If Human Nature Doesn't Change, Why Not Focus On What We Already Know?

In 2011 I’d like to propose that we resist the temptation to chase the latest, greatest employee development and management trends.  My friends, human nature has not changed in quite some time and yet so many of us are hypnotically drawn to whatever new workplace notion is touted at conferences and workshops.  No matter if it’s untested, unproven, or even just repackaged jargon, if it’s hyped enough it becomes state-of-the-art or a best practice.  Sadly we seem to be ignoring decades of behavioral science research about what makes people tick, in favor of slickly packaged presentations and webinars promising improved workplace performance.

In 2011, let’s leave alignment to our auto mechanic and engagement to couples in love.  Instead let’s revisit established psychological concepts like motivation, reinforcement, and yes, even self-esteem.  Let’s stop spinning our wheels, chasing our tails, and in many cases wasting time and money.  We simply don’t need new concepts every year to describe or enhance human behavior in the workplace.   Let’s take advantage of existing wisdom, of what is already known about human behavior.