Help Your Business.”

Huntington & Ellis, A Real Estate Agency, an affiliate of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, has announced it has ranked No. 2,781 on Inc. Magazine’s annual Inc. 5000 list, a prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. Achieving a 192% three-year growth rate, this marks the brokerage’s fourth-consecutive year being recognized and…

The post LeadingRE’s Huntington & Ellis Listed on Inc. 5000 for Fourth Consecutive Year appeared first on RISMedia.

Ryan Rodenbeck Owner Spyglass Realty, a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Austin, Texas https://www.spyglassrealty.com   Region served: Greater Austin Years in real estate: 20 Number of offices: 2 Number of agents: 145 How do you ensure open and honest communication with your agents, especially when it comes to their performance and growth?…

The post Harnessing Transparency and Technology for Success appeared first on RISMedia.

Let’s face it: real estate is a loud industry. The competition is fierce—and it’s everywhere. But contrary to popular belief, this isn’t a bad thing. With the right strategies in place, you can build a brand that stands out from competitors, earns you more market share and attracts new buyers and sellers in your area.…

The post How to Cut Through Your Competitors’ Noise as a Real Estate Brokerage appeared first on RISMedia.

Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, has announced an agreement with Arab MLS to enhance its real estate practices across the Arab region and beyond. UCO will advise Arab MLS to further drive efficiency, transparency, user experience and the way people connect with properties, starting with Egypt, Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and…

The post Stellar MLS Subsidiary Working With Arab MLS to Enhance Practices in the Arab Region appeared first on RISMedia.

Move Concierge, a service that connects utilities and home services for new homebuyers, has announced a key partnership with Side, a real estate brokerage platform that helps agents create and grow their own boutique companies.  Through this partnership, real estate agents who work with Side will have access to Move Concierge services through Side Marketplace,…

The post Move Concierge Announces Partnership with Side appeared first on RISMedia.

Staged listing photos have been an effective—and expensive—tool meant to pique the interest of inquiring home seekers. But given the ever-growing landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in real estate, that hurdle could soon be a thing of the past.  At least, that is where things are headed for Palazzo, an AI-driven interior design platform that…

The post Startup Palazzo Seeing Success Expanding Its Virtual Staging Offering to Brokers appeared first on RISMedia.

From left, Shelly Vincent, Laura O’Connor, Dan Troup, Shaleen Khatod and moderator Dave Garland. Photo by AJ Canaria.  It isn’t as shiny and new as it was a couple years ago, when ChatGPT took the world by storm, but AI, or large language models, are still highly influential and fast-evolving pieces of technology that real…

The post Homebuyer Dreams, Macaroni and Cheese: What Is the AI ‘Recipe’ of the Future? appeared first on RISMedia.

The debate around NAR’s Clear Cooperation policy continues among brokers, MLSs, and other real estate industry players. Opinions are sharply divided on this policy, which dictates how and when property listings are created and shared. This polarizing debate threatens the MLS operating model that has successfully served agents and consumers for decades with the most…

The post Technical Capabilities Can Help the Real Estate Industry Navigate Clear Cooperation appeared first on RISMedia.

CRS Data—a provider of property tax data in the U.S. and Canada—has announced the launch of its data compliance solution: ListingIntegrity. ListingIntegrity ensures superior data quality in today’s real estate landscape, creating a source of partnership and dependability for MLSs, brokerages and agents.  “Our goal is to create steadfast and trusted ways to serve the…

The post CRS Data Announces Launch of ListingIntegrity appeared first on RISMedia.

Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of the National Association of REALTORS®, has announced eight companies selected for its 2025 REACH Canada program. These firms operate within a diverse range of market segments and specializations, offering productivity and efficiency solutions for real estate professionals while addressing some of society’s growing housing challenges.   “The vision…

The post Second Century Ventures Selects 8 Tech Companies for 2025 REACH Canada appeared first on RISMedia.

Thank you for an amazing year!  I thought I’d make these little gift tags for you to use, if you need them. Click on image to download. Enjoy!

Are you a puzzle lover? I’m so excited to share this with you all. A puzzle like no other made with my Tree of Life art (also available as an art print). It was so fun putting it together with … Continue reading →

EDANA’s Sustainability Forum, themed 'Building a Sustainable Future Together,' convened leaders in Brussels to discuss clean energy, corporate sustainability, circular economy, and EU policies. Highlights included sessions on renewable investments, sustainable practices, and regulatory impacts, emphasising industry-wide collaboration for environmental progress.

Leading global fashion brands are looking to Asian markets beyond China, with 67 per cent of respondent fashion executives citing promising growth prospects in India in 2025, The State of Fashion 2025 report says. Japan’s luxury boom will likely continue into 2025. But next year will be turbulent for global fashion and a deep sense of uncertainty persists amongst fashion industry executives.

Mativ Holdings, Inc, has reported Q3 2024 sales of $498.5 million, up 0.1 per cent YoY, with adjusted income of $11 million and a gross profit of $93.6 million, up 8 per cent YoY. Filtration & Advanced Materials sales fell 3.2 per cent, while Sustainable & Adhesive Solutions sales rose 2.1 per cent. The net loss was $20.8 million, a significant improvement from $464.3 million loss in 2023.

The 21st International Istanbul Yarn Fair, Türkiye’s largest yarn-focused event, will run from Feb 26-28, 2025, aiming to foster industry growth. Occupying over 50,000 sqm, the event will feature 500+ exhibitors showcasing innovative yarns. Aiming for 20,000 visitors, the fair supports industry growth by fostering collaborations and showcasing products meeting global standards.

The Functional Fabric Fair Fall 2024, on Nov 19-21 at Portland’s Oregon Convention Center, showcases sustainable innovations for 2025/2026 with 300+ suppliers. Highlights include the Bodywear Collective, Trend Forum, Design Lab, and expert panels on colorisation. Networking events, a Sustainability Lounge, and the TurboDry Bash enhance opportunities for collaboration and industry insights.

Wolverine World Wide has reported Q3 revenue of $440.2 million, down 16.6 per cent YoY, with gross margin up 450 basis points to 45.3 per cent. Net debt fell to $563 million. For FY2024, the company projects revenue of $1.730-$1.745 billion, with a gross margin of 44.5 per cent and adjusted EPS between $0.80 and $0.90. Inventory is expected to decline by $85 million.

Ahlstrom's Q3 FY24 net sales rose 5.2 per cent to €742.7 million (~$788.8 million), driven by higher average selling prices. Comparable EBITDA reached €130.2 million (~$138.26 million), supported by cost efficiency and improved margins. Restructuring costs and energy hedge losses impacted reported EBITDA of €81.9 million (~$86.928 million).

Page Industries Limited has reported revenue of ₹12,463 million (~$147.7 million) in Q2 FY24, a YoY increase of 11 per cent, with sales volume rising 6.7 per cent to 55.2 million pieces. EBITDA grew 22 per cent YoY to ₹2,815 million (~$33.4 million), with a margin of 22.6 per cent. PAT was ₹1,953 million, up 29.9 per cent. For H1 FY24, revenue was ₹25,238 million, growing 7.3 per cent YoY.

In the dynamic realm of real estate, success hinges on the ability to attract, recruit and retain top talent. Reflecting on my early days in the industry, the memories of my first listing, first buyer and inaugural closing flood back. Those experiences instilled in me a profound sense of confidence, akin to the surge that…

The post Mastering Recruitment: Lessons from a Real Estate Journey appeared first on RISMedia.

In the competitive realm of real estate, recruiting agents is a pivotal task, and the fortune often lies in the art of follow-up. Changing brokerages is a significant decision, and acknowledging the weight of this transition can make all the difference.  Culture beyond words Show don’t just tell. Use the follow-up process to immerse potential…

The post Unlocking Success: The Power of Follow-Up In Recruiting Real Estate Agents appeared first on RISMedia.

The recent antitrust lawsuit inadvertently highlighted something interesting during the trial. The plaintiffs’ attorney successfully argued that the whole real estate industry engaged in collusion and price-fixing. As real estate professionals, we know that isn’t true, right? Here’s the interesting part: Those attorneys who will be paid on contingency literally make their money in exactly…

The post Taking a Closer Look at Attorney Contingencies Vs. Agent Commissions appeared first on RISMedia.

Coaching is a valuable tool that offers numerous benefits to agents and brokers, let alone teams. Working in real estate requires constant education and development to be at the top of your game, and coaching provides an easy way to pursue this. Hiring a coach can allow team members to grow and flourish within their…

The post Team Tactics: Taking Advantage of Team Coaching appeared first on RISMedia.

As real estate agents, you face countless challenges and obstacles in your journey to success. It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as planned, but here’s something every agent should consider, regardless of how long you’ve been an agent: Every failure is actually a stepping stone to greater achievements. This is the essence…

The post Falling Upwards: The Art of Failing Forward in Real Estate appeared first on RISMedia.

Buffini & Company is launching a new training program for real estate professionals to win business as they face the new rules of real estate. The company stated the new Certified Full-Service Professional (CFSP) designation training program is aimed at helping real estate professionals attract and keep customers, communicate their unique selling proposition and stand…

The post Buffini & Company Launches New Designation Training Program appeared first on RISMedia.

Staying motivated in the real estate business can be a challenge, especially when it comes to prospecting. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or uninspired, but staying on track is crucial for your success. Whether you’re a seasoned agent or just starting out, there are strategies you can adopt to keep yourself motivated, even when you…

The post From Doldrums to Deals: Keeping Your Prospecting Spirits High appeared first on RISMedia.