Computational Leadership

Apply the latest computational technologies to your leadership practices

In Computational Leadership, renowned leadership researcher Dr. Brian R. Spisak delivers a paradigm-shifting exploration of the use of simulations, network analysis, AI, and other computational approaches to fundamentally improve all aspects of leadership. With interviews from leaders of IBM, JPMorgan Chase, and Microsoft, this book sits at the intersection of cutting-edge science and technology, leadership research, and decades of the author's own first-person knowledge of leadership best practices.

The author offers readers a holistic and practical framework for utilizing advancements in leadership technology. He also provides:

• Concrete strategies for improving interpersonal relationships and morale in remote working arrangements
• Evidence-based techniques for increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring and promotion
• Ways to mitigate the fragility of "just-in-time" supply chains and harness the effectiveness of nascent blockchain and digital twin resources

An essential guide for managers, executives, board members, and other business leaders looking for an alternative to leadership strategies based largely on intuition and personal experience, Computational Leadership will earn a place in the libraries of anyone ready to apply modern technologies to the age-old art and science of leadership.

Introduction: How a Flood in Johnstown, Pennsylvania Inspired Computational Leadership vii

Part I Learning About Computational Leadership 1

Chapter 1 Developing the Roberto Clementes of Leadership 3
Featuring a Leadership Development Q&A with IBM

Chapter 2 Releasing the DEI Talent River 21
Featuring a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Q&A with JPMorgan Chase

Chapter 3 Breaking the Death-by-Meetings Curse and Other Engagement Killers 37
Featuring an Employee Engagement Q&A with Merck & Co.

Chapter 4 Mastering the Bubbles and Tightropes of Sustainability 57
Featuring a Sustainability Q&A with Tony’s Chocolonely

Chapter 5 Leading Through Crisis, Crisis, and More Crisis 75
Featuring a Crisis Leadership Q&A with Microsoft

Chapter 6 Cultivating Healthy Growth with Healthy People 97
Featuring an Employee Health and Well-Being Q&A with WebMD

Part II Being About Computational Leadership 117

Chapter 7 Becoming a Digital Golf Pro and Growing Digital Trees 119

Four Questions for Selecting a CLS Advisor 120

Two Systemic Factors for Growing Your Organization 124

Pairing Systemic Needs with Digital Trends 131

Building CLS Teams 135

Chapter 8 Navigating the 4 Cs of Digital Transformation 137

Making (Systemic) Goals Concrete and Actionable 137

The Confirm Step 141

The Collect Step 147

The Construct Step 153

The Convey Step 157

Conclusion: Spider-Man and Your Post-Digital Future 161

Learning from Interconnected Knowledge 162

Boldly Going Where No Leader Has Gone Before 164

Concluding Thoughts 166

Notes 169

Acknowledgments 203

Index 205

BRIAN R. SPISAK, PHD, is a Research Associate at Harvard’s National Preparedness Leadership Initiative. He focuses on what it takes to successfully lead transformation, as well as the emerging synthesis of artificial intelligence and leadership. He is also a trusted leadership advisor, consultant, and the co-founder of HSC Analytics.

While much ink has been spilled about leadership generally, much of the received wisdom on the topic is based on little more than anecdote and minimal evidence-based research. It often reflects only the personal opinion of the author and is rarely interested in building on a robust foundation of qualitative and quantitative data. This book changes all that.

In Computational Leadership, distinguished Harvard University leadership researcher, Dr. Brian R. Spisak delivers a paradigm shift in the study of leadership by employing simulations, network analysis, artificial intelligence (AI), and other computational approaches to fundamentally improve all aspects of the discipline. The book is positioned at the intersection of cutting-edge science and technology, leadership and business research, the author’s own first-person knowledge of leadership best practices, and interviews with senior leaders from IBM, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, and more.

Computational Leadership offers a holistic and practical framework for utilizing advancements in leadership technology. It provides concrete strategies for improving interpersonal relationships and morale in remote working arrangements, as well as data-driven techniques for increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion during the hiring and promotion of personnel. This book also demonstrates ways to mitigate the fragility of “just-in-time” supply chains by employing nascent process mining and digital twin technologies.

A must-read guide for managers, executives, directors, entrepreneurs, founders, human resource professionals, and other business leaders looking for an alternative to leadership strategies based largely on intuition and personal anecdote, Computational Leadership is the perfect resource for anyone ready to finally apply modern technologies to the ancient art and science of leading people.

Praise for COMPUTATIONAL LEADERSHIP

“The convergence of behavioral science, data science, and cutting-edge technology is a new frontier. Computational Leadership is both fascinating and highly practical, outlining how leaders can adapt to our increasingly digital world. Whether you’re using data and tech to foster innovation or boost employees’ well-being, this book is for you.”
—Max Beilby, Author of Darwinian Business (blog) and Senior Vice President, Culture & Behavioral Risk at Citi Internal Audit

“A must-read for managers, Computational Leadership is an essential exploration of the marriage of data, science, technology, and psychology. Spisak’s writing weaves time-honored management principles with cutting-edge technology best practices to help leaders level up. Any professional who is committed to strengthening relationships and improving decision-making should read this book today.”
—Juan Martinez, Senior Editor, Harvard Business Review

“I want to see democratized services and information as well as leaders using data to understand what really makes a difference when it comes to employee health and well-being. Computational Leadership is a highly readable book showing what it takes to make this digital transformation happen. It’s an essential read for leading in a post-digital world.”
—John Whyte, Chief Medical Officer, WebMD