Welcome to the 200th edition of Leading Off. We launched this newsletter in November 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was reshaping so many aspects of our lives and livelihoods—including the skills that leaders need to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities of the day. Since then, Leading Off has examined enduring themes (such as effective leadership approaches, problem-solving, and purpose) as well as the topics that continue to transform business and redefine what it takes to lead well. This week, we look at leadership during unpredictable times—and highlight some of our best thinking from the past few years, based on the articles and topics that resonated most with you, our Leading Off readers.

Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or subscribed more recently, thank you for reading. We encourage you to explore past issues to see how the conversation about leadership has evolved.

JERKS AT WORK

The best leaders blend the attributes that fit their individual styles with the needs of their organizations—which could mean being collaborative and curious, visionary and inspirational, or self-reflective and resilient. But there’s one approach that everyone can agree on: Don’t be a jerk. Stanford University professor Robert Sutton identifies some triggers that could cause ugly behavior in the workplace, including wielding power over others, being too competitive, and always being in a hurry. Sutton says that bullying or rude bosses can undermine employees’ decision-making skills, productivity, and creativity. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, a professor at Columbia University and University College London and author of Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?: (And How to Fix It), notes that good bosses control their temper, show empathy, and connect with employees on a human level. “If you’re managing people,” he says, “it’s important that you also manage yourself.”

Lead by adapting to the moment.