Benjamin Laker

Benjamin Laker

Senior Contributor|Leadership Strategies

Benjamin Laker is a Professor of Leadership at Henley Business School, University of Reading, in the United Kingdom. Since early 2020, he has written for Forbes on leadership and workplace strategy, examining how leaders design roles, manage teams and structure modern

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Jul 31, 2026

How To Know When A Leader Isn’t Going To Change

Research shows effective leaders learn, adapt and build trust. Here’s how to recognize when a leader isn’t changing, and when it may be time to move on.

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Jul 30, 2026

The Right Way To Celebrate Birthdays At Work

Employee birthdays can strengthen workplace culture, or create discomfort. Research shows how leaders can celebrate birthdays in ways that feel inclusive and meaningful.

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Jul 29, 2026

The Leadership Moments That Shape Careers Long After They’re Over

Research shows employees remember everyday leadership behaviors more than strategy. Here's why trust, recognition and empathy leave the strongest lasting impact.

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Jul 29, 2026

Why The Best Employees Don't Always Become The Best Managers

Research shows top performers don't always become great managers. Here's why leadership requires different skills than technical expertise and individual success.

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Jul 28, 2026

The Best Leaders Aren’t Anti-AI. They’re Better At Questioning It

AI can transform work, but blind adoption creates risk. Research shows why the best leaders question AI, avoid automation bias and prioritize human judgment.