Dr. David Burkus
@davidburkus.bsky.social
Helping Teams Do Their Best Work Ever | Bestselling Author | Keynote Speaker | Organizational Psychologist
AI can quietly make your team more productive, but less creative. Studies show generative AI can boost idea quality on narrow tasks—but the ideas are less surprising and more average
January 18, 2026 at 2:03 PM
AI can quietly make your team more productive, but less creative. Studies show generative AI can boost idea quality on narrow tasks—but the ideas are less surprising and more average
People don’t share when risk gets punished.
Watch your reaction when someone finally takes a risk.
Reward the attempt, not just the win.
Watch your reaction when someone finally takes a risk.
Reward the attempt, not just the win.
January 17, 2026 at 2:02 PM
People don’t share when risk gets punished.
Watch your reaction when someone finally takes a risk.
Reward the attempt, not just the win.
Watch your reaction when someone finally takes a risk.
Reward the attempt, not just the win.
Big, hairy, audacious goals can backfire.
If your team sees them as impossible, they’ll stop trying.
Stretch goals should push limits—not break belief.
If your team sees them as impossible, they’ll stop trying.
Stretch goals should push limits—not break belief.
January 16, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Big, hairy, audacious goals can backfire.
If your team sees them as impossible, they’ll stop trying.
Stretch goals should push limits—not break belief.
If your team sees them as impossible, they’ll stop trying.
Stretch goals should push limits—not break belief.
Want to get better at AI?
Ask it how to help you.
Just ask AI how you should be using AI.
You don’t need the perfect prompt.
You just need curiosity and consistency.
Even a “bad” answer is good—because it teaches you how to coach it.
Ask it how to help you.
Just ask AI how you should be using AI.
You don’t need the perfect prompt.
You just need curiosity and consistency.
Even a “bad” answer is good—because it teaches you how to coach it.
January 15, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Want to get better at AI?
Ask it how to help you.
Just ask AI how you should be using AI.
You don’t need the perfect prompt.
You just need curiosity and consistency.
Even a “bad” answer is good—because it teaches you how to coach it.
Ask it how to help you.
Just ask AI how you should be using AI.
You don’t need the perfect prompt.
You just need curiosity and consistency.
Even a “bad” answer is good—because it teaches you how to coach it.
Most leaders avoid tough performance talks.
Netflix runs toward them.
The “keeper test” is simple:
Would you fight to keep this person if they got another offer?
If not, it’s time for a direct conversation—no waiting for a review cycle.
It’s not harsh.
It’s honest.
And that honesty builds trust.
Netflix runs toward them.
The “keeper test” is simple:
Would you fight to keep this person if they got another offer?
If not, it’s time for a direct conversation—no waiting for a review cycle.
It’s not harsh.
It’s honest.
And that honesty builds trust.
January 14, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Most leaders avoid tough performance talks.
Netflix runs toward them.
The “keeper test” is simple:
Would you fight to keep this person if they got another offer?
If not, it’s time for a direct conversation—no waiting for a review cycle.
It’s not harsh.
It’s honest.
And that honesty builds trust.
Netflix runs toward them.
The “keeper test” is simple:
Would you fight to keep this person if they got another offer?
If not, it’s time for a direct conversation—no waiting for a review cycle.
It’s not harsh.
It’s honest.
And that honesty builds trust.
It’s not an AI bubble—it’s the valley of despair.
Most people don’t realize:
AI is following the classic Gartner Hype Cycle.
We’re leaving the peak and entering the downturn.
Most people don’t realize:
AI is following the classic Gartner Hype Cycle.
We’re leaving the peak and entering the downturn.
January 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM
It’s not an AI bubble—it’s the valley of despair.
Most people don’t realize:
AI is following the classic Gartner Hype Cycle.
We’re leaving the peak and entering the downturn.
Most people don’t realize:
AI is following the classic Gartner Hype Cycle.
We’re leaving the peak and entering the downturn.
Most teams don’t fail from a lack of goals.
They fail from vague, forgotten, or constantly shifting ones.
They fail from vague, forgotten, or constantly shifting ones.
January 12, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Most teams don’t fail from a lack of goals.
They fail from vague, forgotten, or constantly shifting ones.
They fail from vague, forgotten, or constantly shifting ones.
When everything is a top priority, nothing truly is.
That’s goal fatigue.
Don’t just push harder—pause.
Reassess.
Refocus.
Sustaining ambition means knowing when to hit reset, not just accelerate.
That’s goal fatigue.
Don’t just push harder—pause.
Reassess.
Refocus.
Sustaining ambition means knowing when to hit reset, not just accelerate.
January 11, 2026 at 2:02 PM
When everything is a top priority, nothing truly is.
That’s goal fatigue.
Don’t just push harder—pause.
Reassess.
Refocus.
Sustaining ambition means knowing when to hit reset, not just accelerate.
That’s goal fatigue.
Don’t just push harder—pause.
Reassess.
Refocus.
Sustaining ambition means knowing when to hit reset, not just accelerate.
If your team has no say in the goals, they'll put no effort into hitting them.
Define the “what” as a leader.
But invite them into the “how.”
Ownership drives motivation.
Define the “what” as a leader.
But invite them into the “how.”
Ownership drives motivation.
January 10, 2026 at 3:08 PM
If your team has no say in the goals, they'll put no effort into hitting them.
Define the “what” as a leader.
But invite them into the “how.”
Ownership drives motivation.
Define the “what” as a leader.
But invite them into the “how.”
Ownership drives motivation.
Jargon has a place.
It helps signal expertise.
But when it sneaks into cross-team or client convos, it stops helping and starts blocking.
The issue isn’t jargon—it’s forgetting your audience.
It helps signal expertise.
But when it sneaks into cross-team or client convos, it stops helping and starts blocking.
The issue isn’t jargon—it’s forgetting your audience.
January 9, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Jargon has a place.
It helps signal expertise.
But when it sneaks into cross-team or client convos, it stops helping and starts blocking.
The issue isn’t jargon—it’s forgetting your audience.
It helps signal expertise.
But when it sneaks into cross-team or client convos, it stops helping and starts blocking.
The issue isn’t jargon—it’s forgetting your audience.
Clarity is kindness.
It tells your team: “I value your time.”
If they have to reread your message three times, it’s not clear—it’s a blocker.
Lead with clarity. Build trust.
It tells your team: “I value your time.”
If they have to reread your message three times, it’s not clear—it’s a blocker.
Lead with clarity. Build trust.
January 8, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Clarity is kindness.
It tells your team: “I value your time.”
If they have to reread your message three times, it’s not clear—it’s a blocker.
Lead with clarity. Build trust.
It tells your team: “I value your time.”
If they have to reread your message three times, it’s not clear—it’s a blocker.
Lead with clarity. Build trust.
Jargon doesn’t make you look smart.
It makes you look unsure.
If you really understand something, you can explain it simply.
Clarity > Complexity
It makes you look unsure.
If you really understand something, you can explain it simply.
Clarity > Complexity
January 7, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Jargon doesn’t make you look smart.
It makes you look unsure.
If you really understand something, you can explain it simply.
Clarity > Complexity
It makes you look unsure.
If you really understand something, you can explain it simply.
Clarity > Complexity
Everyone wants the upside of a breakout hit.
But few are willing to make the kind of bets Netflix made on Stranger Things.
They trusted two unknown creators.
They didn’t meddle with the vision.
They backed their instinct and got out of the way.
That earned them a billion dollars—and 2M subscribers
But few are willing to make the kind of bets Netflix made on Stranger Things.
They trusted two unknown creators.
They didn’t meddle with the vision.
They backed their instinct and got out of the way.
That earned them a billion dollars—and 2M subscribers
January 6, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Everyone wants the upside of a breakout hit.
But few are willing to make the kind of bets Netflix made on Stranger Things.
They trusted two unknown creators.
They didn’t meddle with the vision.
They backed their instinct and got out of the way.
That earned them a billion dollars—and 2M subscribers
But few are willing to make the kind of bets Netflix made on Stranger Things.
They trusted two unknown creators.
They didn’t meddle with the vision.
They backed their instinct and got out of the way.
That earned them a billion dollars—and 2M subscribers
Want to grow as a leader?
Start a decision journal.
Track what you chose, why you chose it, and how you felt.
Over time, your leadership gets clearer—and wiser.
Start a decision journal.
Track what you chose, why you chose it, and how you felt.
Over time, your leadership gets clearer—and wiser.
January 6, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Want to grow as a leader?
Start a decision journal.
Track what you chose, why you chose it, and how you felt.
Over time, your leadership gets clearer—and wiser.
Start a decision journal.
Track what you chose, why you chose it, and how you felt.
Over time, your leadership gets clearer—and wiser.
Why do people use email so differently?
January 5, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Why do people use email so differently?
Trust isn't just a feeling, it's a chemical in our brain.
January 5, 2026 at 2:11 AM
Trust isn't just a feeling, it's a chemical in our brain.
High-performing teams share two habits:
🔹 Clarity—everyone knows what’s expected.
🔹 Empathy—they know how to work with each other.
It’s not just skills. It’s how you sync.
🔹 Clarity—everyone knows what’s expected.
🔹 Empathy—they know how to work with each other.
It’s not just skills. It’s how you sync.
January 3, 2026 at 9:59 PM
High-performing teams share two habits:
🔹 Clarity—everyone knows what’s expected.
🔹 Empathy—they know how to work with each other.
It’s not just skills. It’s how you sync.
🔹 Clarity—everyone knows what’s expected.
🔹 Empathy—they know how to work with each other.
It’s not just skills. It’s how you sync.
Costco’s “secret” to higher profits isn’t cutting costs.
It’s trusting people like pros.
Higher pay. Better benefits. Predictable schedules.
➡️ Lower turnover
➡️ Better service
➡️ More loyalty
➡️ More profit
Want world-class talent? Start with world-class trust.
Follow/subscribe for more.
It’s trusting people like pros.
Higher pay. Better benefits. Predictable schedules.
➡️ Lower turnover
➡️ Better service
➡️ More loyalty
➡️ More profit
Want world-class talent? Start with world-class trust.
Follow/subscribe for more.
January 2, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Costco’s “secret” to higher profits isn’t cutting costs.
It’s trusting people like pros.
Higher pay. Better benefits. Predictable schedules.
➡️ Lower turnover
➡️ Better service
➡️ More loyalty
➡️ More profit
Want world-class talent? Start with world-class trust.
Follow/subscribe for more.
It’s trusting people like pros.
Higher pay. Better benefits. Predictable schedules.
➡️ Lower turnover
➡️ Better service
➡️ More loyalty
➡️ More profit
Want world-class talent? Start with world-class trust.
Follow/subscribe for more.
2026 goal-setting tip: Outcome goals inspire. Process goals deliver.
“Write a book” → “500 words every weekday.”
“Grow sales 20%” → “5 extra calls/day + 2 proposals.”
If you can’t put it on your calendar, it’s not a goal.
Drop your goal—I’ll help you turn it into a process.
“Write a book” → “500 words every weekday.”
“Grow sales 20%” → “5 extra calls/day + 2 proposals.”
If you can’t put it on your calendar, it’s not a goal.
Drop your goal—I’ll help you turn it into a process.
January 1, 2026 at 2:01 PM
2026 goal-setting tip: Outcome goals inspire. Process goals deliver.
“Write a book” → “500 words every weekday.”
“Grow sales 20%” → “5 extra calls/day + 2 proposals.”
If you can’t put it on your calendar, it’s not a goal.
Drop your goal—I’ll help you turn it into a process.
“Write a book” → “500 words every weekday.”
“Grow sales 20%” → “5 extra calls/day + 2 proposals.”
If you can’t put it on your calendar, it’s not a goal.
Drop your goal—I’ll help you turn it into a process.
Friends don’t lie… and the best ones don’t leave you hanging when the work gets hard either. 👀
Most people assume the Duffer Brothers split duties on Stranger Things—one writes, one directs. Nope. They do everything together. Side-by-side. When one burns out, the other takes over.
#StrangerThings
Most people assume the Duffer Brothers split duties on Stranger Things—one writes, one directs. Nope. They do everything together. Side-by-side. When one burns out, the other takes over.
#StrangerThings
December 31, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Friends don’t lie… and the best ones don’t leave you hanging when the work gets hard either. 👀
Most people assume the Duffer Brothers split duties on Stranger Things—one writes, one directs. Nope. They do everything together. Side-by-side. When one burns out, the other takes over.
#StrangerThings
Most people assume the Duffer Brothers split duties on Stranger Things—one writes, one directs. Nope. They do everything together. Side-by-side. When one burns out, the other takes over.
#StrangerThings
Emotional intelligence isn’t about being “nice.”
It’s about noticing how your team feels—and leading accordingly.
Ignore emotions, and you’ll ignore performance.
It’s about noticing how your team feels—and leading accordingly.
Ignore emotions, and you’ll ignore performance.
December 31, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Emotional intelligence isn’t about being “nice.”
It’s about noticing how your team feels—and leading accordingly.
Ignore emotions, and you’ll ignore performance.
It’s about noticing how your team feels—and leading accordingly.
Ignore emotions, and you’ll ignore performance.
The Savannah Bananas have a budget for "surprise and delight." And the ROI is incredible.
In this clip, Jesse Cole shares a simple (and wildly effective) rule: say thank you…then plus it. The Savannah Bananas even budget 1% of revenue for “surprise & delight” moments for their team.
In this clip, Jesse Cole shares a simple (and wildly effective) rule: say thank you…then plus it. The Savannah Bananas even budget 1% of revenue for “surprise & delight” moments for their team.
December 30, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The Savannah Bananas have a budget for "surprise and delight." And the ROI is incredible.
In this clip, Jesse Cole shares a simple (and wildly effective) rule: say thank you…then plus it. The Savannah Bananas even budget 1% of revenue for “surprise & delight” moments for their team.
In this clip, Jesse Cole shares a simple (and wildly effective) rule: say thank you…then plus it. The Savannah Bananas even budget 1% of revenue for “surprise & delight” moments for their team.
The best answer to "why we do what we do?" is "who is served by the work we do?"
December 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The best answer to "why we do what we do?" is "who is served by the work we do?"
You can’t lead well if you don’t know yourself.
Self-awareness is the first leadership skill—because your team mirrors your mindset.
Self-awareness is the first leadership skill—because your team mirrors your mindset.
December 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
You can’t lead well if you don’t know yourself.
Self-awareness is the first leadership skill—because your team mirrors your mindset.
Self-awareness is the first leadership skill—because your team mirrors your mindset.
Self-awareness isn’t common.
In fact, it’s shockingly rare.
📊 According to organizational psychologist Tasha Eurich:
• 95% of people think they’re self-aware
• Only 15% actually are
That’s an 80% gap.
In fact, it’s shockingly rare.
📊 According to organizational psychologist Tasha Eurich:
• 95% of people think they’re self-aware
• Only 15% actually are
That’s an 80% gap.
December 25, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Self-awareness isn’t common.
In fact, it’s shockingly rare.
📊 According to organizational psychologist Tasha Eurich:
• 95% of people think they’re self-aware
• Only 15% actually are
That’s an 80% gap.
In fact, it’s shockingly rare.
📊 According to organizational psychologist Tasha Eurich:
• 95% of people think they’re self-aware
• Only 15% actually are
That’s an 80% gap.