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Forbes
7 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
The New Ethos: Where Gamesmanship Ends And Character Begins
Houston, TX, USA - February 8, 2015: Monopoly Board Game - car on Park Place with hotel Success stories are told in the language of domination—of markets, rivals, and time. But stories of grit and perseverance turn out to be half-baked. After decades of worshipping at the altar of productivity and winning at all costs, a new ethos is emerging that elevates character alongside competence for competitive advantage. The new ethos embraces a more complete view of character and challenges its misconceptions. For example, it challenges the myth that people with character operate with 'one hand tied behind their back,' or that character can't be developed, as Bill Furlong, Rob Austin, and I explain in our MIT Sloan article 'Make Leader Character Your Edge.' The new ethos requires a shift from treating business as a game to be played, based on competence alone, to one that relies on character as the foundation for competitive advantage, as captured in Table 1. Table 1 - Old Versus New Ethos The Toxic Side of the Game The metaphor of business as a game—complete with winners, losers, scoreboards, and trophies—has shaped everything from how leaders manage teams to how decisions are made in the boardroom. However, this mindset can easily spiral into toxicity. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder When success is measured only by profits and quarterly performance, wins and losses, bad behavior is often excused, even celebrated. The casualties of a 'win-at-any-cost' mentality are well documented, from financial fraud to toxic work cultures. Think of the implosions at Enron, Theranos, or, more recently, FTX. These weren't just failures in strategy—they were failures of character, as my colleagues and I documented in our 'Leadership on Trial' research, which examined the failures of leadership revealed in the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. Treating business as a game based on competence alone created a gravitational pull that has been difficult to shift. Individual mindsets, organizational priorities and practices, and broader regulation and oversight systems have become hard-wired around it, and even justify the game. We are all complicit. When we treat what we do as a game, we justify actions as 'just part of the game', 'it's business, it's not personal,' and we become desensitized to the harm. Shifting the gravitational pull of the current system starts with an undeniable logic that will motivate and shape the transformation. The undeniable logic is that the competence-oriented gamification of business and society, relying on a cost-benefit consequentialist rationale, is failing virtually every measure. Short-termism has fueled crises like the 2008 financial collapse and scandals at Enron and Boeing, where near-term gain outweighed safety or transparency. Meanwhile, workplace burnout and mental health declines reflect how human well-being is often sacrificed for productivity, as revealed in Gallup polls and OECD reports. Environmental degradation, driven by externalizing ecological costs, is documented in IPCC reports, while the UN draws attention to income inequality that threatens economic growth and democracy. Philosophers like Michael Sandel (author of Democracy's Discontent and What Money Can't Buy) argue that market-driven reasoning undermines moral and civic values, advocating for frameworks prioritizing justice, dignity, and capability over sheer utility. Alternative approaches are imperative, with trust in capitalism eroding as revealed by the Edelman Trust Barometer. A New Ethos Based on Character To shift the gravitational pull from the consequentialist cost-benefit paradigm requires a new foundation that defines and measures success differently. Rather than relying on the logic of cost-benefit analysis to determine the merits of decisions and actions, a virtue ethics paradigm has us examining who we are first. As Forbes writer Jonathan Westover describes in his article 'Approaches to Organizational and Leadership Ethics In a Complex World,' virtue ethics focuses on the person's character, meaning that the test of sound judgment is not one anchored in costs and benefits alone, but rather a test of character. Character, anchored in virtue ethics, is one of the most ancient areas of study, dating back to Confucius, Aristotle, and Plato. There has been significant efforts in recent years including the works of Alasdair MacIntyre in 'After Virtue,' Fred Kiel, in 'Return on Character,' Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson's research volume 'Character Strengths and Virtues,' David Brooks in 'The Road to Character,' General James Anderson and Dave Anderson's book 'Becoming a Leader of Character,' 'Cultivating Virtue in the University' by Michael Lamb, Jonathan Brant and Edward Brooks, and my books 'Developing Leadership Character' with Gerard Seijts and Jeffrey Gandz, and 'The Character Compass' with Gerard Seijts and Bill Furlong. General Stanley McChrystal's recent book, 'On Character: Choices That Define a Life,' has received considerable press. While these books have given character profile and helped people see its value, most people believe they have character covered by having 'good values.' So, what does character look like in a corporate context? It's not a glossy mission statement or a set of aspirational values. The hard work of developing character underpins the realization of aspirational values, which manifests as courage in the face of hard decisions. It's humility when leaders admit mistakes, empathy in how employees are treated, and accountability when things go wrong. Patagonia has modeled this ethos for years. Its environmental activism isn't marketing—it's identity, as Forbes contributor Doug Sundheim describes: 'Much of its success can be traced back to Chouinard's uncompromising leadership since Day One. Whereas many companies espouse a set of values only to sacrifice them under the pressure of quarterly returns, Patagonia has religiously stuck to theirs for the last half century, come what may. Quality, integrity, sustainability, and justice were never negotiable.' Unfortunately, too many people focus on the values of Patagonia, whereas the basis of the competitive advantage arises from the character of the leaders and their capacity to infuse that strength of character in others. Character is not subjective. In 'Cracking the Code: Leader Character Development for Competitive Advantage,' Corey Crossan, Bill Furlong, and I put to rest misconceptions about character. We clearly articulate what it is, how it can be assessed and developed, and how it can be embedded in an organization. In my Forbes article 'From Good to Great: 10 Ways to Elevate Your Character Quotient,' we offer 10 questions that provide a strategic assessment of what it takes to embrace character leadership fully. These foundational approaches underpin seeing and embracing character as a new ethos. A high character quotient gives individuals confidence that they know what needs to be done to embrace character as a new imperative. A low quotient suggests gaps that reveal significant blind spots. If you do not understand how imbalances of character compromise judgment, and you cannot observe and identify character imbalances in yourself or others, it is easy to fall into the trap of using cost-benefit analysis to evaluate success. You tend to overlook the dysfunctional behaviors of leaders with imbalanced character, focusing only on either selective results or some justification of their actions. A tell-tale sign is when we dismiss someone's arrogance, disrespect, and abusive behavior because we fail to see and understand that these behaviors are evidence of character imbalances that will inevitably compromise judgment. Shifting the Gravitation Pull Starts with Us Part of shifting the gravitational pull to character resides in our capacity to diagnose the strength of character in ourselves and others, identify the imbalances that compromise judgment, and actively work to mitigate them. In our workshops, once people are exposed to the leader character framework with its 11 dimensions and 62 supporting behaviors, they can start to observe and identify strengths and weaknesses in the character of others. They begin to see that the imbalance in character dimensions, such as the high drive, courage, and transcendence of Steve Jobs, coupled with low temperance and humility, compromises judgment. With that understanding, they are better equipped to move beyond a superficial assessment of leadership based on results, to one that can diagnose the strength of character that underpins judgment. There are often three profound moments in our workshops. The first is when people begin to see that character reveals itself in micro-moments and decision-making episodes, not just a general account of whether someone was successful. The second is when they grasp that observable behaviors such as being disrespectful, condescending, and arrogant are the manifestations of character imbalances that compromise judgment. Often, these were deemed a matter of style or personality. With the lens of character they are seen as the bell-weather of compromised judgment, not only in the leader who disregards insight from others, but in how the leader fosters a toxic culture that undermines judgment more broadly. The third moment is when they come to grips with the understanding that a person would never weaken a strength like courage or drive, but instead character development focuses on strengthening weakness like temperance and humility, as in the case of Jobs, to ensure strengths don't manifest as excess vices. Strengthening humility does not need to sacrifice courage. Also, unlike personality, which is a set of semi-stable traits, character can be developed, providing a great deal of inspiration and aspiration, particularly because it benefits well-being and sustained excellence, both personally and professionally. One of the tricky aspects of character is that it is easier to identify imbalances in others than in ourselves. We tend to judge ourselves on our good intentions and others on their behaviors, and suffer from a chronic over-estimation of our self-awareness. Tasha Eurich's research reveals that 85% of people believe they are self-aware, while only 10% are. To close the gap, there are assessments such as the Leader Character Insight Assessment offered through Sigma Assessment Systems and the VIA Character Strengths survey offered through VIA. In terms of developing character, Corey Crossan and I created the Virtuosity mobile app to embed the science of character and the science of habit development in technology that guides individual character development. The famous 1970 cartoon by Walt Kelly, portraying that 'we have met the enemy, and it is us,' is spot-on for character. Until we understand character, identify imbalances in ourselves and others, and actively work on developing character, we will continue to misdiagnose the factors that compromise judgment, leading to the many ills facing individuals, organizations, and society. Strengthening the individual foundations of character is necessary but insufficient, as there is a need for course correction in the broader systems embodying old ways of thinking. Cultivating Character in Organizations and Oversight If character is the new ethos, cultivating it must go beyond surface-level virtue signaling. It must be systematically and sincerely embedded into the organization's DNA. As Forbes contributor Glenn Llopis writes, 'A leader's character is what earns the right to lead others.' It's not charisma or cleverness—it's the moral gravity that holds an enterprise together. Pam Boney, a contributor to the Forbes Coaches Council, put it bluntly: 'Before a company can realize any objectives, it needs a supportive culture—and that culture must be grounded in character.' In my recent Forbes article 'Seeing How Character Eats Culture For Breakfast,' based on collaborations with Corey Crossan and Bill Furlong, I offer a practical approach to helping organizations understand how culture reflects the character of its members. This practical and revolutionary approach helps individuals and organizations see that the culture they seek is anchored in character, yet the culture they often experience reflects the imbalances of character of its members, particularly leaders. The remedy is to start with leader character development to transform the organizational culture. From the vantage point of actively developing character, it is easy to see how policies and practices often work against character and reinforce old and outdated mindsets. For example, in an MIT Sloan Management Review article, 'Make Character Count in Hiring and Promoting,' I describe that we tend to hire on competence and fire people because of character. Human Resource practices such as recruiting, hiring, performance management, promotion, and succession management need to shift the gravitational pull to elevate character alongside competence. Simply put, wherever competence resides, character belongs. Another key leverage point for shifting the ethos is oversight, whether that be by Boards of Directors, Trade Associations, or regulators. The same prescriptions exist. Members need to develop their character; from that vantage point, they can see ways to help shift the ethos. For example, boards of directors are responsible for selecting CEOs but have often neglected implementing an evidence-based approach to assess character. Few would understand how to assess the quality of judgment and decision-making of the organization based on character. Although regulators continue to struggle with misconduct in organizations, few have turned to character to influence change. Notable exceptions are the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the U.K., one of the first regulators to pick up on our 'Leadership on Trial' research and share it with their constituents. Also, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OFSI) in Canada noted in a January 31, 2024, guideline that integrity is achieved by 'ensuring people are of good character.' Character in an AI World While AI and automation evolve, companies shaping the future will be led by humans whose character-based judgment will become even more important. In my recent Forbes article on 'Why Artificial Intelligence Needs Character-Based Leadership,' I make the case for how character-based judgment harnesses the power of AI. There is no replacement for character. Business is not a game. It is time for a new ethos with character as the foundation.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Why Our Minds Sometimes Say No — Even When AI Is Right
New research from MIT Sloan uncovers when people prefer AI decision-making over that of humans — and when they don't A new study from the MIT Sloan School of Management sheds light on a puzzling paradox: Despite AI's growing accuracy and efficiency, people often prefer human decisions—even when AI performs better. Cambridge, MA, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Would you trust an AI doctor to diagnose skin cancer — even if it's more accurate than a human doctor? A new study from the MIT Sloan School of Management sheds light on a puzzling paradox: Despite AI's growing accuracy and efficiency, people often prefer human decisions—even when AI performs better. Yet in other contexts, such as when forecasting stock trends, people readily turn to AI over human experts. What explains this puzzle? The research paper, titled 'AI Aversion or Appreciation? A Capability–Personalization Framework and a Meta-Analytic Review,' was published in Psychological Bulletin. The authors are MIT Sloan associate professor Jackson G. Lu; professor Xin Qin, associate professor Chen Chen, doctoral students Hansen Zhou and Xiaowei Dong, and postdoctoral fellow Limei Cao from Sun Yat-sen University; Shenzhen University postdoctoral fellow Xiang Zhou; and Fudan University associate professor Dongyuan Wu. The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 163 studies involving more than 80,000 participants. They proposed a new theory, the Capability-Personalization Framework, which suggests that individuals focus on two key dimensions when deciding whether to rely on AI versus humans in a given decision context: Perceived capability of AI: Is AI perceived as more capable than humans in this decision context? Perceived necessity for personalization: Is personalization perceived as necessary in this decision context? Results show that, in a given decision context, people are more likely to prefer AI when AI is perceived as more capable than humans and personalization is deemed unnecessary. But when either of these conditions is not met, AI aversion emerges. 'People don't simply love or hate AI,' said Lu. 'Their response depends on whether AI fits both their utilitarian need to get the job done effectively and their psychological need to be recognized as a unique individual.' For example, even when an AI system proves more accurate at identifying skin cancer from medical images, patients often still prefer human doctors — because they feel medical decisions require understanding of their unique circumstances. The meta-analysis also uncovered key moderators that influence AI preference. People were more likely to appreciate AI when it was physically tangible (e.g., service robots in restaurants) compared to physically intangible algorithms, when outcomes were attitudinal (rather than behavioral), and in countries with low unemployment. Meanwhile, AI aversion was more pronounced in countries with higher (vs. lower) levels of education and internet use. 'Understanding people's mindset toward AI is just as important as improving the technology itself,' said Qin. 'For AI to be trusted and more widely adopted, developers must consider not only how capable it is, but also how well it aligns with users' psychological needs.' This research provides valuable guidance for developers and policymakers, encouraging them to go beyond technical optimization and consider how human psychology shapes people's attitudes toward AI. 'Maximizing AI's potential means understanding when it's welcome — and when it's not,' said Lu. 'Only by addressing both capability and personalization can we move toward meaningful human-AI collaboration.' Attachment A new study from the MIT Sloan School of Management sheds light on a puzzling paradox: Despite AI's growing accuracy and efficiency, people often prefer human decisions—even when AI performs better. CONTACT: Matthew Aliberti MIT Sloan School of Management 7815583436 malib@
Time Business News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Top Emerging MBA Specializations for the Future: Which One is Right for You?
The business world is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, sustainability concerns, and shifting economic landscapes. As a result, MBA programs are adapting by offering specialized tracks that cater to these emerging trends. Choosing the right MBA specialization can significantly impact your career trajectory, opening doors to high-demand roles in cutting-edge industries. If you're considering an MBA, understanding these emerging specializations can help you make an informed decision. Additionally, if you need personalized guidance, MBA admission consulting services can assist in selecting the best program aligned with your career goals. The rise of AI and big data has transformed decision-making in businesses. Companies now rely on data-driven strategies to optimize operations, predict trends, and enhance customer experiences. MBA programs specializing in AI and Business Analytics equip students with skills in machine learning, predictive modeling, and data visualization. Graduates with this specialization can pursue roles such as: Business Intelligence Analyst Data Science Manager AI Strategy Consultant Top business schools, including MIT Sloan and Wharton, now integrate AI-focused coursework into their MBA curricula, ensuring graduates are prepared for the future of tech-driven business. With climate change and corporate responsibility gaining global attention, businesses are prioritizing sustainability. MBA specializations in Sustainable Business and ESG focus on ethical leadership, green finance, and corporate sustainability strategies. Career opportunities include: Sustainability Consultant ESG Investment Analyst Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Schools like Yale SOM and Berkeley Haas lead in this field, offering hands-on projects with companies committed to environmental and social impact. The healthcare industry is expanding rapidly, requiring leaders who understand both business and medical ecosystems. An MBA in Healthcare Management prepares students for roles in hospital administration, pharmaceuticals, and health tech startups. Potential career paths: Hospital Administrator Healthcare Policy Advisor Biotech Product Manager Programs such as those at Harvard Business School and Duke Fuqua provide strong industry connections and experiential learning in healthcare innovation. As consumer behavior shifts online, businesses need experts in digital marketing, social media strategy, and e-commerce growth. MBA specializations in this field cover SEO, consumer analytics, and omnichannel marketing strategies. Graduates can explore roles like: Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) E-Commerce Director Growth Hacking Specialist Schools like NYU Stern and Kellogg offer robust digital marketing tracks with partnerships in leading tech and retail firms. The financial sector is being disrupted by blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and digital banking. An MBA with a FinTech specialization provides knowledge in decentralized finance (DeFi), regulatory tech (RegTech), and algorithmic trading. Career opportunities include: FinTech Product Manager Blockchain Strategy Consultant Digital Payments Executive Institutions like Stanford GSB and London Business School are at the forefront of FinTech education, often collaborating with leading financial innovators. For aspiring founders, an MBA in Entrepreneurship provides hands-on training in venture capital, startup scaling, and innovation management. Many programs offer incubators and pitch competitions to help students launch their businesses. Graduates often become: Startup Founders Venture Capitalists Innovation Managers Babson College and Stanford's MBA programs are renowned for fostering entrepreneurial talent through real-world startup experiences. Selecting the best MBA specialization depends on your career aspirations, industry trends, and personal interests. Researching job market demand, salary potential, and program strengths is crucial. If you're unsure, consulting with MBA application consultants can provide clarity by evaluating your background and long-term objectives. The future of business education lies in specialized knowledge that aligns with global shifts. Whether you're drawn to AI, sustainability, healthcare, or FinTech, the right MBA specialization can position you as a leader in tomorrow's business landscape. By staying ahead of industry trends and selecting a program that matches your goals, you can maximize the return on your MBA investment. If you need expert advice on navigating admissions, consider reaching out to professionals who can guide you toward the best-fit specialization. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Upturn
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
MIT Sloan Executive Education Launches Future-Ready Enterprise Academy
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MIT Sloan Executive Education, in collaboration with IMD, today announces the launch of 'Future-Ready Enterprise Academy,' a dual-location executive program designed to help global business leaders navigate disruption and lead their organizations into the future. Delivered in two immersive modules, module one will begin on October 6 at MIT in Cambridge, MA, with module two taking place February 7, 2026, at IMD in Singapore. The academy provides executives with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to drive sustained innovation and organizational agility. Blending cutting-edge theory with real-world case studies, hands-on exercises, and guided self-reflection, the program shows leaders how to build nimble, future-ready organizations—unlocking innovation at every level while maintaining strategic focus and accountability. The program is taught by MIT Sloan's Kate W. Isaacs, senior lecturer, MIT Center for Information Systems Research's Stephanie Woerner, principal research scientist and executive director, MIT Sloan's Renee Richardson Gosline, research scientist and senior lecturer and; IMD Business School's Mark Greeven, professor of management innovation and dean of Asia, and Howard Yu, LEGO® professor of management and innovation. 'At the heart of this program is the mastery of a defining leadership paradox—how to deliver exceptional performance today while simultaneously transforming for the future,' said Isaacs. 'This dual capability is critical for navigating disruption and creating resilient, innovation-driven organizations.' Key takeaways from this course include: A clear understanding of your organization's current readiness and how effectively it can adapt and innovate amidst AI-driven change, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and fragmented global markets Strategies for scaling new ideas, breaking down organizational silos, and making leadership nimbler throughout your company Actionable insights into building customer-centric and employee-driven organizations A personalized roadmap for driving transformation in your company Insights into leveraging ecosystems and partnerships to accelerate growth Access to a powerful network of like-minded peers from across the globe 'In volatile times, it's natural for people and organizations to want to act quickly to stay ahead,' said Isaacs. 'But hasty moves can have bad downsides if leaders rush to action instead of responding strategically. It is possible to prevail in a digitized world to balance risk, and seize emerging opportunities, and build trust—if you have the right playbook.' As a precursor to the Future-Ready Enterprise Academy, MIT and IMD will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, May 20, providing an overview of the program. To register to receive a free recording of the webinar, 'Becoming a Future-Ready Organization: Thriving During Uncertainty,' click here. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will earn an MIT Sloan Executive Certificate in 'Strategy & Innovation.' To enroll or learn more about the academy, please click here. About MIT Sloan Executive Education MIT Sloan Executive Education's non-degree executive programs are led by senior MIT Sloan faculty and provide business professionals worldwide with a targeted and flexible means to advance their career development goals and position their organizations for future growth. The cutting-edge leadership training includes more than 90 short courses, executive certificates, online courses, custom programs for organizations, and the flagship Advanced Management Program. Media ContactBrittany GouldMatter Communications 978.518.4506
Associated Press
18-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
New Business Book 'Built To Soar' Set To Revolutionize Leadership With Aviation-Inspired Strategies
The Built To Soar Book Covers Straight-from-the-Cockpit Strategies for Leading, Scaling, and Succeeding in Today's High-Stakes Business Environment 'Built to Soar' is a groundbreaking business guide that takes you on a journey from the cockpit of a C-5 Galaxy to the boardroom of today's most innovative companies. Drawing on the author's firsthand experience as a C-5 Galaxy instructor pilot and strategic corporate leader, the book uses vivid aviation metaphors to illustrate how purposeful design and rigorous discipline can transform your organization. March 17, 2025 - Nashville, TN - From the roar of the massive Air Force C-5 Galaxy launching into the skies to leading high-performing organizations in the boardroom, 'Built to Soar' is the breakthrough business book every CEO and senior executive has been waiting for. Combining vivid aviation metaphors with actionable business frameworks, this upcoming release offers a refreshing, practical guide to building resilient, agile, and high-performing organizations. Drawing on firsthand experience as a former C-5 Galaxy instructor pilot and seasoned senior executive, the author, Greg Born, reveals how the discipline, meticulous planning, and teamwork of aviation can be directly applied to craft a robust business airframe. In 'Built to Soar,' readers will discover: • Purpose-Built Strategies: Just as every rivet on a C-5 Galaxy is engineered for a mission, learn how to design and fine-tune your business processes—from workflow inventories and system–tool maps to accountability charts—that ensure operational excellence. • Real-World Frameworks & Case Studies: With insights drawn from respected sources such as Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan, Deloitte, and real-life business cases like Netflix versus Blockbuster Video, the book provides step-by-step recommendations for deconstructing and then rebuilding a company's core foundation. • The Values-Driven Advantage: Understand why clear, actionable values aren't just inspirational fluff but the essential autopilot that keeps your organization on course—even amidst turbulence. • Engaging, Yet Executive-Tailored Tone: With a light touch of humor (as introduced in Chapter 1) balanced by the gravitas demanded by today's C-suite, 'Built to Soar' offers compelling narratives and reflective questions at the end of each chapter, empowering leaders to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. 'Just as pilots don't 'wing it' when they take off, businesses can't afford to settle for 'good enough',' explains the author. 'Every decision, every process, and every team member must align with your strategic mission if you want to truly soar. 'Built to Soar' is my invitation to leaders to rethink their approach, take decisive action under pressure, and create companies that are built to withstand any turbulence. 'Although the book is still in development, early interest and enthusiasm are already sky-high. Business leaders, CEOs, and forward-thinking executives are invited to visit Built To Soar Book to sign up for advance notifications, receive exclusive previews of select chapters, and gain early actionable insights. About the Author: Greg Born, a former US Air Force C-5 Galaxy instructor pilot turned senior executive, the author brings a unique blend of military precision and corporate savvy to 'Built to Soar.' With years of experience leading complex missions and multi-million-dollar business transformations, his insights offer a rare window into how aviation's rigorous standards can redefine operational excellence in any organization. By bridging the world of aviation and business leadership, 'Built to Soar' is poised to become the viral, must-read guide for any business leader ready to navigate the skies of modern commerce. Sign up today to be notified for the release and prepare to take your organization to new heights! Media Contact
