That’s the truth leaders must hold onto as the ground shifts beneath us. We are in the midst of the AI revolution, and while the headlines are filled with talk of disruption, efficiency, and automation, the real story is about people. Just as the Industrial Revolution transformed physical labor, AI is targeting cognitive labor – our ability to think, decide, and create. But here’s the difference: machines can process information faster, yet they can’t imagine, empathize, or connect and feel. The real revolution isn’t AI – it’s how leaders elevate the human at the center of it.

The rise of AI presents a new frontier for leaders, where the toughest challenges are not technical but profoundly human. Leaders must navigate employee anxiety, fears of job displacement, and the ethical dilemmas of a data-driven world. But beyond that, they must safeguard the fabric of human connection – the conversations, the trust, the shared sense of purpose – that no algorithm can replicate. The real tension is in balancing AI’s remarkable efficiency with the human capacities for creativity, empathy, intuition, critical thinking, and relationship-building.

To effectively lead teams through the AI transition and ease the stress that comes with it, leaders can focus on these four key steps to model the way:

• Connect AI Adoption to Purpose: Answer the questions your teams are asking. Why oh why are we moving so rapidly towards this AI platform? How is this mapping to our core business and specific goals? How do I become part of this new way of doing business and participate? How is AI going to benefit me and make me a more valued employee?
• Invest in Upskilling and Reskilling: What is the organization doing to help each employee inventory their skill set? Where are their strengths as the organization moves toward using AI? Where are the gaps? And we are talking about the AI technical skills AND the human-centered skills — empathy, trust, critical thinking. More importantly, what type of organization-wide structure will be put into place to upskill the workforce, ensuring that employees are on the same growth path as the organization? Remember, each employee is asking, “What about me?”
• Provide Support and Resources: According to research by The Leadership Challenge, 68% of employees believe their manager’s support is crucial in reducing stress during the AI transition. Leaders have to lead with heart at this time of transition and change. Ask team members what they need to be successful. Listen to the answers and provide the resources they require for development. Remember, each individual is unique and will have specific requirements for success. Stop. Ask. Listen. Provide.
• Lead with Transparent Communication: The word “transparent” may feel tired, but this is the time it matters most. Provide as much information as possible. Ease employees’ nerves. The Trust Quotient (TQ) — I just made that up — works perfectly here. If people don’t trust you, it’s over. The culture will dissolve, and you will be left to do the work alone. This is the time to continually earn the trust of your employees and engage from a human perspective.

By embracing AI with foresight, organizations can spark innovation while building a future where technology enhances — not replaces — human potential. This isn’t just a change in how we work; it’s a redefinition of what it means to be human at work. And in this reality, leadership isn’t about mastering machines — it’s about cultivating connection, trust, and the very qualities that make us human.

Now is the time to lead with humanity, vision, and clarity through this AI revolution. At PeopleThink, we help leaders strengthen the skills they need to navigate change and lead with confidence. Explore our Keep It Real Leadership Program today.

At the end of the day, people don’t follow machines – they follow leaders who connect.

Till the next time, keep it real.

Karen

The post The Real AI Revolution: Keeping Work Human appeared first on PeopleThink.

Steve Jobs famously told graduates in his 2005 Stanford commencement speech:

“You’ve got to find what you love. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle!”

That quote has fueled an entire generation’s obsession with chasing their “one true passion.” But in 2025, let’s be real—does that mean you should drop everything, ignore practical needs (like rent, food, and personal growth), and hold out for a career that magically fulfills your soul?

Not according to research. Studies suggest that developing your passion(s) is far more important than relentlessly searching for a single “calling.” When we pin our entire sense of purpose on one thing, we risk feeling lost when that thing changes—or doesn’t pan out the way we hoped.

In other words, life isn’t a straight path—it’s a series of possibilities.

Author Cleo Wade put it best in her TED talk:

“Why are we putting the pressure on ourselves to have one purpose or one passion?”

Your 9-to-5 job doesn’t have to define you. It can—but it doesn’t have to be the sole source of purpose or joy in your life. Sometimes, a job is simply how you pay the bills, and that’s absolutely okay.

So here’s the truth: You can like what you do—maybe even love what you do —without sacrificing the rest of your life. You can have multiple passions, and your career is just one piece of the puzzle.

Want to explore how to find joy in ALL areas of your life? Check out my podcast, Passion and Work – Is It Possible?, for a simple exercise to help you do just that.

Till the next time, keep it real.

Karen

The post Can Passion and Work Truly Coexist? appeared first on PeopleThink.

Purpose isn’t fluff—it’s your game plan. When you align your actions with your values and dreams, you make sharper decisions and create the future you truly want. And, you’ve got to do the work. Reflection isn’t just staring out a window with a latte—it’s where the magic happens. It’s about dreaming bigger, reconnecting with joy, and releasing what no longer serves you.

Here are some prompts to get you started:

• Values Check: When was the last time you revisited your top five values? These are your non-negotiables, your internal GPS. Values can evolve—make sure yours still align with the life you want to lead.
• Natural Talents: What comes effortlessly to you? What would you refuse to give up, even for $2 million? Are you using your talents fully? If not, why?
• Stops: What drained you in 2024? Identify what no longer serves you and let it go.
• Dreams Do Come True: Dream boldly. Imagine outrageous possibilities. What could make 2025 unforgettable?
• Purpose Reset: What is 2025 going to mean for you? Define it. Own it. Live it.
• Broadcast Your Vision: Share your goals with someone who will hold you accountable—and do the same for them.

As the saying goes, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” Don’t wander aimlessly—chart your path with purpose and intention. Let’s step into 2025 ready, strong, and focused.

Dream it. Define it. Live it.

With the Keep It Real Leadership Program, you’ll be equipped with the right tools to turn your 2025 ambitions into reality. Contact us today to discuss how we can empower you along your journey!

Till the next time, keep it real.

Karen

The post Reflect, Reset, Recharge: Stepping into 2025 with Purpose appeared first on PeopleThink.

The effects of this are becoming more obvious. According to recent research from Josh Bersin (November 2023), only 17% of companies have a solid leadership succession plan, and just 15% are addressing leader burnout. 

These facts are much too low!!!

Understandably, CEOs and CHROs have been focused on more immediate challenges, from sustaining the business, labor shortages, employee burnout and building efficient hybrid work models. In doing so, they’ve let leadership development dry up, creating a void at the top with no leadership bench strength to fill the gaps. 

This leadership drought is having a ripple effect. Without strong leadership, companies are struggling to attract, retain, and nurture talent. Companies without a pipeline of well-prepared leaders face challenges in:

• Developing a clear strategic direction
• Ensuring sustainable growth
• Fostering a thriving company culture
• Enhancing employee engagement
• Driving innovation

As we navigate this post-pandemic landscape, organizations must recognize the importance of investing in leadership development. This isn’t just about preparing future executives—it’s about creating a culture of learning, resilience, and adaptability. By doing so, companies can turn this leadership desert into an oasis of innovation, growth, and future success.

The desert we’re in may seem vast, but with the Keep It Real Leadership Program, your organization will cultivate leadership that drives sustainable growth. Contact us today so we can talk leadership and get your organization set up for success!

Till the next time, keep it real.

Karen

The post Navigating the Leadership Desert: Why Development Can’t Wait! appeared first on PeopleThink.

Here are several steps that leaders and individual employees can take to normalize accountability:

• Set the Tone at the Top: If you never accept personal responsibility for something, how can you expect your team to? Leaders serve as role models, and their behavior and actions set the standard for the entire organization.
• Create a trusting environment : Encourage open communication where all team members are encouraged to share successes and failures for the purpose of learning and continuous improvement.
• Find (and share) the lesson in failure : What could you have done better? What will you change? Acknowledge the impact that your actions (or lack of action) had. Embracing accountability means acknowledging mistakes and learning from them.
• Align Goals and Values : When leaders consistently uphold their commitments and demonstrate accountability, it reinforces the importance of the organization’s values, creating a shared sense of purpose among team members. Be sure those are clearly defined and understood.
• Avoid the blame game : Leaders who take responsibility for their actions set the expectation that the focus can be on problem-solving and improvement rather than assigning blame. Ditch the excuses. Take the blame. Apply what you learned. And do better next time.

In summary, leadership accountability serves as a cornerstone for a positive organizational culture by shaping behaviors, fostering trust, encouraging learning, and promoting values that contribute to the overall success and well-being of the organization.

Want to learn more about how you can practice and encourage accountability in the workplace? Check out my Keep It Real Leadership program!

Till the next time, keep it real.

Karen

The post Thriving Together: Cultivating a Positive Culture through Accountability appeared first on PeopleThink.

But how do you create that special magic that results in not just an effective team but a high-performing team?

Here are six proven strategies to build and foster a strong team:

• Establish a clear purpose and specific goals: A high-performing team is defined by individuals who not only comprehend the shared purpose and milestones but also collaboratively contribute to defining the means to reach those goals. Clear communication of team goals, objectives, and expectations ensures alignment among members, fostering a deeper commitment to the common purpose and enhancing overall performance.
• Create a sense of mutual accountability: Be sure everyone clearly understands expectations. Challenge your team to higher performance goals and establish an environment where they hold themselves – and each other – accountable for results. Include regular progress reports, open sharing of mistakes made and lessons learned, and team discussions on moving through roadblocks.
• Encourage open communication and constructive feedback: The key to building a high-performing team lies in continuous communication. Foster a culture of open communication, encouraging team members to share ideas, concerns, and feedback while actively listening and promoting collaborative discussions.
• Build Trust: Trust is the foundation of any successful team. Be transparent, honest, and reliable in your interactions. Trust is earned through consistent actions, so demonstrate your commitment to the team’s success.
• Promote Team Bonding:Organize team-building activities or events to help team members get to know each other personally. This can improve communication, understanding, and collaboration among team members.
• Recognize and Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate both individual and team achievements. Recognition boosts morale and motivates team members to continue working hard. It also reinforces a positive and supportive team culture.

Remember that effective team building is an ongoing process that requires continuous attention and effort. By investing time and energy into these strategies, you can create a positive and cohesive team that thrives and achieves its goals.

To learn more about effective team building, check out our Keep It Real Leadership program! Keep It Real Leadership is a human-centered program that nurtures leaders to embrace their strengths and deliver on their goals. Together, we can take you and your team to the next level!

Till the next time, keep it real.

Karen

The post 6 Strategies to Build and Foster Strong Teams appeared first on PeopleThink.

I have to tell you that attending this congress is a humbling experience.  Although I am a burn survivor myself – at age 2, I received second and third degree burns as the result of scalding bathroom tap water – I am continually amazed at the strength, resilience, and inspiration that abound in the midst of the 900 or so people who attend this event each year.  And I am so thankful to be part of a community that looks at people from the inside out – that values the essence of the individual, and that focuses on kindness and acceptance, rather than judgment. It seems so simple, and yet if we look at the interactions around us every day – from cranky people at work to mudslinging in politics – it’s a rarity indeed.

While the World Burn Congress is at times an emotional roller coaster – the stories are both sad, and inspiring – what I came away with most was inspiration and hope.  Despite what these survivors and their families have been through, many of them have learned to find joy.  They have found many reasons to be thankful.

Which brings me to my purpose with this blog. In this season of thanksgiving, I encourage you to take a step back and think about what – or who – brings you joy. Who are the people in your life that have supported you, inspired you, encouraged you, or done things for you? Make the time, and create an opportunity to say “thank you.”  Write them a note or give them a call. Be specific about how they’ve impacted your life, or what the gift of their time, their encouragement, their kind words, no matter how small, meant to you.

This has been a difficult year for everyone. But there are so many people around us – first responders, healthcare workers, other essential workers, teachers, family members, friends – who we know in our heart of hearts have helped us make it through.  

How will you say “thank you” to them this year?

“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.” – Aesop

Till next time, keep it real. 

Karen

The post Make the Opportunity to Say “Thank You” appeared first on PeopleThink.

You walk through an airport and it’s like “bumper-people” – people walking and talking on their phones and not paying attention to what’s in front of them. Or what about people who have a long (and loud) conversation on their phone without considering that maybe no one else really wants to hear it?  Or when you’re in a restaurant with someone and throughout your conversation you can see that they have one eye tilting toward the mobile which they’ve left on the table top because they’re waiting for an “important call.” So what am I, chopped liver?

Seriously, people. Put the phone away. Talk softly. Look where you’re going.

And it’s not just phone etiquette. It’s common courtesy and respect for others that seem to be taking a back seat to some individuals’ needs to be first in line, to take all the credit for something (that they worked on with others) or to shape their environment so that it works best for them, regardless of the consequences or how it might impact others.

A while back I wrote a blog about “The Young George Washington’s Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.” (Leading by example. Ahem.)  I’ve borrowed a few and added a few to create Karen’s Rules of Civility.

Smile – even at a stranger – you never know what amazing things may come of it.

Say “Please and Thank you.” Always.

Be accountable. Do what you say you’re going to do by when you say you’re going to do it.

Be on time. Being chronically late to meetings or events or dinner shows a lack of respect for others.

Remember, we’re all human; we have good days and bad days. Don’t glory in someone’s bad day.

Listen. Put down your cell phone and engage in conversation.

Be kind to one another. (Borrowed from Ellen DeGeneres).

Tell the truth. Mark Twain once said, “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”

Be curious. Never stop learning.

Forgive. Life is too short to hold a grudge.

It’s not rocket science. Set the example and hopefully others will follow.

You can hear more on this blog topic in my podcast, Rudeness is NOT a Core Competency.  Let’s bring courtesy and kindness back!

Till next time,

Karen

The post Rudeness is NOT a Core Competency appeared first on PeopleThink.

I get it. And…I’m proposing that the way through these doldrums is not to just sit back and wallow in them. Don’t give up, give back! Help yourself feel better by helping others.

Most of us try to give back in some way during the holiday season – we write our annual check to our favorite charity, or we volunteer at a food kitchen. The fact is, though, that organizations who serve need volunteers all year long. Where can you carve out a couple of hours in a week or a month to help those in need? What skill/knowledge do you have that you could share? What issue or need touches your heart?

For me, it’s helping other burn survivors. I was burned by hot water at the age of two. This experience has impacted my entire life, and inspired me to get involved with the Phoenix Society, which provides support and resources to burn survivors and their families. After volunteering for many years, I joined the Board in 2014 and am now Board Vice President. I’ve conducted workshops for volunteers, I’ve run for Team Phoenix in the Big Sur Half Marathon for the past 3 years, and I’ll be a featured speaker at the World Burn Conference in Dallas this fall.

There are myriad volunteer opportunities available. Here are a few of them.

BUILD is nonprofit organization in the San Francisco Bay Area that matches volunteers with high school students in under-resourced communities to help the students learn the fundamentals of business while developing critical 21^st century skills. “Entrepreneurship is the hook. College is the goal.”  BUILD has volunteer opportunities that range from 2 hours a week to 2-3 hours a year.

One Brick provides opportunities to make an impact without a long-term commitment. This nonprofit has 8 chapters nationwide – San Francisco, Silicon Valley, New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Seattle, Boston, and national. Their model is to build local communities of volunteers that support other nonprofits “by creating a friendly and social atmosphere around volunteering.” Volunteer activities are usually followed by a gathering at a coffee shop or restaurant.

If you live or work in San Jose and enjoy reading with children, Grail Family Services is a local nonprofit that is always looking for Reading Mentors to help kindergarten and 1^st grade students with their literacy skills. For an hour a week during the school year you can help launch an early elementary school student on the path to school success.

VolunteerMatch has opportunities all over the Bay Area for a variety of interests, including the environment, hunger, education and literacy, immigrants and refugees, crisis support, homeless and housing, and more.

And sometimes to give back you need look no further than your own organization. Do they have a mentoring program? Become a part of it. If there isn’t a formal mentoring program, start one. Or simply let it be known that you are interested in helping others move ahead on their career paths.

Most people who volunteer will tell you that they get back as much or more than they give. That has certainly been my experience. I am forever grateful for what I have received from the Phoenix Society. I signed up to ‘give back’ and I have gotten way more than I could ever give!

Often volunteers get to use or develop skills in a volunteer role that they may not have the opportunity to use or develop at work. They learn to better appreciate what they have by feeling the appreciation of those who have so much less.

Volunteering warms the heart and heals the soul. Not only that, according to an article in The Atlantic, people who volunteer live longer and healthier lives!

So what are you waiting for?

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Till next time,

Karen

The post Don’t Give Up, Give Back! appeared first on PeopleThink.

“Please” and “thank you” have all but disappeared. And the immediacy and fervor of social media seem to have unleashed a flood of negative and nasty comments that years ago would have kept Proctor & Gamble soap distributors in business.

Enough already.

It’s time for us to pause and consider, “The Young George Washington’s Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and in Conversation.”

Apparently this is not the first time our society has suffered from a lack of kindness, civility and manners. Originally from a list made by French Jesuits in 1595, Washington wrote out the rules as a handwriting exercise when he was a teenager. There are 110 of them. I won’t share them all, but here are 5 that seem especially relevant today.

25th – Superfluous Compliments and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

65th – Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest. Scoff at none although they give Occasion. If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything. Be kind!

82nd – Undertake not what you cannot Perform but be Careful to keep your Promise. Do what you say you are going to do.

89th – Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust. Don’t gossip or speak behind someone’s back.

110th – Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience. THINK before you speak, before you write, before you act.

In the spirit of George Washington, I’d like to add some modern-day rules to the list. So here are Karen’s Rules of Civility.

1. Smile – even at a stranger – you never know what amazing things may come of it.
2. Say “Please.” Always.
3. Say “Thank you” and acknowledge the gift or deed or service received.
4. Remember, we are all human; we have good days and bad days. Don’t glory in someone else’s bad day.
5. Listen. Put down your cell phone and engage in conversation.
6. Be kind to one another. (Borrowed from Ellen DeGeneres).
7. Say: “Yes, and…” not “Yes, but…” Be positive! See the possibilities…
8. Tell the truth. Mark Twain once said, “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”
9. Be curious. Never stop learning.
10. Forgive. Life is too short to hold a grudge.

Thank you for listening.

Till next time,
Karen

The post Igniting a Campaign for Civility appeared first on PeopleThink.

The handwritten note has become a rare commodity. A U.S. Postal Service survey found that in 2010 the average home received a personal letter only once every seven weeks, compared to once every two weeks in 1987. With so many electronic media options available to us, it’s much quicker and easier to whip out a “thank you” email, a “TY” text, or the equivalent via emoticon, than to take the time to write a personal note.

But here’s the thing. None of those electronic options are as meaningful or as memorable as a handwritten note. A handwritten note:

– Says you think the other person is important enough for you to invest the time to write it

– Stands out from the flood of electronic messages we receive every day

– Has longevity, compared to emails that can get buried or accidentally deleted

– Is truly personal – crafted word by word rather than from a template

And best of all is the way it makes the recipient feel. I was reminded of this recently when I received a note from someone thanking me for a personal note I had included for her with a copy of my book, The Get Real Guide to Your Career.  Here’s what she said:

“Thank you very much for the personalized note that came with my book. I forgot how wonderful it is to receive handwritten messages. I just wanted to say your book is a masterpiece. It has been an amazing tool for me and it couldn’t have come at a better time in my professional life. Thank you again for your amazing guidance.”

In my quest to return us all to a gentler, kinder society, let me suggest that the next time you want to say “Thank You,”  “Happy Birthday,” “Congratulations,” or just catch up with an old friend, you take the time to do it the old-fashioned way – the personal, handwritten note.

Till next time,

Karen

The post Bring Back the Handwritten Note! appeared first on PeopleThink.

So what are we to do? Give in to the negativity? No! Despite what’s going on around you, you have a choice as to how you respond to it, just like in this Native American legend.

One evening an old Cherokee was teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”

“The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

I’m here to suggest that you feed the right wolf. Make a conscious effort to focus on the positive, and increase what Shirzad Chamine calls your “positive intelligence” (PQ). Not only will you be happier, you’ll improve your relationships, increase your success at work, and, let’s face it, be a lot more fun to be around!

Here are some ideas for feeding the right wolf.

• Think about one thing that is causing you a lot of stress. Now think of three ways you can turn that into an opportunity.
• Practice saying “Yes, and…” instead of “Yes, but…”
• Keep a gratitude journal. Every day, write down something positive about the day.
• Surround yourself with positive people.
• Turn off the news and turn on a comedy.
• Get away from your computer and go for a walk, a hike, a run or some other activity OUTSIDE.
• Play.
• Watch kids at play.
• Meditate.

Let’s make positivity “trending…”

“You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.” – Joyce Meyer

Till next time,
Karen

The post Feeding the Right Wolf – The Power of Positivity appeared first on PeopleThink.