logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
17m 36s

Why are some bosses infuriating (and oth...

Financial Times
About this episode

When you’re a leader, colleagues look for hidden meanings in everything you do. That can make gentle suggestions sound infuriating – and amplify the effect of even off-hand compliments. So how can a leader make sure their words and actions are understood as intended? To find out, Isabel Berwick speaks to Adam Galinsky, a professor at Columbia Business School, and author of the forthcoming book ‘Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others.’ Adam has asked tens of thousands of people about what makes a leader inspiring or infuriating. In this episode, he explains the perils of the ‘leadership amplification effect,’, how to praise colleagues judiciously, and why you should never tell someone to ‘drop by your office’.


Want more? Free links:

A Musk or a Ma: which type of manager are you?

How common are bad bosses?


Presented by Isabel Berwick, produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, mixed by Simon Panayi. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s head of audio.


Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Jan 2025
Finale: How work has changed since we started this show
After more than three years, and 153 episodes, this is the final Working It podcast. Isabel Berwick gathers three colleagues (and friends) to discuss what they’ve learned about the world of work since the show first launched. So please, if you will, join Isabel, Andrew Hill, Emma ... Show More
26m 25s
Jan 2025
Why being a CEO is so lonely (and how to fix that)
Running a business is rewarding in plenty of ways – not least in terms of salary. But it can also be extremely lonely. Having friends at work becomes complicated (or even impossible), and you can’t be sure if people like you, or if they’re just saying what they think you want to ... Show More
15m 3s
Jan 2025
The science of better workplace conversations
What can we learn about the way we speak by analysing thousands of everyday conversations? That’s a question that fascinates Alison Wood Brooks. Alison, an associate professor at Harvard Business School, and author of the forthcoming book, Talk: The Science of Conversation and th ... Show More
17m 41s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
How to be an inspiring leader, with Adam Galinsky, PhD
What’s the difference between an inspiring boss and an infuriating one? What qualities do the best coaches, teachers and mentors share? Adam Galinsky, PhD, author of “Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others,” discusses why leaders often have even more power th ... Show More
40m 15s
Dec 2024
713: How to Grow From Feedback, with Jennifer Garvey Berger
Jennifer Garvey Berger: Changing on the Job Jennifer Garvey Berger is cofounder and CEO of Cultivating Leadership, a consultancy that serves executives and teams in the private, non-profit, and government sectors. Her clients include Google, Microsoft, Novartis, Wikipedia, and Ox ... Show More
36m 23s
Jun 19
The Science of Inspiring Leadership w/ Dr. Adam Galinsky
This week, Scott welcomes Dr. Adam Galinsky, Professor at Columbia Business School and author of Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others. Together, they explore what makes a truly inspiring leader—and how anyone, regardless of title or position, can develop th ... Show More
1 h
Apr 30
How to Be a Leader People Love to Follow
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a leader that people love to follow? This episode is for you! John C. Maxwell shares a lesson that will help you develop a culture where people feel valued, inspired, and empowered. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow sit down t ... Show More
38m 27s
Apr 23
Reflect Instead of React
As John Maxwell says, all is well that begins well and all is well that ends well — reflection is key to ending well! In this episode, John shares what his reflection path looks like and helps you understand why reflection is so important when it comes to success in leadership. A ... Show More
29m 31s
Jun 2024
Why Leadership is So Overrated & How Supply Chains Work or Don’t
Sunscreen has been around for a long time. Has it changed much? Are there advancements in “sunscreen technology”? As summer begins, I explore the newest advancements in sunscreen. https://www.realsimple.com/new-sunscreens-6831077We revere leaders. School mottos often say somethin ... Show More
49 m
May 30
Why Trying to Please Everyone Will Destroy Your Leadership
Most leaders won’t say what they really think — Nancy Medoff does. In this fearless conversation, Nancy returns to the show with a raw and honest look at what happens when a communication expert steps into politics and faces public scrutiny head-on. She shares the emotional toll, ... Show More
30m 16s
May 28
How to Be a Relatable Leader
The greatest way to identify with other people is to say, “I know what you’re going through.” In today’s episode, John C. Maxwell is sharing a lesson on how you can be a relatable leader for the people around you! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede sit down to have a con ... Show More
37m 37s
Aug 2024
A Leader's Greatest Enemy
What happens when a leader has too much pride? In today’s episode, John C. Maxwell talks about the problems that pride causes so that you can reflect on and assess yourself and your leadership. After John’s lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow discuss these problems and give you pr ... Show More
43m 8s
Feb 2025
How to Inspire the People Around You
Leaders aren't just generals, presidents and CEOs. You're probably a leader too! Someone in your home, school or workplace might look to you for guidance - and that's leading. So how do you inspire the people around you and make yourself the best leader you can be? Columbia Busin ... Show More
51m 6s