| McKinsey Classics | June 2020 |
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| Back in 2004, McKinsey started a research project to help women in business “inspire, engage, and mobilize others, even in the most demanding circumstances.” The team assigned to it came up with “centered leadership,” comprising five elements: meaning, or using your strengths for an inspiring cause at work; positive framing, the ability to see problems as opportunities; connecting, to build strong support networks throughout your organization; engaging, a willingness to seize opportunities despite the risks; and managing energy, or sustaining and renewing your sources of strength. Although the team set out to find a leadership style appropriate for women, later research showed that it was equally helpful for men.
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| Start practicing centered leadership by leading yourself. As one executive told the researchers, “our senior team is always talking about changing the organization, changing the mindsets and behavior of everyone. Now I see that transformation is not about that. It starts with me.” To learn to lead even in the most demanding circumstances—like those we face today—read “How centered leaders achieve extraordinary results” (2010). To see how these ideas helped executives in the global meltdown of 2008–09, read “Centered leadership through the crisis: McKinsey Survey results” (2009).
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| Did You Miss Our Previous McKinsey Classics? |
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| CEOs must address the emotional lives of top executives in a crisis—such as the current pandemic. To learn how, read “A CEO’s guide to reenergizing the senior team.” |
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