Every powerful new tool changes work in two ways. First, it changes how a task is performed. Then, over time, it changes what people are capable of doing. We’re beginning to see both changes with artificial intelligence. You may have read about new AI models that can predict protein structures and use computer models to screen promising molecules during the early stages of drug discovery. Laboratory testing and clinical trials are still essential, but researchers may be able to narrow the … [Read more...]
Are We Punishing Efficient Employees?
Most leaders would say they want their people to work efficiently. We invest in technology, improve processes, eliminate unnecessary steps, and hold meetings about increasing productivity. We encourage people to find better ways to get things done. Then an employee figures out how to accomplish in four hours what used to take eight. What do we do? We give them four more hours of work. Think about the message that sends. The employee who becomes more efficient isn't necessarily … [Read more...]
The Behavior You’re Getting Is the Behavior You’re Rewarding
There’s a moment in every organization where people quietly figure out how things really work. It doesn’t come from a handbook. It’s not covered in onboarding. It happens in real time. They watch: Who gets listened to What gets recognized Which ideas move forward Who gets labeled “difficult” And somewhere along the way, they make an adjustment. Not announced. Not discussed. Just… decided. “Got it. That’s how this works.” It Doesn’t Take Long Sometimes it looks … [Read more...]