Work in Progress

Need to figure out a way to deal with a toxic boss? Not sure how to navigate politically sensitive discussions with your team? Or simply trying to foster strong connections among your company's hybrid or remote workers?

This month's articles offer strategies for dealing with workplace challenges, whether you're an individual contributor, manager or part of the C-suite. Read on for insights on the essential components for building winning teams, how to make tough decisions in high-pressure scenarios and more.

How to Manage Critical Conversations

Today’s leaders often have to navigate complex and sensitive topics with their team. When emotions run high, discussions may start pleasantly but quickly spiral out of control. How can leaders detect the early signs of conflict and steer conversations down a more productive path?

INSEAD’s Chengyi Lin offers a framework to guide dialogues about critical topics, which leaders can harness to turn these potentially harmful debates into fruitful and meaningful conversations.

Collaboration Requires Proximity – But It Doesn’t Have to Be Physical

Physical proximity fosters collaboration at work, but strong social ties can compensate for the lack of physical presence, according to research by INSEAD’s Manuel Sosa and co-author Massimo Maoret . Their study shows that being physically close increases communication and trust, leading to better work relationships.

But for employees who work remotely, strong social connections and mutual contacts also promote trust and collaboration. Companies should thus consider both physical and social proximity in designing workplaces to ensure effective collaboration in hybrid work environments.

How to Handle a Toxic Boss

Bad bosses exist in all shapes and sizes, be it narcissists, bullies or micromanagers. Among them are those with extreme mood swings and unreasonable expectations, as well as those who hoard information, avoid conflict, deny positive feedback or are perpetually unavailable.

INSEAD’s Manfred Kets de Vries offers recommendations for dealing with toxic bosses, including establishing boundaries, reaching out for help and leaving your position with grace.

The Six Dimensions of Winning Teams

Teams with clear goals, values, rules, roles and processes, backed by full individual commitment, are primed for peak performance. In a working paper, INSEAD's Ludo VAN DER HEYDEN and co-author Alain Goudsmet propose an expansion of the famous GRPI (goals, roles and responsibilities, process and interpersonal relations) framework.

They argue that the framework omits two essential elements: values and rules. These additional dimensions are essential for building teams that go beyond simply functioning and truly excel.

High-Stakes Leadership: How CEOs Navigate Critical Decisions

Leaders often find themselves at critical junctures. These situations demand not only strategic foresight but also the ability to manage stress and conflicting interests under pressure.

Executive coach Simone Olbert and INSEAD’s Natalia Karelaia propose six strategies for leaders to enhance their ability to make tough decisions in high-stakes environments. These include training one’s decision-making skills, developing effective coping strategies and cultivating a network of trusted confidants.

We hope you've enjoyed our selection this month. For more insights, listen to our podcast with INSEAD's Derek Deasy and Enoch Li on the benefits of group coaching and check out the latest research picks from INSEAD's Dean of Research and Innovation Lily Fang .

Have a knowledgeable week ahead!

The INSEAD Knowledge team