Jane E. Dutton
Jane E. Dutton is an organizational scholar whose research centers on positive organizational scholarship, compassion, identity, and high-quality connections at work. A longtime University of Michigan professor and cofounder of the Center for Positive Organizations, she is known for How to Be a Positive Leader, Energize Your Workplace, and influential management research.
Biography & Author's Journey
Jane E. Dutton built her career at the intersection of sociology, strategy, management, and psychology. Raised outside Boston, she studied sociology at Colby College, graduating in 1974, then worked as a research assistant at the University of Maine before earning an M.A. and Ph.D. in organizational behavior at Northwestern University in 1981 and 1983. Her doctoral work examined how strategic issues rise onto firms’ agendas, establishing an early interest in how everyday organizational life shapes major decisions. After six years on the faculty at New York University, she joined the University of Michigan in 1989, where her joint appointments in business and psychology became a defining feature of her intellectual identity. ((https://www.bus.umich.edu/facultybios/cv/janedut.pdf))
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Popular Books
How to Be a Positive Leader
Jane E. Dutton & Gretchen M. Spreitzer
Evidence-based strategies for leaders to bring out the best in themselves and their organizations, fostering excellence and positive change.
Awakening Compassion at Work
Monica C. Worline and Jane E. Dutton
Discover how cultivating compassion in the workplace can boost innovation, collaboration, and overall organizational success.
How to Be a Positive Leader
Jane E. Dutton & Gretchen M. Spreitzer
Evidence-based strategies for leaders to bring out the best in themselves and their organizations, fostering excellence and positive change.
Awakening Compassion at Work
Monica C. Worline and Jane E. Dutton
Discover how cultivating compassion in the workplace can boost innovation, collaboration, and overall organizational success.
Discover more
Power, Virtue, and the Corporate Game
In modern organizations, formal titles rarely tell the whole story of how decisions are made. This plan is essential for rising leaders who need to master the art of institutional survival without compromising their personal character.
The Art of Deep Connection
In an era of digital distraction, the ability to truly see and hear others is a rare leadership superpower. This plan is designed for leaders, coaches, and partners who want to transform superficial interactions into profound relationships through emotional intelligence and presence.
The Everyday Influence Toolkit
In today’s collaborative environment, technical skill alone is insufficient without the ability to move people and ideas forward. This toolkit is designed for professionals and emerging leaders who need to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and gain buy-in without formal authority.
Influence and Persuasion at Work
In today's flat organizational structures, the ability to lead without formal authority is a critical career differentiator. This plan is ideal for professionals looking to command respect, handle executive-level pressure, and navigate office politics with integrity.
The Hidden Drivers of Human Behavior
Understanding the unseen psychological forces that dictate our actions is essential for effective leadership and communication. This plan is ideal for professionals, managers, and anyone looking to master social intelligence and group dynamics.
Unshakable Presence: From Overthinking to Action
This plan is designed for professionals whose contributions are hindered by hesitation and mental loops. It provides actionable tools to shift from passive overthinking to assertive leadership and high-impact communication.
Study philosophy, spirituality & business
In an era of burnout and ethical complexity, this plan bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern commerce. It is designed for leaders and seekers who want to align their professional success with deep personal meaning and ethical integrity.
Direct Moves for Difficult Workplaces
This learning plan is essential for professionals trapped in high-friction environments who need practical, clinical strategies to survive and thrive. It is specifically designed for mid-to-senior level employees looking to master ethical influence while protecting their mental well-being from toxic leadership.
Community Voices
"Kim Cameron calls Jane E. Dutton and Monica Worline the world's experts on compassion in organizations"
— Kim Cameron ((
"Emma Seppala says Jane E. Dutton and Monica Worline's work on bringing humanity to the workplace is groundbreaking"
— Emma Seppala ((
"Lynda Gratton says Jane E. Dutton and Gretchen Spreitzer gathered a sterling group of thought leaders on positive leadership"
— Lynda Gratton ((
"Ari Cowan says Jane E. Dutton and Monica Worline bring academic brilliance and hands-on experience to compassion at work"
— Ari Cowan ((
"Paul Gilbert describes Jane E. Dutton and Monica Worline as world leaders and pioneers in compassionate work"
— Paul Gilbert ((
"James Doty says Jane E. Dutton and Monica Worline offer science-based solutions to stress and suffering at work"
— James Doty ((
"Roger Newton says Jane E. Dutton and Gretchen Spreitzer tapped the greatest minds for positive leadership"
— Roger Newton ((
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
