I really appreciate that. Thank you for letting me know. I put everything into this one as part of my book. If it resonated, feel free to pass it on. If you feel comfortable, I’d love to know: what part hit hardest? Or felt most familiar? I’m trying to get a clearer picture of what’s really happening behind the scenes in different organisations. Only if you’re up for sharing. - some of this will make it to my book, the truthbombs! - but maybe not all of it!
It's hard to pinpont which part resonated most. But I'd have to say the part about putting visibility/availability above all else like that's a measure of your worth. I've been feeling like my company's Slack is the most important thing on my phone, and I keep checking it every hour even after work. Then one day I tried turning it off for the evening and only checking it in the morning. Lo and behold the world was still spinning and the company did not go bankrupt.
Some parts are funny and very recognisable. The mindset you describe is also very cynical and limiting - as though the person thinking this has no agency; they seem constantly baffled, anxious and defeated.
that’s a fair take. I was trying to reflect what many feel but rarely say. Not because they’ve given up, but because the system chips away at agency bit by bit. That said, I do believe change is possible. This piece focused on the problem. my book, SuperSkills will focus on stepping up.
I agree a lot of people feel this and rarely say it. I don't agree its because the system chips away at agency - the evidence seems to point more towards a lack of confidence around conflict, where saying what you actually think comes with (perceived) high costs
I agree, fear of conflict plays a big role. In a lot of places, the cost of honesty feels too high. I’d say it’s both: the environment creates the fear, and over time, that fear shapes behaviour.
I'm not sure what your window on the world might be, Rahim, but for me and the other entrepreneurial executives I spend time with are seeing and experiencing totally different things. Here's just one example from me just a few days ago:
Steven, thanks for this. This is proof AI can massively amplify productivity, especially for those of us who have the privilege, experience, and capability to leverage it effectively. Your example is a strong illustration of what’s possible. I think you and I work like this daily without the shackles.
My article was addressing a broader trend I’ve observed, especially in discussions over the last year in preparation for my book. I wasn't aiming to focus on this area, but it was literally shouting at me. People are caught in systems that actually misuse these powerful technologies, unintentionally amplifying busyness rather than meaningful productivity. It’s not closed-mindedness, but rather a recognition that not everyone has yet found your clarity or ease in using these tools. Many feel genuinely stuck and overwhelmed.
Your experience highlights an important point: the future of work can indeed be incredible for those who adapt quickly and thoughtfully. But for many others, the path isn’t yet as clear or optimistic.
I appreciate you and your viewpoint to get angles we all need to see. I haven't painted all of them.
This was excellent. I feel all of it. You cut the bullshit in a very refreshing and satisfying way that makes me feel seen.
By the end of it, I do wonder one thing, which is whether the fluff is all there is. Most jobs seem to be helping each other feed the machine as customer or as provider and then flipping. My company helps others stay above water and I become the customer and lean on internal or external resources to keep from straying outside of my narrow siloed expertise. The whole thing feels like one big ourobouros eating its own tail until we get to retire which may never come if AI helps us to live forever.
Best thing I've read in months!
I really appreciate that. Thank you for letting me know. I put everything into this one as part of my book. If it resonated, feel free to pass it on. If you feel comfortable, I’d love to know: what part hit hardest? Or felt most familiar? I’m trying to get a clearer picture of what’s really happening behind the scenes in different organisations. Only if you’re up for sharing. - some of this will make it to my book, the truthbombs! - but maybe not all of it!
It's hard to pinpont which part resonated most. But I'd have to say the part about putting visibility/availability above all else like that's a measure of your worth. I've been feeling like my company's Slack is the most important thing on my phone, and I keep checking it every hour even after work. Then one day I tried turning it off for the evening and only checking it in the morning. Lo and behold the world was still spinning and the company did not go bankrupt.
Some parts are funny and very recognisable. The mindset you describe is also very cynical and limiting - as though the person thinking this has no agency; they seem constantly baffled, anxious and defeated.
that’s a fair take. I was trying to reflect what many feel but rarely say. Not because they’ve given up, but because the system chips away at agency bit by bit. That said, I do believe change is possible. This piece focused on the problem. my book, SuperSkills will focus on stepping up.
I agree a lot of people feel this and rarely say it. I don't agree its because the system chips away at agency - the evidence seems to point more towards a lack of confidence around conflict, where saying what you actually think comes with (perceived) high costs
I agree, fear of conflict plays a big role. In a lot of places, the cost of honesty feels too high. I’d say it’s both: the environment creates the fear, and over time, that fear shapes behaviour.
I'm not sure what your window on the world might be, Rahim, but for me and the other entrepreneurial executives I spend time with are seeing and experiencing totally different things. Here's just one example from me just a few days ago:
https://stevenscesa.substack.com/p/a-case-study-in-the-incredible-power
Steven, thanks for this. This is proof AI can massively amplify productivity, especially for those of us who have the privilege, experience, and capability to leverage it effectively. Your example is a strong illustration of what’s possible. I think you and I work like this daily without the shackles.
My article was addressing a broader trend I’ve observed, especially in discussions over the last year in preparation for my book. I wasn't aiming to focus on this area, but it was literally shouting at me. People are caught in systems that actually misuse these powerful technologies, unintentionally amplifying busyness rather than meaningful productivity. It’s not closed-mindedness, but rather a recognition that not everyone has yet found your clarity or ease in using these tools. Many feel genuinely stuck and overwhelmed.
Your experience highlights an important point: the future of work can indeed be incredible for those who adapt quickly and thoughtfully. But for many others, the path isn’t yet as clear or optimistic.
I appreciate you and your viewpoint to get angles we all need to see. I haven't painted all of them.
This was excellent. I feel all of it. You cut the bullshit in a very refreshing and satisfying way that makes me feel seen.
By the end of it, I do wonder one thing, which is whether the fluff is all there is. Most jobs seem to be helping each other feed the machine as customer or as provider and then flipping. My company helps others stay above water and I become the customer and lean on internal or external resources to keep from straying outside of my narrow siloed expertise. The whole thing feels like one big ourobouros eating its own tail until we get to retire which may never come if AI helps us to live forever.