Author: Harry Kraemer

When the workplace is everywhere, manage from the middle

As the post-COVID workplace evolves, the pendulum is swinging between two extremes. On one side, many employers are requiring more in-person attendance with the belief that returning to the office improves productivity. On the other side, some companies allow permanent remote work as a way to attract talent.

Crain’s Forum
Rather than dwelling in the extremes, the way to manage today can probably be found in the middle. With self-reflection, input from colleagues and a genuine desire to foster balance, managers can decide what makes the most sense for their teams — based on people’s roles, the team’s priorities and goals, and how work gets done at the company.

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My Way or the Highway

I had dinner with a new colleague a couple nights ago. The dinner discussion was probably similar to those that many of you have with friends or acquaintances. We shared our backgrounds, family history, hobbies, and then the conversation turned to current events and the political environment in the US. This led to one of my favorite topics: “Why have our personal views and beliefs become so polarized, and what positive steps can we take to improve the relationship we have with one another?”

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Ask Harry #10: Harry, what do you do for fun?

After my Kellogg students and executive program participants read my third book, “Your 168: Finding Purpose and Satisfaction in a Values-based Life,” I am often asked, “Harry, what do you do for fun?” I think the question comes up because I emphasize so much the need to BALANCE all areas of your life (i.e., your career, your family, your religious and spiritual responsibilities, your health, sleep, exercise and trying to make a positive difference while we are on this earth), people start to wonder how I can possibly have any time left for FUN!

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Am I Really Getting Older…?

This may sound crazy, but I honestly don’t feel much different than when I was 25 years old and graduating from Kellogg. I have been very fortune to stay healthy, exercise often, take no medications, and have had no major surgeries or broken bones since birth 😳🙏. However, each of my five children has assured me that I am getting older, and after doing some serious SELF REFLECTION, I am starting to realize they may be right!

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Becoming a Global Leader

One piece of advice I give to my Northwestern Kellogg students (as well as my children but not sure I get their attention 😉) is the importance of reading as broad an array of books as possible on a consistent basis. And to be clear, I am not talking about business books. Yes, if you are in business, it is a good idea to know the business basics. However, if you are interested in becoming a well-rounded global leader, I believe it is critical to have a broad understanding of history, political science, religion, philosophy — in fact all of the liberal arts.

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