The Leader's Code

Excellence in leadership—grounded in science

Leadership
Truly Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Craig Dowden Ph.D. on May 28, 2024

Could leadership rooted in empathy be the game-changer in our diverse workplaces? I speak with James and Krista White about their bestselling book on anti-racist leadership.

Could leadership rooted in empathy be the game-changer in our diverse workplaces? I speak with James and Krista White about their bestselling book on anti-racist leadership.

Resilience
A Surprising Way to Build Resilience: Help Someone Else

Craig Dowden Ph.D. on November 5, 2023

When thinking of ways to increase our resilience, helping others would likely seem counterintuitive. Yet, evidence suggests this practice helps us far more than we may expect.

When thinking of ways to increase our resilience, helping others would likely seem counterintuitive. Yet, evidence suggests this practice helps us far more than we may expect.

Motivation
Why You Want to Be Stretched Outside Your Comfort Zone

Craig Dowden Ph.D. on August 11, 2016

While some of us may be concerned about stretching beyond our limits, research suggests that this practice can help us maximize our engagement and reach our potential.

While some of us may be concerned about stretching beyond our limits, research suggests that this practice can help us maximize our engagement and reach our potential.

Leadership
The Secret to a Billion Dollar Success Story

Craig Dowden Ph.D. on April 15, 2016

What are the secrets behind the world's first billion dollar open source company? Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst talks about the importance of openness and vulnerability.

What are the secrets behind the world's first billion dollar open source company? Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst talks about the importance of openness and vulnerability.

Education
Why We May Want to Go ‘Old School’ for Our Next Meeting

Craig Dowden Ph.D. on January 5, 2016

Although many assume that "smart" technology maximizes our productivity and performance, recent research suggests our learning and retention of information may be compromised.

Although many assume that "smart" technology maximizes our productivity and performance, recent research suggests our learning and retention of information may be compromised.

Friends
Redefining Success in 2015: How Much Is Enough?

Craig Dowden Ph.D. on January 7, 2015

The desire for success is a universal phenomenon. Yet, many of us forget to ask ourselves some critical questions before embarking on this pursuit.

The desire for success is a universal phenomenon. Yet, many of us forget to ask ourselves some critical questions before embarking on this pursuit.

Leadership
We Shouldn’t Be Scared to Death to Have ‘That’ Conversation

Craig Dowden Ph.D. on October 21, 2014

Leaders can often avoid difficult conversations by convincing ourselves that the other person cannot handle it or will be uncomfortable. However, our personal fears may be preventing us from realizing opportunities to discuss what matters most to the other person.

Leaders can often avoid difficult conversations by convincing ourselves that the other person cannot handle it or will be uncomfortable. However, our personal fears may be preventing us from realizing opportunities to discuss what matters most to the other person.

Career
Why you need to be seen

Craig Dowden Ph.D. on September 11, 2014

A simple act of acknowledgement motivates us to continue, even when faced with boring tasks. If you ignore someone's work, it has the same impact as putting it in a shredder.

A simple act of acknowledgement motivates us to continue, even when faced with boring tasks. If you ignore someone's work, it has the same impact as putting it in a shredder.

Forgiveness
The 3 Keys to a Real Apology

Craig Dowden Ph.D. on August 22, 2014

Most people struggle when faced with conflict. Things become even more complicated when we are in the wrong. Recent research suggests that the delivery of an effective apology helps preserve and grow our relationships. This article discusses why apologies are so important and how we can better deliver them to the people we have offended.

Most people struggle when faced with conflict. Things become even more complicated when we are in the wrong. Recent research suggests that the delivery of an effective apology helps preserve and grow our relationships. This article discusses why apologies are so important and how we can better deliver them to the people we have offended.

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May 2026
The Best Ways to Begin Again

The best way to begin something new—in love, work, and life.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
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