Leading in a Time of Crisis

It’s challenging to steer an organization through a crisis. And when several crises converge at once the challenge is even greater. 2020 has been a year, marked by unprecedented turmoil. Business leaders have grappled with a deadly pandemic, a sharp economic contraction, a dismantling of business norms, and a social reckoning stirred by the police killing of George Floyd.

Fearless Idea 24: Unleash Your Creativity

SMITH BRAIN TRUST — Sharing creative ideas at work can be risky. What if a suggestion appears foolish? What if it upsets a comfortable routine? What if it fails? When in doubt, many employees keep their mouths shut. One way to counteract these instincts and foster creativity is to develop a seemingly unrelated skill: Networking. Professor Vijaya Venkataramani at the University of Maryland's Robert H.

Creative Benefits of Well-Connected Leaders

Latest research from the Center for Leadership, Innovation and Change (CLIC) at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business If you are a leader and manager in your organization, you likely understand that fostering creative ideas leads to innovation within your organization. You also are likely to understand that networking within and outside of your organization is beneficial to your ability to implement and be effective as a change agent in your organization.

Don’t Cancel the Office Holiday Party

Feeling a bit bah humbug about the prospect of a work holiday party this year? Don't skip it. In 2020, it's more important than ever.

Why Your Boss Can't Hear You

Front-line workers resent managers who ignore their input, but Maryland Smith research puts the blame elsewhere. And it might not be what you think.

Your Unfair Boss Might Just Be Overworked

Think your boss is a jerk because he or she treated you unfairly? New Maryland Smith research reveals that having too much to do can affect a manager's ability to be fair.

Who Are Your Social Network Contacts?

They could determine how innovative you are at work. The network of your “alters” — the people you turn to for problem-solving advice — can also help you become more creative, according to new research.

Network to Unleash Your Creativity

Speaking up with new ideas becomes less risky when employees feel connected to robust social and professional support systems.