Sandra Sucher, Harvard Business School: How to Apologize
Stumbling Blocks: How Great Leaders Are MadeShow Notes
In this conversation, Sandra Sucher, a professor at Harvard Business School and expert on trust, shares her unique journey from growing up in Detroit to teaching at Harvard. She discusses the importance of apologies in repairing trust, the nuances of moral leadership, and the challenges of navigating career paths.
Through personal anecdotes and research-driven insights, Sandra emphasizes the significance of acknowledging responsibility, understanding the impact of actions, and the complexities of restoring trust in both personal and professional relationships.
Takeaways Apologizing is a process that requires acknowledging responsibility, explaining the "why" (without being defensive!) and making an offer of repair. Trust can be regained but not fully restored to its original state. Moral leadership involves making intentional choices and understanding consequences. Career challenges are common, and taking charge of your own path is essential. Understanding the difference between intent and impact is crucial in trust-building. The process of making hard choices strengthens moral character over time. Restoring trust is like mending a translucent vase; cracks remain visible.
Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Apologies in Business 14:27 Sandra's Journey: From Detroit to Harvard 18:58 Navigating Career Transitions 24:32 Moral Leadership and Missed Opportunities 33:52 Restoring Trust: Can It Be Regained? 38:31 Legacy and Impact: A Life Well Spent
Links: Sandra's Personal Website Sandra Sucher - Trust Researcher
Amazon: "The Power of Trust" Amazon.com: The Power of Trust: How Companies Build It, Lose It, Regain It: 9781541756670: Sucher, Sandra J., Gupta, Shalene: Books
Amazon: "The Moral Leader" Amazon.com: The Moral Leader: Challenges, Tools and Insights: 9780415400640: Sucher, Sandra J.: Books
Research on Effective Apologies An Exploration of the Structure of Effective Apologies - Lewicki - 2016 - Negotiation and Conflict Management Research - Wiley Online Library
Keywords trust, apology, moral leadership, career challenges, Harvard, Sandra Sucher, business ethics, organizational behavior, personal growth, leadership lessons
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