Good managers are exceedingly hard to come by these days whether in ministry, business, nonprofit or any career. Many workplaces do not even have a development program to train employees on how to manage well, and yet we know from data on the Great Resignation that the relationship with one’s manager is a significant contributor to why many employees are leaving their jobs. We spend a significant amount of our lives at work, and when it comes to human flourishing, managers have an enormous role to play in contributing to the occupational well-being of those they manage. Whether you are a pastor, a business executive or an educator, this faith & work conversation is one to think deeply about and discuss with your teams.
Russ Laraway has had a diverse 28 year operational management career. He was a Company Commander in the Marine Corps before starting his first company, Pathfinders. From there, Russ went to the Wharton School, and then onto management roles at Google and Twitter. He then co-founded Candor, Inc., along with best selling author Kim Scott.
Over the last several years, Russ served as the Chief People Officer at Qualtrics, and is now the Chief People Officer for the fast-growing venture capital firm, Goodwater Capital, where he is helping Goodwater and its portfolio companies to empower their people to do great work and be totally psyched while doing it.
Over his career, Russ has managed 700 person teams and $700M businesses at places like Google and Twitter — facing a vast array of leadership challenges along the way. He’s the author of the book When They Win, You Win: Being a Great Manager Is Simpler Than You Think.
Pre-order the When They Win, You Win book
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