5 ways to boost your team's productivity - without relying on generative AI

Generative AI is revolutionizing the workplace by taking over mundane tasks, freeing up our time to focus on more important work. However, as much as this technology promises to boost our productivity, it also brings along its own set of challenges, such as ethical dilemmas and the risk of AI "hallucinations." To navigate these waters successfully, keeping humans in the loop is crucial, according to business leaders who spoke to ZDNET. Talented professionals are essential in guiding and refining how AI evolves and integrates into our work environments.

Given the significant role humans will continue to play in AI-enhanced workplaces, how can managers ensure their teams remain motivated and productive? Here are five practical tips from business leaders that can help.

1. Empower Your Team

Carrie Jordan, global director of proposals at Microsoft, emphasizes that a strong, supportive culture is the backbone of a productive team. "To create the best team in the world, you have to create the best team to work for," she shared. When team members feel valued, recognized for their individuality, and part of a collaborative and safe environment, they naturally strive to perform at their best. Jordan advises managers to foster a culture where failure is seen as a learning opportunity, promoting innovation and trust within the team.

2. Eliminate Unnecessary Meetings

Madoc Batters, head of cloud and IT security at Warner Leisure Hotels, leverages Agile development techniques to increase productivity. By making work processes visible through tools like sprints and Kanban sessions, teams can stay focused on their tasks without the need for frequent, unproductive meetings. Batters highlights the inefficiency of traditional meetings where participants often leave without clear direction, suggesting that teams should reserve meetings for crucial decision-making moments.

3. Focus on Employee Happiness

Bev White, CEO at Nash Squared, believes that understanding and catering to individual employee needs can significantly enhance productivity. "We're all different and different things make us tick," she noted. Whether it's flexible work hours, opportunities for learning and growth, or regular feedback, addressing what makes employees happy can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce. White also recommends using AI as a tool for employees to explore, helping them become more efficient in their roles.

4. Provide Regular Feedback

Louisa Latham, senior business advisor at BearingPoint, stresses the importance of setting short-term goals and conducting regular team reviews to maintain productivity. She advocates for a scoring system to identify areas for improvement and emphasizes the need for personalized monthly one-on-one sessions. These meetings should focus on meaningful actions and personal development, keeping team members motivated and contributing effectively to the team's overall performance.

5. Replicate Successful Techniques

Chris Kronenthal, president and CTO at FreedomPay, suggests that the key to boosting productivity lies in identifying and replicating the best practices within an organization. By measuring performance and analyzing data, leaders can pinpoint what makes certain individuals exceptionally productive. Kronenthal encourages managers to study these high performers, document their methods, and scale these successful techniques across the organization to enhance overall productivity.

By implementing these strategies, managers can ensure their teams are not only ready for the integration of generative AI but also eager and productive in their daily work.