5 Ways to Make Your Teams More Productive Without Relying on Generative AI
The experts suggest that generative AI’s game-changing capabilities mean we won’t have to focus on mundane tasks that limit our productivity. However, while the technology has benefits, generative AI also comes with challenges, such as ethical risks and hallucinations.
Various business leaders have told ZDNET that keeping humans in the loop is the key to the successful deployment of AI. Talented professionals ensure emerging technology behaves as it continues to evolve.
So, with humans expected to fulfill an important role in a workplace boosted by generative AI, how can managers ensure their staff are eager and productive? Five business leaders gave us their best-practice tips.
1. Make Your Team Feel Empowered
Carrie Jordan, global director of proposals at Microsoft, said a solid culture is the key to creating more productive teams.
"I believe that to create the best team in the world, you have to create the best team to work for," she said.
"In my experience, when your team feels valued, they feel known as a person first, you celebrate their unique characteristics and recognize them, and you encourage collaboration and create a safe psychological space in the team, then they will naturally want to rise and be high performers for you."
2. Stop Having Pointless Meetings
Madoc Batters, head of cloud and IT security at Warner Leisure Hotels, said he boosts productivity using Agile development techniques.
"We’re big believers in using extreme programming, running sprints, doing Kanban sessions, and applying all the artifacts for Agile workflows," he said.
Batters told ZDNET he likes to make work processes visible so everybody knows what tasks they should be doing. Once people have direction, you can stop attending pointless get-togethers.
3. Focus on What Makes People Happy
Bev White, CEO at recruiter Nash Squared, said managers must treat each person in their team individually:
"We’re all different and different things make us tick," she said.
White told ZDNET that employees are more productive when they’re happier. Focus on your staff’s happy places and help them reach those destinations.
4. Give Staff Regular Feedback
Louisa Latham, senior business advisor at management and technology consulting firm BearingPoint, said improving productivity in team environments is a collective effort.
"Despite advances in AI, the human factor remains crucial," she said.
Latham told ZDNET that regular team reviews that score professionals against targets can help managers unlock continuous productivity improvements.
5. Replicate the Best Techniques
Chris Kronenthal, president and CTO at FreedomPay, said the key to boosting productivity is working out who has the best techniques using quantitative data.
"You can still measure most things," he said. "And as soon as you start measuring, you’ll be able to discern who in the organization does things well and expeditiously and who doesn’t."
Conclusion
While generative AI has its benefits, it’s essential to remember that humans are still crucial in the deployment of AI. By following these five best-practice tips, managers can ensure their staff are eager and productive, even without relying on generative AI.
FAQs
Q: What is the key to creating a productive team?
A: A solid culture is the key to creating more productive teams.
Q: How can I stop having pointless meetings?
A: Make work processes visible, and once people have direction, stop attending pointless get-togethers.
Q: What makes people happy at work?
A: Different things make people happy, such as flexibility, development and training, recognition, and regular feedback.
Q: How can I improve productivity in my team?
A: Regular team reviews that score professionals against targets can help managers unlock continuous productivity improvements.
Q: How can I boost my team’s productivity without relying on generative AI?
A: Focus on what makes people happy, give staff regular feedback, replicate the best techniques, and keep humans in the loop.
