When AI @ Work is Helpful + When It Isn't

First - for the Fail: Here's a link to an article critical of Amazon, and its app-dependent work culture. As a Boomer - I can relate to the feeling..."isn't there a human somewhere who can answer a simple question for me?" LOL (You do not want to run into me at Home Depot!)

The article's author suggests "The point of a job is to get paid. There is no secret in that. But one important outcome of working at a people-oriented company is the ability to foster relationships with other individuals and learn from others how to get better." Here's the article - and more companies than Amazon are trying to strike the right balance between humans and AI or app-supported platforms at the workplace: Why Working For Amazon Was An Alienating Experience (thefederalist.com)

Second - for the Win: I confess upfront - I actively work as a Coach and Consultant with the next 2 platforms mentioned here - a functioning blend of capable humans and software - and my experience tells me the right mix can be found as it has been demonstrated by these company efforts: 15Five and PowerAmp Coaching.

For frontline, entry-level staff you can't beat the simplicity, the human resources and training leverage (for very small dollars) that 15 Five offers. Positive psychology fueled - the promise of "15 minutes a week, ending in a virtual High Five" delivers quick results via phone app or desktop / laptop screens for effective team engagement. It offers managers a dashboard - for a quick virtual peek into the mood, performance and challenges of their workforce. On-site or remote, it has the feel of #InItTogether.

For mid-level managers and staff, PowerAmp Coaching uses AI supported platform interfaces, again on the phone or laptop/desktop screens. Bringing coaching out of the more expensive c-suite delivery model - this program mixes AI supported interfaces with every-other-week live coaching. This downshifts costs, reduces time-dependency and frees up the limited bandwidth of key managers and busy staff, while still delivering tangible, measurable results.

On the leading edge of post-pandemic recalibration - workforces have a number of options to leverage technology and maintain a supportive "people-friendly" workplace culture.

Want to explore how you can use these tools for your teams? Well, there's coaching for that! Reach out to me to learn more.