Free online course on collaborating across time and space
In this course with expert Professor Smaranda Boros you’ll learn how to collaborate successfully on projects. And you’ll get tips on how to assess and improve your virtual working practices – for both current and future teams. Register here for free »

Group emotional awareness or how to prevent controversy turning into conflict
For years now there has been talk about emotional intelligence, debating the role of emotions in the workplace. While researchers are increasingly recognising the importance of emotions, managers have yet to be convinced. Recent research by Professor Smaranda Boroș and colleagues shows that discussing emotions in teams is not at all a ‘soft’ approach. On the contrary, emotional awareness and emotion regulation will help teams perform better, enabling more creativity and healthy controversy. Read more »

Job insecurity is contagious: how can you ensure that the work climate is not affected?
The COVID-19 outbreak is threatening the jobs of many across the globe. Regardless of the exact numbers, it is clear that many employees will at least subjectively worry about the continuity of their jobs. Research shows that such job insecurity is very contagious and may affect the overall work climate in your organisation. To maintain a positive work climate, leaders should focus on three elements, says Professor Katleen De Stobbeleir. Read more »

Balcony sessions on leadership in crisis: PLAY to let your soul survive
In this first part of a video series by Leadership Professor Ralf Wetzel, he talks about an aspect that he painfully misses in the advice issued by gurus all around the world. They talk about how managers and leaders are supposed to manage this crisis by structuring their days, by keeping in touch with co-workers, etc. Most of this is referring to how you – as a leader - satisfy external expectations. But how do you nurture yourself during this time of physical and social restriction? The answer is immersing yourself into an activity that you love to do and… get lost in it. Watch Part #1 of the Balcony Sessions »

Maintaining organisational stability in irrational times
Even if in due time we manage to tame the Corona outbreak, other new, unprecedented and unpredictable events will arise. There is one thing you can always focus on more: keeping stability during times of change. Surely, we cannot change what happens to us today, but instead of panicking, we can work on creating a feeling of mental and emotional safety and solidity. Professor Peter De Prins offers organisational leaders in crisis mode 6 recommendations to keep in mind. Read more »

How can leaders effectively manage remote teams?
As a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, leaders are suddenly faced with managing and motivating remote teams. The team members as well feel stressed and anxious about this new way of working. In this Forbes article, Vlerick Professor Katleen De Stobbeleir – together with other European experts – shares 5 insights on managing remote teams. Read more »

Business Today: A Red Queen’s Race
Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is set in a land where nothing is as it seems and where the rules change constantly. Only the Red Queen has the power to change the rules of the game. But what does a land that was invented have to do with business today? Quite a lot, actually! The unpredictable rules of Wonderland are often used as a metaphor for today’s turbulent business environment. In this white paper, Professor Katleen De Stobbeleir links a leader’s roles to the Red Queen’s Race. Download the white paper »

Let top management set an example for pay cuts
Applying pay cuts in the form of temporary unemployment measures is a good idea, says Professor Xavier Baeten. However, we should not underestimate the negative effect they have on attitudes to work. It helps if employees trust management, but managers do need to set the right example. Read more »

Video: The new way of working
The Corona virus has an enormous impact on our daily work and the way we work together. Most of us are no longer allowed to physically go to the office and are now full-time working from home. This is radically changing our HR policies with trust becoming a crucial factor. In this Business Watcher video, Human Resources Professor Dirk Buyens gives practical advice on how to address issues emerging from working at home. Watch the video »

 Entrepreneurs between damage control and responsible leadership
SMEs are feeling the impact of the corona crisis at all levels. By linking a long-term vision with a decisive limitation of the short-term damage, they can emerge stronger than before. That's the opinion of Entrepreneurship Professor Hans Crijns, researcher Yannick Dillen, Daan De Wever (CEO of Destiny) and Herman Van de Velde (Chairman of Van de Velde NV). Read more »

The global consumer electronics supply chain is under threat
Since many components to produce consumer electronics and telecom equipment are produced in China, the coronavirus epidemic is heavily impacting the global supply chains of hitech and electronics companies. However, the level of disruption depends on how they operate, says Vlerick Professor Robert Boute in this article by International Finance Magazine. Read more »