Why Great Workers Become Bad Managers with Kate Waterfall Hill

In this episode of Work’s Not Working... Let’s Fit It! Siân Harrington dives into the complex and often paradoxical relationship between humans and artificial intelligence with Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, organisational psychologist and author of the provocative book I, Human. Together they unpack the ways AI is reshaping workplaces ­­– and our very minds – for better and worse.

From the alarming economic toll of digital distraction to the rise of "datification" Tomas sheds light on how technology is hijacking attention, narrowing our thinking and making us more predictable. But it’s not all dystopia. Tomas offers hope in the form of practical strategies to stay human in a world increasingly run by machines.

For HR and people leaders this episode raises critical questions: How do we use AI to amplify – not replace – our humanity? And how can we build workplaces where empathy, creativity and critical thinking thrive amidst the algorithms?

Key Takeaways

• AI: A Weapon of Mass Distraction: Tomas calls out AI’s role in fuelling multitasking and digital addiction. He reveals how this distraction costs the US economy $650 billion annually, far outweighing other workplace challenges like absenteeism and turnover.
• The Datification of Work: AI thrives on big data but Tomas warns that in making us more efficient it also risks making us more robotic. The challenge for leaders: How do we embrace AI without losing our human unpredictability?
• The Rise of Digital Narcissism: Technology has amplified cultural narcissism, entrenching us in filter bubbles that feed our biases. Tomas explains how this impacts leadership, fostering groupthink, weakening cognitive diversity and creating workplace polarisation.
• The Paradox of Productivity: While AI boosts efficiency it can also encourage intellectual laziness, leaving us unprepared to think critically or independently. Tomas advocates for rediscovering analogue connections and injecting humanity back into our daily routines.
• Practical Actions for HR Leaders: Tomas urges HR to focus on three priorities:

1. Upskilling mid-level managers to handle AI’s complexities.
2. Humanising workplace cultures to counterbalance AI’s dominance.
3. Cultivating curiosity and experimentation to adapt to AI’s evolving potential.

Tomas leaves listeners with a powerful challenge: Don’t become a robot. As AI increasingly mimics humanity, we must double down on what makes us unique – our empathy, creativity and ability to connect meaningfully with others.

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