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The Josh Bersin Company

Don't Blame The Workers. Let's Be Honest About Productivity and Bureaucracy

Feb 21, 2025
Explore the concept of cutting through bureaucracy to boost productivity while questioning the blame placed on workers. Discover how leadership decisions, like over-hiring and unclear goals, contribute to inefficiencies. Delve into the rise of the ‘Superworker’ and how AI is reshaping roles and responsibilities within organizations. Unpack the evolving role of Chief Human Resources Officers and their impact on innovation and performance in the age of AI. This discussion pushes for accountability at the leadership level to drive real change.
20:59

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Quick takeaways

  • Blaming workers for inefficiencies ignores the real issues rooted in management failures and growing bureaucracy within organizations.
  • The evolving role of CHROs is critical in driving productivity and organizational change by fostering cross-functional collaboration and aligning leadership strategies.

Deep dives

The Consequences of Blaming Frontline Workers

It is often incorrect to blame frontline workers for a company's inefficiencies, as the real issues typically lie within management structures and leadership decisions. Many frontline employees are dedicated to their work and strive to fulfill the company's mission, despite operating in systems that may hinder their performance. For instance, companies like Boeing and Starbucks face challenges not due to the efforts of their workers but because of mismanagement and an overloaded bureaucracy. Leaders must take responsibility for organizational failure and should focus on improving management practices rather than scapegoating the employees who are trying to do their best.

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