In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Dr. Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth explore how industrial-organizational (IO) psychology professionals contribute to organizational development at both granular and strategic levels. They discuss how these experts help align people with organizational goals, optimize hiring through a balance of essential and technical skills, and implement strategies for learning, development, and succession planning. The conversation also examines the broad applicability of IO expertise, from improving day-to-day operations to shaping organizational mission and vision, while delivering measurable impact and cost savings.
Dr. Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth of Organizational Sherlocks welcomed Dr. Travis Goodson, CEO of In Novi Defense, to discuss his unconventional path into IO psychology, the founding and rapid growth of In Novi Defense, and the critical importance of quantifying value in the field. Dr. Goodson emphasized the significance of a niche in IO psychology and shared military leadership principles, including the "Task, Conditions, and Standards" method and the "1-3-1 rule" for problem-solving, which Morgan Ashworth and Elizabeth Fleming recognized as similar to their own organizational practices. The discussion concluded with a mutual appreciation for the insights shared and plans for future collaboration.
Dr. Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth of "Organizational Sherlocks" interviewed Matt Poepsel, PhD, who discussed his work at The Predictive Index and Boston College, focusing on the evolving nature of work and the importance of leadership grounded in self-awareness and purpose. They covered his "Killer Bees" concept (being, belonging, and something bigger than myself), the distinction between management and leadership, and the critical role of applied, interdisciplinary learning in IO psychology. The discussion emphasized that embracing the unknown in education and career leads to greater fulfillment and prepares professionals for the diverse demands of the field.
In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, we start exploring the different tracks available to Industrial-Organizational (I/O) psychology professionals. Today Morgan Ashworth is interviewed by the Organizational Sherlocks I/O behind the scenes, Darien Chismar, to examine the industry track—a path that blends psychology, business strategy, and people operations. They discuss how I/O professionals in industry roles often start in HR, yet expand their impact to organizational development, leadership coaching, and change management. Morgan shares insights on adapting evidence-based practices, tackling real-world urgency, managing asymmetric information in leadership, and balancing business success with employee well-being. Listeners will gain practical advice on entering industry roles, learning beyond formal education, and staying current with trends such as AI and generational shifts in the workplace.
In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth guide listeners through the diverse career options available to industrial-organizational psychologists. Using the SIOP framework, they outline paths in academia, consulting, government, and industry, sharing insights about roles, responsibilities, and practical considerations for each. The conversation highlights the nuances of job titles and the importance of focusing on skills and responsibilities over labels. They also discuss career progression opportunities and challenges unique to each sector. This episode sets the stage for future deep dives into these career paths, encouraging thoughtful exploration for aspiring and current I/O professionals.
In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth tackle three common myths in industrial-organizational (IO) psychology: that it's only about hiring and firing, that bias can be fully removed with technology, and that burnout is just about long hours. They clarify the true breadth of IO psychology, discuss the limits of algorithmic tools in hiring, and explore the complex, systemic causes of burnout. Tune in to deepen your understanding of the field’s nuance and learn practical insights for managing people and organizations more effectively.
In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth welcome author and thought leader Joanne Gray to explore the concept of proactive behavior at work. They discuss how wise, intentional proactivity can improve emotional energy, reduce burnout, and build sustainable organizational systems. From defining key traits of proactive environments to offering real-life examples and leadership tips, this episode dives into how organizations can design cultures that anticipate rather than react—and why that’s a game-changer.
In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan dive into the world of formal performance management systems. Discover how Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) and Management by Objectives using SMART goals can revolutionize your feedback process. They break down the benefits of formal reviews for data analysis and the pitfalls of rigidity, offering insights on integrating objective measures with subjective context. Learn the importance of regular check-ins, immediate feedback, and why manager training is crucial for fair evaluations at every level. Tune in to sharpen your organizational skills and solve the performance puzzle!
In this thought-provoking episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth puts Morgan on the spot with an engaging discussion of performance management theories and how they play out in real-world organizations. From SMART goal-setting and feedback best practices to reward systems and systemic diagnostics, the duo breaks down classic and contemporary models like Goal Setting Theory, Expectancy Theory, Feedback Intervention Theory, and Systemic Performance Improvement. Tune in to hear how these theories come to life in the workplace—and what happens when things go off script.
In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, hosts Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth dive into the complexities of performance management and corrective action in the workplace. Blending psychological insight with business practicality, they explore common challenges like misalignment, employee resistance, and the impact of a volatile job market. The duo outlines essential steps in the corrective action process, from verbal warnings to termination. While emphasizing documentation, legal considerations, and the role of leadership curiosity. Whether you’re an HR professional or a team leader, this episode offers practical tools for fostering accountability and driving organizational alignment.
In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, we’re joined by Christian and Nick, the minds behind Personos—an AI-driven platform transforming how organizations assess personality and coach talent. We dig into how Personos blends psychological science with artificial intelligence to decode workplace behaviors, optimize development, and reimagine what it means to “know thy team.” Whether you're an I/O psychologist, coach, or curious leader, this episode will get you thinking about the next frontier in personality and performance.
This week, Morgan & Elizabeth discuss breaking down people development into bite-size, more digestable pieces of information. Your hosts give glimpses of examples within what they have experienced or witnessed, explaining how introducing one concept at a time instead of a mass training of theories and possibilities improves the impression the teachings make. Enhance people development with microlearnings, illuminating, connecting, and reinforcing modalities with hard education, experience, and coaching.
(Replay) In this episode, we’re joined by Rob McKenna, founder of Wild Leaders, to explore how trust functions as a vital tool in the workplace. In this episode we attempt to understand the core drivers of trust to help build stronger, more cohesive teams, Rob offers deep insights into fostering authentic connections and empowering leadership. We also discuss the Wild Trust Index, a powerful tool for assessing trust at personal and organizational levels, and learn practical strategies to elevate trust in your workplace. Tune in to transform your understanding of trust as a critical component of organizational success.
This week on Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth and Morgan dive into the complexities of organizational change, discussing how leaders can foster buy-in through proactive communication, employee involvement, and continuous feedback. They explore why resistance to change occurs and share strategies like empowering change champions and leveraging multiple communication modalities. From performance management to psychological safety, this episode examines how organizations can navigate transitions more effectively by focusing on the human experience.
In this episode of the Organizational Sherlocks podcast, hosts Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth explore the significance of continuous learning and microlearning for both personal and professional development. They delve into how these concepts play a crucial role in career transitions and help address skill gaps within organizations. Highlighting examples like Morgan's IP training and diverse assessment methods to identify leadership skill gaps, they emphasize the importance of challenging assumptions, embracing a growth mindset, admitting mistakes, and fostering problem-solving in the workplace.
In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, we are joined by Robert Elliott of GBMP who discusses how Lean Manufacturing principles, often associated with factories, can be applied to any business—whether it's in healthcare, tech, or finance. Lean is not just about process improvement; it's a mindset that encourages efficiency, waste reduction, and continuous improvement. Elliott shares how Value Stream Mapping, waste elimination, and Lean leadership foster a culture of innovation and accountability. This episode highlights how embracing Lean beyond manufacturing leads to sustainable success in diverse industries.
In this episode of Organizational sherlocks, we explore the necessity of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving workforce. They discuss how professionals navigate career shifts and emphasize staying updated with emerging trends. The conversation highlights microlearning as a strategy for addressing skill gaps efficiently. We also examine the role of assessments and skill gapping in leadership preparation, advocating for tailored training approaches. Throughout, this episode we share our insights on curiosity and adaptability as key drivers of professional growth.
For this exciting episode, we welcome Elizabeth, our co-host and founder of Apidae Consulting, to discuss the critical role of employee assessments in aligning individual aspirations with organizational objectives. Elizabeth shares her holistic approach to leadership development and retention, emphasizing the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of employees beyond traditional metrics. The conversation delves into the nuances of assertiveness, the significance of psychological safety, and the impact of effective onboarding processes. Elizabeth also highlights the pitfalls of seeking a one-size-fits-all assessment tool and underscores the necessity of tailored strategies to foster genuine employee engagement and organizational success.