How Tone-Deaf Leadership Is Undermining Hybrid Work (And What to Do About It)

People Managing People

Many leaders still cling to outdated management styles focused on visible productivity rather than actual outcomes, despite a dramatic shift toward distributed teams. Brian Elliott, CEO of Work Forward, explains how the rise of hybrid work and AI tools highlights the need for outcomes-based management, rather than "productivity theater."

Brian also points out that return-to-office mandates often miss the mark, as workplace flexibility remains essential for attracting and retaining top talent. This conversation challenges traditional views on managing distributed teams and offers practical advice for fostering effective, outcome-driven organizations in today’s hybrid work environment.

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Chapters

1. How Tone-Deaf Leadership Is Undermining Hybrid Work (And What to Do About It) (00:00:00)

2. Tone Deafness in Return to Office Discussions (00:01:02)

3. Challenges of Remote Work and Flexibility (00:02:26)

4. Gen AI, Leadership & Productivity Culture (00:06:08)

5. Gen Z, AI, and Manager Burnout (00:09:02)

6. The Reality of Hybrid Work (00:13:18)

7. Hustle Culture & Youth Bias in Tech (00:16:56)

8. The Pendulum of Workplace Trends (00:20:33)