AI and the Next Evolution of Performance Management

Host: Steve Boese

Guest: Brian Hancock, Partner at McKinsey & Company

Summary

On this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese sits down with Brian Hancock, Partner at McKinsey & Company, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of human resources.

Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for people, Brian explains how organizations can use it to strengthen the human side of work - from improving performance management and coaching to creating more meaningful employee experiences. The conversation explores where AI can reduce administrative burden, provide better insights for managers, and help employees grow while maintaining trust and transparency. Steve and Brian also discuss one of the biggest challenges organizations face today: balancing personalized employee experiences with concerns around privacy, surveillance, and ethical AI use. As companies continue investing in AI-powered HR technology, leaders must ensure these tools enhance relationships instead of replacing them.

Whether you're an HR leader, people manager, or executive preparing your organization for the future of work, this episode offers practical insights into using AI responsibly while keeping people at the center of every decision.

Topics include:

• How AI is changing day-to-day HR operations
• Ways AI can support better coaching and manager effectiveness
• How organizations can build trust while introducing AI-powered tools
• The importance of balancing personalization with employee privacy
• Why successful AI adoption depends as much on culture as technology
• What HR leaders should be preparing for as AI capabilities continue to evolve

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The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.