Bob Sutton

Robert I. Sutton is an organizational psychologist and a professor of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University. He has authored several New York Times bestselling books, including "Scaling Up Excellence", "Good Boss, Bad Boss", and "The No Asshole Rule". Sutton has contributed significantly to the field through his research on leadership, innovation, organizational change, and workplace dynamics. Notably, he has published more than 200 articles, chapters, and case studies across a range of scholarly and applied outlets.

Sutton received his Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from The University of Michigan and has been a part of the Stanford faculty since 1983. He transitioned to Professor Emeritus in 2024, after serving as a professor through 2023. His pivotal roles include co-founding the Center for Work, Technology and Organization, the Stanford Technology Ventures Program, and the Stanford d.school. These initiatives emphasize cross-disciplinary approaches to education and innovation. Sutton also served as a Fellow at IDEO, contributed as a board member for the Institute for the Future, and held faculty positions at events like the World Economic Forum in Davos.

His latest collaborative work with Huggy Rao, "The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things Harder" is set for publication in January 2024. This book is a comprehensive exploration of organizational inefficiencies and practical leadership strategies. Sutton's ongoing involvement in the "Friction Project" demonstrates his commitment to enhancing how organizations operate and lead. Additionally, his advisory roles with Teamraderie and Asana’s Work Innovation Lab highlight his continued influence in improving team trust, performance, and innovation in workplace settings.

Academically, Sutton has been recognized with numerous awards, including the best paper award from the Academy of Management Journal and induction into the Academy of Management Journals Hall of Fame. Other accolades include the Eugene L. Grant Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Sumantra Ghoshal Award from the London Business School for combining rigor and relevance in management studies. Sutton's dedication to the field is further underscored by his extensive list of publications and his contributions to a wide array of media outlets, where he shares insights that impact both academic and broader business communities.