Feed the Right Algorithm

Social media and news aggregators use algorithms to "personalize" content based on your past behavior. Your team members (and colleagues) often do much the same thing.

They log and learn from your past inquiries and responses to form the "algorithms" that shape the ideas and information they provide you and when and how they provide them. They hone the ability to present you with “content” you will find enticing. The results are often predictable, reinforcing, and familiar, by design.

However, the better this algorithm gets, the more it leads to a “filter bubble” that can create mental ruts for all involved.

If you find yourself unhappy with the engagement, creativity, productivity, or dynamics of your team, consider the "algorithms" your own behaviors are generating. It may be time for a refresh, for challenging yourself and your team to seek and mine the less familiar.