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...]
Are We Measuring Presence or Performance?
For years, the workplace offered leaders a reassuring picture. Employees arrived in the morning, sat at their desks, attended meetings, and remained there until the workday ended. Everyone could see that work was taking place. Or could they? If an employee is sitting at a desk for eight hours, what exactly has been proven? Being present has never guaranteed that someone is productive. A person can spend an entire day moving between meetings, responding to emails, and appearing extremely … [Read more...]
What Happened to the Deal?
For a long time, there was an unwritten agreement between employers and employees. You showed up. You worked hard. You did your job well. You supported the organization, and in return, you expected the organization to support you. Nobody necessarily handed you a document explaining the arrangement. It was simply understood. Stay with the company. Do good work. Take on more responsibility. In return, there would be opportunity, reasonable security, increasing compensation, and perhaps … [Read more...]
When an Optional Retreat Isn’t Really Optional
The email arrives in early August. The company is organizing a retreat. There will be planning sessions, team-building activities, dinners, and time to connect outside the office. Attendance is described as optional, although the message makes it clear that senior leadership is excited and hopes everyone will participate. For some employees, the dates are not a problem. They may even be looking forward to the trip. For others, the timing creates an immediate conflict. One family has been … [Read more...]
Trust Is Built in Small Moments
When most people think about trust, they think about defining moments. A promise kept. A promise broken. A difficult conversation. A crisis. A betrayal. A second chance. Those moments matter. In fact, some of them can change a relationship forever. But defining moments rarely appear out of nowhere. More often, they reveal what has already been built. Early in my career, while serving as a Third Mate aboard a U.S. flag tanker, our ship was scheduled for an inspection by the American Bureau … [Read more...]