Author: Marc Ragsdale

The omnipresent authority and tattletale culture

I’ve often felt, living in America, that I’m always being watched. Not in a paranoid, conspiracy-theory sense, but in the very real way that there is always someone, somewhere, ready to enforce the endless rules that govern every aspect of life. From the police officer pulling you over for an unexpected traffic infraction to the […]

Focus on v1, not vPerfect

As a manager, I’ve often been tempted to hold out for the perfect version of a project—waiting until every detail is flawless before delivery. This mindset might feel like striving for high quality, but in reality, it can stall progress and decrease efficiency. I’ve learned that focusing on delivering Version 1—something good enough to meet […]

The importance of alignment for building high-performing teams

Building a high-performing team requires clear communication, alignment of goals, and shared accountability. Two critical elements that significantly contribute to this are daily priority statements and regular stand-up meetings. Daily Priority Statements A Daily Priority Statement is a simple, yet powerful, tool that ensures team members are focusing on the right tasks each day. Each […]

The role of AI in preventing workplace abuse: a response to tragedy

In light of the tragic incident involving a 26-year-old employee of Ernst & Young (EY) in Pune, India, who allegedly succumbed to workplace stress, it’s a sobering reminder of the pressures modern workplaces can exert on individuals. While the full facts of this particular case remain unverified, the narrative is disturbingly familiar—an overworked employee, stressed […]

Foisting DEI and ESG scores on businesses is indefensible

In recent years, businesses have been burdened with the growing influence of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) scores. These frameworks, once championed for the noble causes of social responsibility and fairness, have increasingly crossed into territory that is both intrusive and indefensible. At its core, the idea of improving […]

The transitional UI

As someone deeply immersed in software development, I believe we’re standing at the edge of a significant shift. Today, I lead a team building what I see as a crucial part of the future of work. But more importantly, the way we interact with software to accomplish knowledge-based tasks is on the verge of a […]

Be a better guest, friend: a reflection on respect and hospitality in India

If these people welcomed you into their home, proudly sharing their rich culture, ancient recipes, and intricate customs refined over centuries, would you instead mock their struggles, publicize unflattering images, and discourage others from visiting? Recently, I came across a travel vlog of a British gentleman traveling through India, where he captured scenes of poverty, […]

The forthcoming AI-powered worker analytics revolution

In the near future, the workplace as we know it will undergo a transformative shift powered by AI and advanced analytics. All the data we’ve been collecting—from absenteeism to engagement levels—will be subject to AI-driven scrutiny, providing insights that were once unimaginable without considerable effort. This revolution will enable managers to access comprehensive, 360-degree reviews […]