Leadership & management

Sexism and rudeness: not mutually exclusive. New research shows that rudeness can hide sexism, as observers may dismiss perpetrators as “equal-opportunity jerks.” Darden professors explain how the phenomenon not only turns bad behavior into plausible deniability, it can also serve as a barrier to addressing sexism in the workplace.

One of the key challenges facing fledgling ventures is recruiting talent. Darden Professor Ting Xu shares findings from his recent study on how investors’ reputations can attract in-demand employees to their portfolio companies.

Leading in the face of crisis and uncertainty is a different practice from daily management and decision-making. But good managers can learn to anticipate and manage through such high-stress experiences and embed lessons learned in the enterprise. A Darden expert shares best practices — do’s as well as don’ts — for successful crisis management.

Issues of governance: It’s easy to focus on issues as they arise, rather than long-term vision and getting ahead of problems. A case that shows the importance of focusing on mission, strategy and communication with stakeholders: USA Track & Field, a nonprofit that oversees sports, training and events for professionals, coaches and students.

First impressions matter to relationships and to productivity. Companies want their people to mingle and have the sort of “creative collisions” that lead to innovation. But how do the things we talk about when meeting new colleagues relate to staying in touch after that first meeting? The conversational topic — and language it inspires — matter.

Darden experts say thoughts on the new normal and the future of work.

The state of women at work has been at the forefront of discussions about unexpected consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. But data sets and stories during the pandemic often highlighted trends seemingly in opposition: women’s leadership roles were growing, women in the workforce were declining. Darden experts weigh in.

The pandemic, social unrest, and political and economic conditions are leading to serious career re-evaluation as well as mental health challenges. Coaches and counselors help people increase self-awareness, grow skills, and eliminate barriers to success. When one is more useful and appropriate? How does one determine the best fit?

Millions are quitting in the “Great Resignation.” And the pandemic, major social unrest, and frightening political and economic conditions are leading to serious re-evaluation and mental health challenges. Coaches and counselors help people increase self-awareness, grow skills, and eliminate barriers to success. What might be a good fit for you?

Much about 2021 looked like 2020. But as the world adapted to ongoing pandemic life, we also had to stay nimble in the face of uncertainty. We tried to roll with the punches. 2021 saw new developments and challenges, as well as existing issues that evolved. Here, we look at themes and observations Darden experts explored over the course of 2021.