WorkCookie - Get Ahead with Industrial/Organizational Psychology in the Workplace

Explore the vital concept of human-centric leadership as a necessity in our tech-driven era. Discover the innovative HEARTH model, emphasizing empathy and ethical decision-making for leaders. Delve into the challenges of workforce automation and the importance of reskilling, while maintaining human connection. Hear insights on balancing profit and purpose in organizations, and the implications of AI on society. This exploration highlights how understanding human dynamics is essential for shaping a sustainable future in leadership.

In this discussion, Dr. Tom Ulrich, an engineering leader and author of *Leading Engineers*, shares insights from his extensive career in medical device software. He reveals the challenges engineers face when transitioning to leadership, emphasizing essential soft skills like communication and humility. Tom explains how to balance technical credibility with influence and highlights the importance of fostering collaboration among teams. He also discusses coaching reluctant engineers into leadership and sustaining their growth through continuous learning.

Dr. Karen Mishra, a leader in business administration and co-author of books on trustworthy leadership, discusses how leaders can foster a culture of trust. She emphasizes the importance of reliability, openness, and compassion in leadership. Mishra shares powerful examples, such as leaders who prioritize employee wellness and openly communicate, which can enhance organizational loyalty and reduce turnover. She also highlights the correlation between trust and profitability, advocating for training leaders to effectively manage trust, especially in remote environments.

Dr. MaryJo Burchard, an expert in organizational leadership and creator of the DUEL Leadership Model, shares her insights on navigating chaotic change. She emphasizes the shift from seeking buy-in to fostering readiness in teams. Discussing the impact of legacy and identity loss during change, she highlights the importance of leader language and clear communication. MaryJo also addresses signs of teams stuck in 'buy-in' mode and advocates for patience and incremental progress in implementing meaningful change.

Dr. Gaynell Vanderslice, an organizational leadership expert with over 30 years in the field, discusses her innovative Honeycomb Leadership model. She reveals why traditional leadership training often fails—lacking accountability and lasting impact. Gaynell emphasizes the importance of collective ownership in leadership development, highlighting shared learning and collaboration across all levels of an organization. She also addresses challenges like language gaps post-training and the need for ongoing accountability, ultimately advocating for a phased, collaborative approach to foster true transformation within teams.

Dr. Heather Morton, an I/O psychologist, leads a lively discussion on the ethical integration of AI in workplace settings. Nic Krueger emphasizes the need for human-centered goals amidst AI adoption. LindaAnn Rogers raises crucial points about AI ethics and the importance of verifying outputs. Rich Cruz highlights the impact of AI on mental health, advocating for responsible use. Laura Jordan shares practical applications of AI in learning and development, underscoring the necessity of ethics in AI outputs. Together, they navigate the balance between technology and employee well-being.

AI is transforming the workplace. But should we fear it or embrace it? In this episode, we dive into the future of work, exploring how AI is reshaping jobs, skills, and organizational culture. We busted myths, highlight opportunities, and share practical tips anyone can use to prepare for an AI-powered workplace (without needing to be a tech expert). In this Episode: Dr. Heather Morton, Tom Bradshaw, Nic Krueger, Lee Crowson, Jason Hamil, LindaAnn Rogers, Dr. Cam Dunson, Dr. Emi Barresi           I/O Career Accelerator Course: https://www.seboc.com/job Visit us https://www.seboc.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/sebocLI Join an open-mic event: https://www.seboc.com/events References:       Jarrahi, M. H., Lutz, C., Boyd, K., Oesterlund, C., & Willis, M. (2023). Artificial intelligence in the work context. Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 74(3), 303-310.         Meng, Q., Wu, T. J., Duan, W., & Li, S. (2025). Effects of employee–Artificial Intelligence (AI) collaboration on counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs): Leader emotional support as a moderator. Behavioral Sciences, 15(5), 696.         Zirar, A., Ali, S. I., & Islam, N. (2023). Worker and workplace Artificial Intelligence (AI) coexistence: Emerging themes and research agenda. Technovation, 124, 102747.

LindaAnn Rogers, an experienced I/O practitioner, highlights the emotional landscape of leadership, discussing how toxic leadership stems from a lack of self-awareness and empathy. Nic Kruger dives into the role of situational emotional intelligence in enhancing workplace dynamics. Both guests explore the deep-rooted issues like high turnover and its implications for organizational culture. They advocate for emotional intelligence and mental fitness as vital for effective leadership, emphasizing connection and curiosity to improve overall workplace wellbeing.

Dr. Emi Barresi, a practitioner-focused IO psychologist, and Stacy Lee, an expert in workplace communication, join a panel discussion to explore effective strategies for enhancing connection within SEBOC. They talk about translating research into relatable business language and bridging academia with practical needs. The conversation highlights the importance of psychological contracts in reducing conflict and emphasizes the need for relationship-first networking to foster meaningful consulting engagements. They also share actionable insights on empowering employees and navigating workplace politics.

LindaAnn Rogers, an organizational consultant specializing in leadership development, and Rich Cruz, a business owner and franchise coaching expert, explore the art of delegation. They discuss the importance of trust and history's lessons on delegation, practical tools for effective training, and breaking tasks into manageable steps. The duo emphasizes the role of coaching in overcoming micromanagement and encourages using positive feedback to motivate others. They also touch on the parallels between parenting techniques and managing teams for effective delegation.