Don Kiefer

This discussion features Nelson Repenning, a distinguished professor at MIT Sloan, and Don Kieffer, a senior lecturer in operations management. They explore dynamic work design as a solution to workplace chaos, emphasizing the need for visualizing workflows to boost productivity and morale. The duo reviews the complexities of integrating AI in business processes, advocating for an incremental approach. They also highlight the importance of understanding human work dynamics and engaging employees in grassroots problem-solving to drive effective change.

Don Kieffer, a former Harley-Davidson executive and consultant, teams up with MIT Sloan professor Nelson Repenning to tackle workplace inefficiencies. They discuss how many teams fall into a 'firefighting' trap, stemming from poor system design rather than individual performance. Key insights include spotting the 'firefighter-arsonist' behavior, the importance of clear problem statements, and the need for visibility in workflows. They also explore the balance between technology and human connection, urging leaders to foster environments that promote discovery and collaboration.