Executive Leadership

By converting proven theories into practical advice, Executive Leadership helps aspiring leaders make sound decisions that raise productivity and fatten the bottom line; negotiate with vendors, competitors, employees and clients; innovate and inspire creativity in their teams; and delegate authority so that they can manage their time and achieve at a higher level. Learn more about Executive Leadership and the three free reports you’ll get when you subscribe...

Too much analysis can lead to unethical decisions.

That’s the conclusion from the University of Toronto, which found that almost 70% of subjects who were encouraged to think rationally and ignore their emotions decided to cheat their partners.

On the other hand, those who relied on gut feelings were about 70% trustworthy.

When Paul O’Neill took the helm at Alcoa in 1987, he declared on his first day that no one should ever be hurt on the job. The acceptable accident rate now would be zero.

Alcoa already ranked in the top third for company safety. His peers thought O’Neill would have to back down. He never did. In fact, safety features didn’t even have to follow a budget.

Bottom line: Because of the chief’s gut feeling, Alcoa became one of the safest companies in the world.

— Adapted from “In Defense of Feelings,” Dan and Chip Heath, Fast Company.