EdTech Insight – How to Talk to an Employee Who Isn’t Meeting Expectations

by | May 15, 2024 | Harvard Business Review, News & Insights

Executive Summary and Main Points

Within the realm of global higher education, the leadership methodology for addressing an employee’s performance challenges has undergone significant digitization and personalization. Modern approaches advocate for collaborative frameworks, where managers leverage digital tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for structured, informed, and empathetic communication. The trend emphasizes self-reflection, values-driven engagement, and clear, specific feedback that aligns organizational objectives with individual aspirations, fostering a stakeholder-centered environment.

Potential Impact in the Education Sector

The digitized and personalized feedback methodology can deeply influence Further Education, Higher Education, and the proliferation of Micro-credentials. It encourages strategic partnerships by promoting a culture of accountability and improvement, essential in educational institutions aiming to maintain high standards. In digitalization terms, AI and analytical tools can personalize feedback, track long-term employee performance trends, and align them with institutional goals for continuous professional development.

Potential Applicability in the Education Sector

In terms of applications, AI can enhance performance feedback through predictive analytics, identifying patterns that signal a need for intervention. Digital forums could facilitate performance-related discussions, ensuring transparency and inclusivity. Virtual reality scenarios could be applied for training purposes, allowing educators to practice difficult conversations. Moreover, digital tools can enable the cross-referencing of individual goals with institutional strategic plans, promoting synergy in career and organizational growth paths.

Criticism and Potential Shortfalls

Critique of digitized and personalized methodologies in performance assessment points to the potential loss of nuanced human interaction and oversimplified reliance on analytics that may not capture complex cultural or emotional contexts. Comparatively, institutions without rich technological infrastructures may not fully benefit. Ethical concerns regarding data privacy and the cultural insensitivity of feedback algorithms underscore the need for a balanced, human-centric approach informed by diverse case studies.

Actionable Recommendations

International education leaders should consider implementing AI feedback systems with human oversight to ensure ethical use and cultural relevance. Institutions could pilot digital mentorship programs to foster professional development and offer training in delivering empathetic, values-based feedback. Strategic investment in technology that aligns with the mission and competencies of educational institutions could enhance global educational environments while respecting and nurturing the individual growth of faculty and staff.

Source article: https://hbr.org/2024/05/how-to-talk-to-an-employee-who-isnt-meeting-expectations