AI Raised the Bar + Say It Again + Goals Keep Jobs

May 5

HIRE

AI Changed the Game. Your Hiring Should Too.

AI isn't the enemy. It's a tool. Candidates are using it, just like you (hopefully) are. But that means your playbook needs an update.

The Problem:

Resumes are polished and harder to differentiate
Projects, tests, and scripted answers are sharper than ever
Candidates are getting coached through virtual interviews in real time

The Fix:

Ask about specific experiences with names, dates, and details
Go off-script and follow up with "tell me more"
Use working interviews or trial projects when possible

AI raised the bar. Time to raise yours.

LEAD

You Set Expectations. Then Forgot. So Did They.

I still make this mistake. Share expectations once, assume it landed, then get frustrated when they didn't.

The truth: saying it once isn't setting expectations. It's just talking.

Why This Happens:

You're busy and assume they got it
They nodded, so you moved on
Nobody wrote it down

The Fix:

Set expectations before they start, not after they mess up
Repeat them in onboarding, training, and every 1-on-1
Reward when met. Coach when missed.
Encourage your team to call you out when there's a gap

You wouldn't keep spending money somewhere that didn't meet your expectations. Don't keep paying someone who doesn't either.

GROW

Goals Keep People Employed. Set Them.

Most teams confuse effort for results. So do most people. One fills your calendar. The other adds actual value. Being "busy" is a skill everyone seems to have. Fewer understand impact.

Why Leaders Avoid Setting Goals:

Not clear on what success looks like yourself
Afraid they'll push back, quit, or make it awkward
Hope they'll just figure it out

Why Leaders Should Anyway:

People want to know if they're winning
A-players love goals because they prove impact
It replaces guessing with clarity and lets you coach instead of criticize

Goals aren't pressure. They're the fairest thing you can give someone you're paying.

Steven Benoy