Hard Things Archives

See the Real Work

Helps you notice the strengths people use beyond their formal responsibilities, especially the quiet ones that are easy to overlook.

Creates a clearer boundary between work and life so unfinished tasks and unresolved conversations are easier to leave at work.

Examines which human capabilities may weaken as AI makes work faster and more automated.

Challenges the pressure to make fast hiring decisions and creates space to assess evidence before extending an offer.

Tests whether your people systems actually support the behaviors and capabilities your strategy requires.

Shows the cost of treating talent, L&D, OD, and HR as separate systems when employees experience them as one.

Challenges the assumption that easier is always better by examining what speed, automation, and AI may be removing from the work.

Shows how specific recognition can strengthen someone’s reputation and make their contributions visible beyond the people who see them firsthand.

Shows how making dissent an expected part of decision-making can turn disagreement from a threat into a useful form of challenge.

Challenges the idea that care at work has to be sentimental and shows how small acts of attention can strengthen performance and connection.