Team Design

Designing the systems and structures that support thriving teams and organizations.

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Work Shouldn't Suck: Why People Ops Can't Wait Until Tomorrow

Gallup’s Worker Engagement Index found that, globally, only 15% of employees are engaged. Engaged employees are those with passion and who feel a profound connection to their company. They drive innovation and move the organization forward.

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Bring Your Whole(ish) Self to Work

Remember when it seemed like everyone was trying to achieve “work-life” balance? More recently, perhaps in a nod to the challenges of balancing “work” and “life” in an always-connected world, or maybe because for those searching for meaning and purpose in their activities there’s not always a bright line distinction between “work” and “life,” the phrase has shifted to “bringing our whole selves to work.”

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Core behavioral values, whether you want them or not

Here’s the good news. Your company has core behavioral values! Here’s the bad news. They might not be ones you want, ones you’re particular proud of, or ones you would print on a t-shirt even to wear on laundry day.

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Human Psychology & The Office Renovation: Or Any Change Initiative for that Matter

Remember that time you tried to change something and it involved other people? People will love this new thing, you said. It will make their lives so much better and easier, you said. Remember how you were blindsided by the push back, the skepticism as to your motives, and the accompanying anxiety, angst, and negativity directed towards you?

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Innovative Workplace, With No Money Down!

Being an “innovative workplace” isn’t just about having a great idea. Great ideas are a dime a dozen. The halls of history are littered with great, unrealized innovative ideas. Innovative workplaces instead are about the people and systems that allow and support ideas to be explored, nurtured, and often, nixed.

A cartoon featuring two business people debating employee training. One asks, "What if we train them and they leave?" The other replies, "What if we don't... and they stay?" Labeled "Corporate Dilemma" and "Investing in Employees."

Investing in People: A pathway for confronting the cultural sector’s challenges

The health of the cultural sector, and its ability to be creative, innovative, and resilient depends on the quality and skills of the people working for our organizations. In order for our sector to remain vibrant and relevant, we need to continually develop and leverage the skills our people possess.

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Would you rather be right or effective?

I used to work with someone who would always ask “Which would you rather” questions. Since those days, I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for “Which would you rather” questions. In the latest episode of How We Work, we explore “Which would you rather, be right or effective?” in the context of an abrasive leader about to lose their job.

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Scarcity and the Non-Profit People Paradox

Podcast cover image with text 'Gen Z in the Workplace EP75' featuring Tammy Dowley-Blackman and Tim Cynova. Includes a vintage microphone illustration and 'Work. Shouldn't. Suck.' in a red circle.

Gen Z in the Workplace (EP.75)

A podcast cover for "Work. Shouldn't. Suck." episode 72 titled "Decolonizing the Bylaws," featuring images of three guests: Kellee Edusei, Holly Bass, and Jim Leija. There is an illustration of a vintage microphone. The background is black with red and white text.

​​Decolonizing the Bylaws (EP.72)

Podcast cover for "Work. Shouldn't. Suck." episode 68 titled "Sunsetting Organizations" featuring guests Megan E Carter, Michelle Preston, and Jamie Bennett, with a vintage microphone graphic.

Sunsetting Organizations (EP.68)

Podcast cover titled 'Liberating Workplaces EP50' with a red circular logo saying 'Work. Shouldn't. Suck.' Features headshots of three individuals: Vanessa Roanhorse, Syrus Marcus Ware, and Lauren Ruffin. Includes an illustration of a vintage microphone.

Liberating Workplaces (EP.50)

Podcast cover for Episode 9 titled "What's in a Workplace?" featuring a microphone illustration and photos of three guests. Red and white text on a black background. Work Shouldn't Suck logo included.

What's in a Workplace? (EP.09)

"Role Clarity Blueprint" course advertisement with the slogan "Work Shouldn't Suck," featuring scattered buttons and a callout for a quick course on developing a consistent structure for outlining roles.

Role Clarity Blueprint: Developing a Consistent Structure for Outlining Roles

Promotional image for a quick course titled "Art of Authentic Job Searches" focusing on empathy mapping and advanced sourcing strategies. The background features numerous buttons with the phrase "Work Shouldn't Suck."

Art of Authentic Job Searches: Empathy Mapping & Advanced Sourcing Strategies

"Next-Rev Hiring" text on bright red background, surrounded by black and white buttons with "Work Shouldn't Suck." Subtitle reads, "Revolutionize Recruitment with Equity, Inclusion, and Care."

Next-Rev Hiring: Revolutionize Recruitment with Equity, Inclusion, and Care

Text over blurred sunset background reading: "Disability Justice, Ableism, and the Workplace - Readings & Resources." Small text in bottom right: "Work. Shouldn't. Suck."

Disability Justice, Ableism, and the Workplace: Readings & Resources

Collection of vintage alarm clocks in various colors and styles.

4 Time & Task Tracking Approaches: How to Conduct an Activities Assessment

Man in a suit and glasses standing against a textured background with the text 'WORLD-CHANGING CULTURE' at the bottom.

Company Culture That Changes the World: Building a Shared Purpose Culture

Five basketball players wearing red Chicago Bulls jerseys with visible numbers and names on their backs, walking on a basketball court during a game.

Please Don’t Break Up That High Performing Team!