This episode of "Evolving Your Workplace After Hours" features co-hosts Rob Swymer and Carol Schultz looking at the challenges leaders face in the business world along with the complexities of performance management. The conversation starts with a discussion on the importance of human connection before shifting to the convoluted performance ranking systems at major tech companies like Microsoft and Meta. In the conversation, Rob reflects on his own experiences with layoffs and performance reviews while emphasizing the intellectual and emotional toll it takes on leaders. 

The show’s co-hosts also cover the controversial management practices at companies like GE, with Carol critiquing Jack Welch's old GE ranking system and its modern implementation at Microsoft. After all, this type of system can create unnecessary competition along with a toxic work environment. With this in mind, Rob puts an emphasis on the need to avoid mishandling performance evaluations by improving training and coaching for leaders. 

In a more emotional moment of the episode, Carol and Rob recount the heartbreaking story of an employee who was laid off and left without health insurance while his wife struggled with an illness. The two reflect on the fact that the business world is inherently human and needs to be guided by principles of servant leadership and conscious capitalism. As the episode concludes, the co-hosts agree that although the pressures of a publicly traded company can be massive, there’s always room for improvement with a human-centered approach to business. 

Connect With Us

Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram.  

Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.