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.