Good Boss, Bad Boss: Lecture by Robert Sutton

This is part of the DR Book Collection.

Stanford’s Robert Sutton is a favorite of mine among management experts. I’ve been a fan of his work ever since reading his HBR article “More Trouble Than They’re Worth” and the book-length version The No-Asshole Rule. His book Good Boss, Bad Boss: How to Be the Best…and Learn from the Worst is another well-researched, but highly enjoyable read. Sutton offers tremendous advice for those in leadership positions. These include:

  • “Don’t crush the bird”: find the balance between micromanaging and undermanaging.
  • “Grit gets you there”: perseverance toward long-term goals.
  • “Small wins are the path”: break down big challenges and long-term goals into smaller, achievable goals.
  • “Beware the toxic tandem”: be aware of how others perceive you and avoid selfish behavior.
  • “Got their backs”: protect and defend your people.

Sutton highlights this excellent, one-page summary:

You can see a lecture by Sutton below.