Episode 321: Why Everyone’s Obsessed With Harvard’s #1 Leadership Class - And What You’ll Steal From It with Margaret Andrews

Written By Erin Diehl
 
 
 

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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin welcomes Harvard professor, leadership expert, and architect of Harvard’s #1 leadership course, Margaret Andrews. They talk about why this class has become the obsession, and what leaders everywhere can borrow from it.

From “card exchange” icebreakers to swimming at Walden Pond, Erin and Margaret explore why the best leaders manage themselves first, why vision starts with exploring possibilities (not pretending you have answers), and why play is a leadership skill.

Whether you’re leading a team, leading yourself, or questioning what leadership is supposed to look like, this episode is a reminder that leadership starts on the inside.

Vision Starts With Possibility 

Margaret reframes vision setting as an act of curiosity. Before intentions come exploration, and leaders who skip that step miss out on creativity, buy-in, and meaning.

Why Harvard’s #1 Leadership Class Hits Different

The secret is self-management. Leaders learn to understand their emotions, values, and patterns first, so they can actually lead others with clarity and integrity.

Play Builds Psychological Safety

Margaret shows how play creates connection fast, and why knowing more about someone than their job title changes everything.

Manage Yourself First

Margaret breaks down her core philosophy (and bestselling book): understanding yourself helps you understand others, develop people better, and avoid becoming someone you don’t recognize in the name of leadership.

Self-Awareness Is Career Insurance

Leaders who lack self-awareness are far more likely to derail. Margaret shares practical ways to build emotional awareness starting with a simple post-it note.

Creativity Loves a Relaxed Brain

Joy, nature, comedy, movement: these are fuel. Creativity shows up when stress steps aside.

You Don’t Have to Be “That Kind of Leader”

From early-career professionals to senior execs, Margaret shares a common trap: twisting yourself into someone else’s version of leadership. The fix: slow down to speed up.

Questions > Answers

Great leadership involves about asking better questions. The frame you choose determines the future you create.

Your Play Challenge 

This week, try one small act of self-leadership. Ask yourself: What am I feeling right now, and why?

Notice what shifts when you manage yourself first.

Your Freebie

You’ve tried the emails, the all-hands rollout, and the polished decks, but the vision still isn’t landing. 

That’s because people don’t buy into a vision that’s presented to them; they buy into one they help shape.  

The 30-Minute Vision-Setting Meeting Template gives you a simple, human-centered way to create alignment, spark ownership, and build real momentum. Download it here. 

No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) 

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Connect with Margaret Andrews 

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Erin Diehl
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Episode 320: 5 Years Strong: The 10 Episodes You Loved Most