The Science of Team Building with James Lawrence: Lead to Succeed 130

Episode Summary:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), the emulation of human intelligence by machines, and Behavioral Science, the study of human behavior and decision-making, converge to create innovative approaches that optimize team dynamics. In this episode, James Lawrence will teach us how AI and Behavioral Science team up to improve how groups work.

James is the co-founder of Happy, which enables organizations to enhance organizational culture, communication, and manager effectiveness at scale. Its Happy coaching platform uses behavioral science and AI to build a user manual for your entire team in less than 10 minutes.

James previously served as chairman of the board for the Specialty Equipment Market Association. He also served as CEO and founder of Power Automedia and CEO of Speedvideo. Throughout his career, James strongly emphasized nurturing talent and fostering the next generation of leaders, always with an eye toward meaningful work.

Key Talking Points of the Episode: (Note: timestamps follow the audio recording)

[02:02] James’ journey.

[03:58] How James got into coaching and team development.

[09:16] How James got aware of his blind spots and how he knew that coaching would be the solution.

[11:55] How James utilizes AI and other tools at scale to support coaching and team development, and an elaboration on the process.

[17:51] The process of feeding AI with a framework that captures an individual's workstyle, intelligently balancing it against your own, and providing bespoke guidance on interaction strategies, pinpointing areas for improvement in the most effective manner…

[24:18] A fearless AI prediction coming from James.

[26:06] The main ingredients of an effective coherent team.

[28:51] James’ biggest mistake and what he learned from it.

[30:03] Rapid-fire questions.

[31:56] James’ final life lesson.

Standout Quote from the Episode:

“Whatever you do in life, do it with love.”

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