Dear HBR:

735

Work can be frustrating. How can you get along with that maddening coworker? Figure out what your unapproachable boss really wants? Motivate your demoralized team? "Dear HBR:" is here to help. With empathy, experience, and humor, veteran Harvard Business Review editors and co-hosts Alison Beard and Dan McGinn explore solutions to your workplace dilemmas. Bolstered by insights from guests and academic research, they help you navigate thorny situations to find a better way forward.

Recent Episodes
  • Introducing New Here: Office Etiquette
    Nov 30, 2023 – 26:25
  • HBR Presents: Coaching Real Leaders
    Feb 4, 2021 – 38:28
  • New Chapters
    Dec 10, 2020 – 30:56
  • Remote Feedback
    Nov 25, 2020 – 31:20
  • Commutes
    Nov 12, 2020 – 31:26
  • Safe Workplaces
    Oct 29, 2020 – 32:58
  • Sexism
    Oct 15, 2020 – 34:57
  • Flawed Bosses
    Oct 1, 2020 – 36:58
  • Coaching Problem Employees
    Sep 17, 2020 – 35:22
  • Public Sector Careers
    Sep 3, 2020 – 30:28
  • Covid and Kids
    Aug 20, 2020 – 29:57
  • Management Material
    Aug 6, 2020 – 33:22
  • Start-Ups
    Jul 23, 2020 – 32:59
  • Frustrated Engineers
    Jul 9, 2020 – 31:47
  • Self-Promotion
    Jun 25, 2020 – 28:45
  • Tough Teams
    Jun 11, 2020 – 28:59
  • Covid-Delayed Start (Bonus)
    Jun 4, 2020 – 15:15
  • Career Reinvention
    May 28, 2020 – 32:26
  • Quitting Mid-Crisis (Bonus)
    May 20, 2020 – 13:57
  • Challenging the Boss
    May 14, 2020 – 35:10
  • Pre-Pandemic Promises (Bonus)
    May 7, 2020 – 19:07
  • Coronavirus Career Limbo
    Apr 30, 2020 – 26:50
  • Onboarding Remotely (Bonus)
    Apr 23, 2020 – 14:20
  • Influencing Up
    Apr 16, 2020 – 32:56
  • Working While Distancing
    Apr 2, 2020 – 27:23
  • Stay or Go?
    Mar 19, 2020 – 34:55
  • Subversive Employees
    Mar 5, 2020 – 32:38
  • Disagreeable Colleagues
    Feb 20, 2020 – 28:58
  • Feeling Disrespected
    Feb 6, 2020 – 30:59
  • Internal Networks
    Jan 23, 2020 – 32:57
  • New Beginnings
    Jan 9, 2020 – 30:47
  • Gender Equality Issues
    Dec 26, 2019 – 39:12
  • Skills Gaps
    Dec 12, 2019 – 33:33
  • Perfect Timing (Live)
    Nov 27, 2019 – 44:40
  • Motivating Employees
    Nov 14, 2019 – 28:55
  • Heavy Workloads
    Oct 31, 2019 – 34:16
  • Leaving Comfort Zones
    Oct 17, 2019 – 27:19
  • Regaining Confidence
    Oct 3, 2019 – 36:35
  • Troublesome Teammates
    Sep 19, 2019 – 35:56
  • Navigating Change (Live)
    Sep 5, 2019 – 35:16
  • Managing Older Workers
    Aug 22, 2019 – 32:59
  • Workplace Culture Conflicts
    Aug 8, 2019 – 30:51
  • Client Troubles
    Jul 25, 2019 – 33:49
  • Career Crossroads
    Jul 11, 2019 – 52:00
  • Nonprofit Workplaces
    Jun 27, 2019 – 31:31
  • Stretch Responsibilities
    Jun 13, 2019 – 35:30
  • Unwanted Roles
    May 30, 2019 – 33:30
  • Executive Ambitions
    May 16, 2019 – 33:52
  • Leading Small Teams
    May 2, 2019 – 32:00
  • Counteroffers
    Apr 18, 2019 – 34:58
Recent Reviews
  • ALR in PA
    More episodes please!
    I really enjoy the show and think your situational analysis is very insightful. I hope you will consider making more new episodes.
  • Bigpathan
    Good career advice if you are ready to hear it
    Listen to this if you want to know how to navigate corporate America (and even non-profits!). The hosts approach every question with the assumption of best intentions and are upfront about the reality and sometimes they give the benefit of doubt too much-however you should alway approach things this way since being quick to assume and fall into your biases is what makes more problems for yourself.
  • Leps world addict
    Unable to load content
    Really interesting content... when the podcast actually loads...
  • rvcl1234
    Can’t load episodes
    Keeps saying episodes unavailable even though my internet connection is fine.
  • SARS9876
    Bad / No advice
    Sorry but these hosts never really provide actionable plans. They dicker around why things won’t work and the summaries back rarely provide anything useful. Total waste of time
  • William_Squilliam
    Amazing content/technical difficulties
    Dear HBR: I love your show. The content is insightful and helpful. I often have trouble loading your content; your content fails to load, despite repeated attempts. I’m an Apple user. Previously iPhone 7 and now iPhone XR. I’ve had this problem over the past few years. I’m an avid podcast listener and don’t have this problem with other podcasts. The technical issue seems worth researching further. It’s a shame if your great program goes unheard due to a technical glitch.
  • frenchie frier
    Time well spent
    I always find this thought provoking.
  • kmpakkk
    Wonderful, delightful, eye opening
    Excellent podcast for everyone who's managing a team or just starting out in a new leadership role. The advice is very sound and the hosts are both empathetic, and demonstrate expertise.
  • Timmins Luvah
    Favorite podcast
    I love this podcast dearly. I wish they had a new episode every week! Great, grounded advice and balanced viewpoints. Very relevant to modern work. Please keep it going forever.
  • Bay2Coast
    Not the same quality as HBR
    Not the quality that you would expect from HBR. Podcast appears to be hosted by bloggers lacking knowlage on the topics. Material is basic, lacking substance and in depth interviewing.
  • RebeccaASen
    Biased against employees
    The advice almost always blames the employee (usually the letter-writer) and is excessively sympathetic to employers. Way too often, the response to a genuine issue is “maybe you should adjust your attitude” rather than suggesting any practical actions that could result in real change. The action steps they do suggest are not realistic. They mock the letter writers and come off more like out of touch managers who believe workers should always give their all to their work.
  • cupochai22
    Love it!
    This is my favorite podcast (tied with NYT’s The Daily). Every episode leaves me wanting more, and it helps give me a little more patience in dealing with my coworkers.
  • Aaalissson
    Thank you!
    As a young professional this is great view into the corporate world and a fast way to learn the nuances of the professional world! Thank you!!
  • Crys from
    Practical, research-based advice
    The advice given to the letter writers is practical, research-based, and clearly communicated. The hosts and guest are well-informed and not afraid to disagree with each other. I especially appreciate how they summarize the advice at the end
  • lynda726
    Different perspectives
    The Q&A gives different perspectives that can help shape your own lesson or efforts for your situation. The hosts challenge each other’s points to give a wholistic view of the scenario and always goes back to the question(s) to ensure they are responding to it. I think the hosts are insightful and I really enjoy this podcast!!
  • jinsightr
    I really want to like this but
    I feel like this podcast has the right intent, but its hosts and guests come across as sorely lacking the insight and experience necessary to give qualified advice on being in a modern workplace. Their responses to many of the situations discussed, usually by blaming the letter writer and ponying up ideal but truly unrealistic “solutions” to those problems can come across as downright ignorant and callous. It’s abundantly clear how little experience the hosts have in enduring their own career hardships, and it’s truly shocking at times how little empathy or genuine helpfulness they provide some of the situations discussed. As one example, in the recent job hopping episode, their “advice” was to blame the writer for lacking “emotional intelligence” for getting into a difficult work culture, to recommend he go into therapy, and then to quote examples of how people they knew apparently were able to do a week long “trial” of a job before starting. I really have to wonder, what kind of fantastic job world do these people live in? I’ve received a number of job offers across industries, and a trial week is so laughable and implausible for most careers (ever heard of confidentiality agreements or MNPI?) that it’s offensive this was brought out as advice. I do like the topics covered, and just really wish the people dishing the advice had real work experience rather than just academic study. Working at HBR and academia in general is probably not a good reflection of the average American’s work environment or struggles, and that’s all too clear as you listen to this. Hopefully they will take this feedback and try to invite folks with true work experience, and not just people who have “studied” working.
  • ArcticBiologist
    So disappointing and offensive.
    Sexist, outdated advice - hosts assume every write-in question is from a male. Answers to questions are very flippant and based solely on personal opinion—hosts seemingly have little to no professional qualifying experience or knowledge.
  • Jason W Miller
    Best Business Podcast
    This is the best business podcast out there. Topical, relevant and brilliant. I’ve learned so much that I apply to my current work life.
  • Bhumi010
    These are awesome
    So practical and so much fun to listen. Why didn’t I find them earlier..😉
  • User450dfna
    Can't get enough
    Listening to this podcast is like sitting with two of your wisest, most enlightened colleagues (and a friend of theirs, different each time) and getting their advice and then some on whatever's bugging you. Every episode so far, even ones that didn't appeal to me initially, has had great, useful insights. Highly recommend.
  • GSPod52
    Skewed from the point of a higher up with functional management
    The advice often feels like those offering the advice are looking at workplaces from an academic and ideal viewpoint rather than having actual experience that allows them to connect to the situation. There is not a grasp of dysfunctional workplaces and the type of people who work there. The viewpoint is skewed towards higher ups and management. This ideal academic world does not take into account that higher-ups and management may have negative motivations, biases, not be operating in a legal and moral framework, and racist and sexist attitudes. Due to this, there is a belief that finding a job is a much easier prospect. Also, that the person asking the question has more culpability and power over their situation. I was also astounded by their advice to people with health problems. It was detached from the logic that even people who are sick or need accommodations for another reason need to have a job for money and health insurance.
  • lcpa37
    Relatable and Helpful
    I enjoy this podcast and can relate to a lot of the issues. It is uncomfortable listening to Allison argue with all of the guests. It seems excessive and unnecessary.
  • mn_listener
    Interesting topics but...
    ....I won’t give it a 5 star because the talent assumes every anonymous question comes from male workers...each commentary uses “he” or “him”. UnConscience bias?
  • elizabeth lm
    Really problematic views on women and millennials in the workplace
    What year is it, people?
  • Kay@UND
    Instructor recommendation
    I teach undergraduates in Management, Project Management, and Leadership. Great supplement to lectures and free for those on limited textbook budgets.
  • Nobody kn22344
    practical, useful and entertaining
    Great podcast. Relevant topics with experts on episode along with the hosts. I like that they all don't agree with each other and present different points of views. So far - the topics have been extremely practical and useful Keep it up!
  • TX_BDowns
    Solid Benchmark for Common Workplace Challenges
    Love the perspectives of the hosts and guests on the show. Great way to benchmark how one is handling workplace challenges and career decisions. Podcasts are the right length and breadth. Would be interested to see the show leverage the HBS network to bring in perspectives from actual mid/high-level managers into the discussion (vs. purely an academic point of view).
  • rosettaluo
    Love the conversation, incredibly honest and helpful
    Great show, keep up
  • PK, 57 yo COO
    Good content, off-putting moments in recent episode
    Dear HBR:, I like your podcast. However, I am really put off by the dialogue in your recent episode on performance reviews. One of the male commentators repeatedly talked about the female commentator crying in performance reviews and he laughed at her. I can’t help but have a negative reaction to this gender stereotype and put-down in the current climate. If this dynamic recurs, I’ll probably be signing off. Thanks for listening.
  • mer_maid
    Th best work advice!
    Listen to this podcast in the way to work and it keeps my mind motivated and open for dealing with work issues in creative ways. Love the perspective of the hosts and find this information so valuable. Great show!
  • Cuba-R
    Dear HBR,
    Lots of valuable information! Thanks for providing this!
  • bbcxb
    I like this podcast!
    Useful work place practical suggestions!
  • Bloom888
    is this really HBR? disappointing.
    Expected more science/research based advice rather than personal opinion.
  • ctine
    Mocked millenial
    I came to you for advice and you laughed at me on air
  • millenialwoman
    Older Opinions
    The advice and opinions are given more by an older generation, who are wanting millennials and others trying to change the culture (such as women) to conform more, instead of challenging the stereotypes in order to grow.
  • Bowzaaa
    Very enjoyable!
    Great new podcast from HBR. I’m sure episodes will fluctuate depending on the topic, but I do enjoy hearing people talk shop like this.
  • Liyutyang
    Great and it is free
    This is an excellent program, and the format is good.
  • Jake the snake 2013
    Good insight
    I love the information given however, I wish to give some feedback to make listeners experience more pleasant. I keep hearing a mmmmuuu.... on the first episode and I can’t tell who it’s coming from. It make it hard to listen to. Thanks
  • Johansonbbb
    Holy wow this woman is naive
    Followed Dr. Fishers advice and got fired for sexual harassment. Thanks hbr
  • Meghan1019
    More episodes, please!
    Really enjoying this show - the topics relevant and interesting, and Dan and Allison’s rapport is great. I also like that they have an expert join each show to weigh in with additional evidence and input. Can’t wait to hear more!
  • c.j.g.88
    Problematic
    The hosts of the podcast and their guest had some problematic views on asking out female coworkers. They were a bit dismissive of the 'me too' movement. Its frustrating to hear them defend romantic advances on women in the workplace without addressing the incredibly compromising position that this puts women in. If women and men were paid the same, were equally represented in management, and treated the same in a professional atmosphere, then we would be on a level playing field and asking a female coworker out to coffee would not be a fraught situation.
  • Alyx363
    So helpful
    It’s awesome to hear hosts disagree or hold different points of view when dispensing advice. It’s just not one size fits all solutions and it makes it so much easier to see the vital priorities.
  • srose1210
    Highly recommended...enjoying so far!
    This was a pleasant surprise to find in my podcast list, and so far, it's been well worth the listen. I just have to laugh at the dating in the workplace episode because it's so darn millennial with the caveats!
  • Kev1313
    Terrible POV’s
    Not based on research as much as their personal POV’s which I personally disagreed with on numerous occasions with the two initial podcasts. Unsubscribe.
  • My janlucvd Apple ID account
    Great advice from relatable situations.
    The insights learned from the topics discussed are relevant and important. The workplace will be a pleasant place for all listeners!
  • Dr.b.Panda
    Great podcast
    Great podcast
  • Troy.taylor0803
    Great premise
    Good first couple of shows based on a great premise. Same quality as the other HBR family of podcasts. The back and forth banter with actionable advice makes it fun and provides valuable insights. Worth a listen to the topics that will be relevant to your particular situation.
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