Eric Lynn, senior learning Manager at Microsoft, offered a clear message in an interview featured in Performance Magazine – Print Edition, No. 32 (The Employee Performance Edition): performance culture starts with clarity—and leaders who set the tone.

Lynn, who also serves as a professional coach in Microsoft’s Customer and Partner Solutions (MCAPS) organization, explained that without clear standards, workplace culture risks becoming inconsistent and reactive. With nearly two decades of experience in learning and development, he draws from a background in sports administration and leadership, applying strategic thinking to how teams function.

“In a performance-based culture, it is imperative to have transparency and clear standards,” he noted. That consistency allows individuals to focus, contribute, and move the business forward, especially as technologies like AI change the way work is distributed and measured.

He emphasizes that today’s workplace demands a more team-oriented approach. While individual contribution remains important, accountability now sits with leaders just as much as with employees. “If a member of the team is struggling, leaders must ask why—and what can be done to support them,” he said.

Lynn also cautions against over-reliance on incentives alone to drive results. A strong performance culture, he explained, requires alignment, trust, and a structure that allows individuals to act with autonomy. Without that, even the most well-designed reward systems may fall short.

One of the most practical tools he highlights is coaching based on curiosity. Replacing judgment with questions such as “What about…” or “Have we considered…” creates space for reflection and improvement, while still keeping performance expectations in focus.

Lynn’s advice is grounded in a simple principle: when employees know what is expected of them, and when standards are consistently applied, performance improves. Leaders, in turn, can focus on supporting long-term results instead of correcting short-term missteps.

To read the full interview, download Performance Magazine – Print Edition, No. 32 (The Employee Performance Edition) for free via the TKI Marketplace. Printed copies are also available for order on Amazon (printing and shipping fees apply).

The AI Edition of Performance Magazine – Print Edition takes on a challenge many professionals face but rarely stop to question: when we talk about artificial intelligence (AI), are we even speaking the same language? 

Across the issue, readers will find practical pieces focused on specific use cases, business-relevant applications, and emerging challenges. From machine learning basics and prompt engineering techniques to risks in AI adoption and the global regulatory landscape, the edition focuses on how professionals can work with AI in clear, grounded ways.

This approach reflects a core idea explored by the edition’s guest editor, Islam Salahuddin—a former data consultant and facilitator at Systaems with ongoing studies in AI. In “The Problem of AI Is a Problem of Language,” he argues that confusion about AI begins before anyone starts using a tool. He writes that while the field covers everything from robotics and autonomous systems to generative models and chatbots, many professionals speak about AI as if it’s a single thing. This creates misunderstandings that ripple through strategy discussions, tool selection, and expectations around performance.

Salahuddin outlines three areas where the confusion takes root: definition, taxonomy, and perception. He describes how researchers often try to sort these challenges out through frameworks and classification systems, but these rarely reach business audiences. As a result, terms like machine learning or deep learning either get used interchangeably or misunderstood entirely. 

Part of the problem, Salahuddin writes, lies in how quickly AI references shift. A few years ago, people talked about AI in the context of robots or smart devices. Now, many mean tools like ChatGPT, even though these represent only part of the broader field. Rather than offer a fixed interpretation of AI, the essay encourages business professionals to recognize how their own assumptions shape their understanding.

Where Technical Expertise Meets Language

Salahuddin’s piece sets the tone for the rest of the edition—not just in content, but in its call for clarity and critical thinking. That perspective emerges not only from technical expertise but also from his interest in how ideas are framed and understood. He approaches AI as someone attuned to the role of language in guiding perception, decisions, and strategy.

Drawing on over a decade of experience across data analytics, information design, and communication, he brings a thoughtful approach to how organizations use data for strategy and impact. He is also certified as a data analyst and trainer by Microsoft. His work spans the public and private sectors—from performance management solutions to research and training—always focused on making analytics more accessible and relevant.

Alongside his technical work, he remains engaged in writing and creative projects, often exploring the connections between data, storytelling, and culture. He believes that bridging disciplines—whether through visualization or language—is key to understanding today’s complex challenges.

Read his full essay in Performance Magazine – Print Edition, Issue No. 33 (The AI Edition), now available as a free digital download via the TKI Marketplace. Print copies can also be ordered through Amazon (standard printing and shipping fees apply).

Cassie Kozyrkov, Google’s first-ever chief decision scientist and founder of consulting firm Kozyr, is best known for championing decision intelligence—a field that helps leaders move beyond instinct and data overload toward clarity and structure. In an exclusive interview for Performance Magazine’s AI Edition, she argues that many leaders still get AI wrong by focusing on automation rather than decision quality.

Kozyrkov draws a sharp line between tool use and automation. She points out that the former empowers employees to use AI systems like ChatGPT or Claude to do better work, while the latter involves handing off decisions entirely to machines. Leaders often conflate the two, she warns, launching AI projects without asking whether they truly understand what outcomes they’re pursuing.

Instead of starting with data, Kozyrkov believes that a good AI strategy starts with intent. “The answers are cheap now,” she says. “It’s the questions that are valuable.” For her, prompting is a leadership skill—one that requires clarity about what success looks like and how to recognize it. Off-the-shelf metrics, like accuracy or speed, often miss the point if they’re not tied to the organization’s core priorities.

Kozyrkov also emphasizes the importance of technical fluency at the leadership level—not necessarily coding expertise, but enough knowledge to manage complexity and ask the right questions. She warns that a “non-technical leader who ignores the technology is a hazard” and that trust, especially in external vendors or automated systems, should always be earned—not assumed.

The conversation spans real-world examples, like AI-driven parking lot metrics and automation misfires, to broader themes of governance and accountability. Kozyrkov calls for what she terms a “new breed of leader”: someone who understands that in a world flooded with tools, what matters most is judgment.

Read the full interview in Performance Magazine – Print Edition, Issue No. 33 (The AI Edition), now available as a free digital download via the TKI Marketplace. Print copies can also be ordered through Amazon (standard printing and shipping fees apply).

Performance Magazine has released its newest print issue, and this time, it focuses on one of the most defining changes in today’s workplace: AI in strategy and performance. Performance Magazine Issue – Print Edition, Issue No. 33 (The AI Edition) explores how artificial intelligence is influencing not just tools and workflows but the deeper layers of how organizations plan, execute, and evaluate performance.

The cover story features Cassie Kozyrkov, Google’s first ever chief decision scientist. Rather than echoing the dominant automation narrative, Kozyrkov calls for a return to disciplined thinking. Her reflections point to a core concern in strategy work today: how to make better decisions, faster, with the support of AI—not at the cost of human oversight. She draws attention to the difference between replacing judgment and reinforcing it, which frames much of what the rest of the edition explores.

Among the features is a practical explainer on how machine learning works, covering its core structure, main types, and underlying learning processes. Another article offers historical context that traces how AI has developed over time, helping distinguish durable progress from hype.

One article takes a closer look at the role of AI in strategy and performance, showing how machine learning models are being used to assess current conditions, simulate future outcomes, and support strategic direction. It also explores how AI contributes to performance management by helping set more accurate targets, cascade KPIs across levels, and monitor progress with predictive insights.

Several articles explore how AI is embedded in the daily flow of work. These cover its integration into familiar tools and platforms, the rise of AI agents, and the increasing importance of prompt engineering as a technical skill. On the governance front, readers will find a scan of AI regulatory developments around the world, focusing on how companies are adjusting policies and compliance mechanisms to match legal expectations.

The Interviews section brings in a mix of technical, academic, and legal perspectives. Alongside Kozyrkov are voices like Tarry Singh, Professor J. Mark Bishop, Frank Naussbaum, and Dr. Jon Truby, who discuss the operational, ethical, and structural implications of adopting AI at scale.

Closing the edition is a contribution from guest editor Islam Salahuddin, a data consultant and facilitator at Systaems. He is certified as a data analyst and trainer by Microsoft and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in AI. In his essay, he explores how much of the confusion around AI stems from language itself. Even the term “AI” can mean entirely different things depending on background or experience. This confusion, he argues, is especially present in business conversations, where abstract terms often blur rather than clarify. 

Performance Magazine Issue – Print Edition, Issue No. 33 (The AI Edition) is now available as a free digital download via the TKI Marketplace. Print copies can be ordered through Amazon, with standard printing and shipping fees applied.

Employee performance is a constant focus for organizations that expect results. But achieving strong individual outcomes takes more than periodic reviews or general encouragement. It requires clear targets, regular feedback, relevant data, and well-defined processes.

This roundup brings together a full set of tools, guides, and learning materials from The KPI Institute. These references remain relevant across roles and time because they focus on practical action—planning, evaluating, developing, and following up on performance. Whether you’re an HR professional, manager, or business leader, you’ll find clear ways to align employees with goals, track progress, and improve results.

1. Employee Performance Evaluation: This session explains how to assess employee performance using objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), competencies, and behaviors. It includes techniques for linking performance results with compensation and recognition.
2. Performance Improvement Essentials: Gain practical techniques for managing performance through data, structured follow-up, and clear accountability. The webinar introduces methods for tracking actions and reviewing progress across business units.
3. Understanding Personal Performance: This webinar focuses on individual performance tracking. It provides principles for setting personal goals and using tools and apps for measuring activity, effort, and progress.
4. Cross-Cultural Management: Explore key concepts for leading diverse teams, with guidance on navigating cultural dimensions, work style differences, and communication barriers.
5. Performance Magazine Issue No. 32, 2025 – Employee Performance Edition: Available as a FREE digital edition, this issue focuses on how culture connects to performance. It explores how systems, behaviors, and everyday practices contribute to consistent outcomes across teams and departments.
6. The Employee Performance Management Playbook: In this article, you’ll discover how to integrate individual goals, KPIs, and development plans into daily work through a structured performance planning approach.
7. The Human Resources KPI Dictionary: This dictionary presents a detailed structure of KPIs used across major HR areas. It helps with both setting up and refining performance measurement frameworks for departments and roles.
8. Top 25 Compensation and Benefits KPIs of 2011–2012: This collection of KPIs remains a valuable reference for anyone designing or refining compensation frameworks. Find some of the most viewed and widely used metrics for pay and benefits—complete with standard definitions, formulas, and practical suggestions.
9. Top 25 Retention KPIs of 2011–2012: These retention and engagement metrics continue to offer timeless insights for building long-term staff continuity. The report features key indicators used to track turnover, engagement, and related costs—ideal for guiding or benchmarking today’s HR strategies.
10. Individual Performance Management System – Guide: Access a comprehensive framework for building employee performance systems, featuring 15 editable templates like job descriptions, scorecards, and evaluation forms.
11. Individual Performance Evaluation and Follow-Up Templates: These templates help track performance activities and support review discussions. Tools include a daily activity log, feedback guide, initiative tracker, development plan, and rewards policy.
12. Quick Guides for Developing an IPM System: Support your implementation of performance processes with these step-by-step resources on behavior selection, objective setting, role assignments, and evaluation planning.

These resources give you the structure to plan, track, and improve employee performance across any department or team. Consistent output starts with consistent management!

Just as individuals must adapt to changes in their personal lives, such as shifting priorities and new tools, organizations must also respond to broader shifts in the environment in which they operate. Today, sociocultural changes and technological advancements are playing a pivotal role in redefining how strategy is crafted and how performance is managed. 

The 2025 Global Trends Brief, by The KPI Institute, emerges as a vital resource, offering comprehensive insights into the forces set to shape the strategic direction of organizations worldwide. Drawing from an extensive analysis of over 100 industry publications, expert commentaries, and in-depth studies, the report highlights the primary drivers of change across six critical dimensions: Geopolitical, Economic, Socio-Cultural, Environmental, Technological, and Legal.

In our previous article, we explored the Geopolitical and Economic drivers, where we highlighted how global power shifts, inflation, and supply chain instability are influencing organizational strategy, risk management, and performance.

In this follow-up, we now explore the Sociocultural and Technological trends that are redefining the workforce and transforming business operations. From artificial intelligence (AI) integration and cybersecurity to shifting workplace values and talent models, these forces are reshaping how organizations operate and compete in a modern business world.

Sociocultural advancements reshape workforce strategies

According to the 2025 Global Trends Brief, organizations are no longer relying solely on traditional methods to attract and retain talent. Instead, skills-first hiring has gained momentum, signaling a shift away from degree-based qualifications. Companies are placing higher value on practical capabilities, real-world experience, and adaptability.

Meanwhile, employee experience, mental health, and professional development have emerged as critical priorities. With hybrid work environments now the norm, businesses are addressing the challenges of talent shortages, workforce engagement, and well-being. In this evolving landscape, AI integration is also redefining talent strategies, enabling more targeted hiring, upskilling programs, and reduced turnover.

Notably, women-led businesses are expected to lead innovation across high-growth sectors such as healthcare and technology, signaling a sociocultural shift toward more inclusive and resilient leadership models.

However, as older generations retire in large numbers, many industries are facing a looming talent gap. This trend is pushing organizations to invest in internal development, cross-training, and more flexible working models to future-proof their workforce.

Technology continues to disrupt and empower

On the technological front, AI’s evolving ecosystem is transforming business operations across industries. One major development is the rapid advancement of DeepSeek, which has raised national security concerns in the U.S., emphasizing the growing complexity of international AI competition.

At the organizational level, cybersecurity has become a top priority. As autonomous and agentic AI systems begin to carry out tasks with minimal human input, ensuring safe and ethical deployment is paramount. Businesses are now exploring how these AI agents can handle routine tasks, enabling employees to focus on high-value work.

Generative AI (GenAI) is also set to revolutionize operations, particularly in supply chain management, by automating decision-making, improving forecasting accuracy, and streamlining logistics. Meanwhile, the convergence of quantum computing and AI is opening new frontiers in data processing and problem-solving, with implications for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to finance.

After years of software dominance, hardware innovation is staging a comeback. From advanced chips designed for AI workloads to energy-efficient processors, the renewed focus on physical infrastructure is enabling AI systems to operate at higher speeds and lower costs.

As sociocultural and technological trends continue to evolve, they’re not just shaping operations. But they are also redefining the core of strategy, leadership, and performance. Explore the full insights, including key figures, referenced studies, and detailed analysis on how each component impacts strategy and performance management practices. Download the full 2025 Global Trends Brief, available on the TKI Marketplace. Stay tuned for our upcoming articles as we unpack the remaining two drivers in detail.

The 2025 Global Trends Brief, by The KPI Institute, emerges as a vital resource, offering comprehensive insights into the forces set to shape the strategic direction of organizations worldwide. Drawing from an extensive analysis of over 100 industry publications, expert commentaries, and in-depth studies, the report highlights the primary drivers of change across six critical dimensions: Geopolitical, Economic, Socio-Cultural, Environmental, Technological, and Legal.

In this article, we take a closer look at the first two driving factors, which are Geopolitical and Economic. Let’s unpack the early signals of change that are already influencing how businesses approach strategy, risk, and performance. 

Geopolitical: rising tensions, shifting alliances

Geopolitical instability is increasingly disrupting the flow of goods, capital, and operations. Ongoing global conflicts are straining supply chains, leading to delays, elevated costs, and strategic uncertainty for multinational organizations.

At a broader level, traditional alliances are shifting. The U.S. is aligning more closely with Russia, while its relationship with Europe continues to diverge, signaling a notable departure from past geopolitical norms. This realignment hints at a fragmented global order, where businesses must closely monitor political developments to safeguard continuity.

Further adding to the complexity is the growing risk of nuclear escalation, driven by the wider spread of nuclear technology and intensifying rivalries among nuclear-armed states. With state-based armed conflicts expected to rise in both frequency and intensity, organizations face a heightened need for agile, responsive strategies.

Meanwhile, new U.S. tariffs on major trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China, are reshaping global trade dynamics. These policy shifts are prompting companies to reassess sourcing models and diversify supply networks to remain resilient.

Economic: resilience with underlying shifts

Despite geopolitical turbulence, the global economy shows signs of steadiness. Headline inflation is projected to ease throughout most of 2025, although the possibility of further tariff increases later in the year could create upward pressure in the second half.

Growth remains moderate but consistent, with a clear demonstration of economic resilience. Underneath this surface, however, a long-term transfer of global wealth and power is taking place—from the West to the East—reshaping global investment patterns and economic influence.

Small businesses are playing an increasingly central role, driving innovation and contributing significantly to job creation and local growth. Meanwhile, the global unemployment rate holds steady, offering a layer of stability in an otherwise evolving economic landscape.

These two forces offer only a glimpse of what’s shaping business in 2025. To explore key figures, referenced studies, and detailed analysis on how each component impacts strategy and performance management practices, download the full 2025 Global Trends Brief by The KPI Institute. Stay tuned for our upcoming articles as we unpack the remaining four drivers in detail.

The first half of 2025 has been marked by a series of strategic publications from The KPI Institute, underscoring its continued commitment to advancing the field of strategy and performance management. These publications address emerging challenges and opportunities across industries, providing in-depth analysis, practical frameworks, and actionable insights for professionals and organizations worldwide. This mid-year recap highlights the most impactful releases to date, each reflecting the Institute’s mission to support sustainable performance and informed decision-making.

One of the key highlights is the 2025 Global Trends Brief. It is a secondary research report that analyzes the critical forces reshaping the global business environment. Drawing on insights from over 100 leading research and consultancy sources, the Brief presents a clear, data-driven overview of the trends influencing strategy and performance today. Covering themes such as geopolitical developments, artificial intelligence, and evolving regulatory landscapes, the report provides valuable guidance on how these shifts impact decision-making, operational resilience, and long-term strategic planning.

Another significant contribution is the Top 25 KPIs Series, which showcases key performance indicators (KPIs)  across various industries and functional areas. Released in the first half of the year are the Top 25 Oil and Gas KPIs – 2025 Edition, Top 25 Strategy and Performance Management KPIs – 2025 Edition, and Top 25 Local Government KPIs – 2025 Edition. Each report includes not only curated KPI lists but also practical guidance on implementation, along with the latest developments in performance measurement.

For professionals seeking a focused exploration of individual KPIs, the KPI of the Month (KPIoM) series provides in-depth profiles of key metrics. Each feature includes definitions, calculation formulas, and real-world applications. Recent editions have highlighted indicators such as % Return on Assets, % Employee Burnout Rate, $ Internal Carbon Fee, % Production Schedule Attainment, and % First Call Resolution Rate.

Further expanding its KPI-related resources, The KPI Institute released new entries in the KPIs for Industries infographic series during the first half of 2025. These include KPI sets for health and healthcare providers, medical laboratories, and pharmacies. Each infographic leverages Value Flow Analysis—a methodology that maps how value is generated across industry-specific processes—and offers detailed definitions, component metrics, and calculation methods. These resources are designed to support targeted performance improvement initiatives at both strategic and operational levels.

In addition, The KPI Institute launched the first quarterly edition of its flagship publication for the year: Performance Magazine Issue No. 32 – Employee Performance Edition. This edition explores how organizational culture functions not merely as a background element but as a fundamental enabler of performance. Featuring expert commentary, models, and practical tools, the issue encourages professionals to treat culture as a strategic resource—something to be intentionally shaped and applied to reinforce engagement, alignment, and long-term success.

To explore these publications and more, visit the TKI Marketplace and gain access to the latest resources in strategy and performance management.

The KPI Institute will release a range of publications in 2025 addressing key themes in strategy and performance management across various industries. Each publication offers a thorough examination of its respective topic, driven by the institute’s commitment to advance the field of strategy and performance management.

Among the highlights are the State of Strategy Management Practice and the Government Services Index (GSI). The State of Strategy Management Practice report, conducted by The KPI Institute in partnership with Systaems, explores the landscape of strategic planning, measurement, and execution, reflecting the realities faced by organizations in the MENA region. The report also examines challenges and success factors in areas such as business planning, performance management system architecture, key performance indicator (KPI) deployment, project management, organizational agility, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and automation.

Meanwhile, the GSI provides a comprehensive assessment of government service quality using 30 carefully selected indicators across five key dimensions—Future Readiness, Digitalization, Governance, Society Welfare, and Citizen Experience. These indicators were chosen from an initial pool of 913 indicators derived from over 40 indexes. Data from 122 countries allows the GSI to highlight top performers in each region and dimension. 

Also in the pipeline is the Top 25 KPIs series, which highlights KPIs across various sectors and functional areas. This includes the Top 25 Oil and Gas KPIs – 2025 Edition, Top 25 Customer Service KPIs – 2025 Edition, Top 25 Hospitality & Tourism KPIs – 2025 Edition, and Top 25 Telecommunications KPIs – 2025 Edition. Each report also covers strategies for KPI implementation, along with the latest practices in performance measurement.

For a more focused look at KPIs, the KPI of the Month (KPIoM) series is designed to spotlight a different KPI each month, offering definitions, calculation methods, and practical applications. Examples include % Return on Assets, % Employee Burnout Rate, and $ Internal Carbon Fee.

Moreover, quarterly editions of Performance Magazine will tackle pressing topics like employee performance, the use of AI in strategy, sustainability reporting, and government performance. Performance Magazine is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of its print edition this year, alongside the launch of a redesigned website.

To access all of The KPI Institute’s publications, visit the Marketplace today!

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the News section of Performance Magazine, Issue No. 32, 2025 – Employee Performance Edition.

Change is the only constant in the business landscape, and as it continues to undergo rapid transformation in 2025, a deep understanding of emerging global trends has become essential for professionals in performance and strategy management. From consultants and trainers to educators and those in customer-facing roles, adapting to change is no longer optional—it’s a strategic imperative.

The 2025 Global Trends Brief, by The KPI Institute, emerges as a vital resource, which offer comprehensive insights into the forces set to shape the strategic direction of organizations worldwide. Drawing from an extensive analysis of over 100 industry publications, expert commentaries, and in-depth studies, the report highlights the primary drivers of change across six critical dimensions: Geopolitical, Economic, Socio-Cultural, Environmental, Technological, and Legal.

For instance, current geopolitical developments—such as alliance realignments, nuclear threats, and persistent disruptions in global supply chains—call for strategies that emphasize supply chain diversification and local sourcing.

In the economic dimension, inflation fluctuations, economic stability, and structural shifts are prompting organizations to reevaluate their approaches in order to remain resilient and responsive.

The technological landscape continues to evolve rapidly, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. To remain competitive, organizations must prioritize AI skill development, talent retention, and the integration of AI risk mitigation systems. These actions support regulatory compliance, enhance customer trust, and drive stronger performance.

On the socio-cultural front, talent shortages and changing employee expectations are encouraging companies to invest in initiatives that improve the employee experience, engagement, well-being, and career growth.

The environmental dimension is increasingly influential, with rising environmental, social and governance (ESG) investments and the accelerated growth of green energy and mobility transforming how organizations approach strategy and performance management.

Meanwhile, the legal environment is marked by greater scrutiny and stricter enforcement. The rise of AI risks and ongoing regulatory developments—particularly concerning data privacy, monitoring, and governance—require organizations to implement systems that ensure compliance and strengthen resilience.

The 2025 Global Trends Brief not only outlines the challenges across each dimension but also provides actionable recommendations to strengthen operational agility, improve resilience, and drive sustainable growth.

For over two decades, The KPI Institute has led the global field in strategy and performance management. Renowned for its structured methodologies and robust research, The KPI Institute continues to provide the tools and insights needed to navigate today’s complexities and prepare for the uncertainties ahead.

To explore the full list of key drivers, their implications, and expert-backed recommendations for strategic and performance-oriented adaptation, download the 2025 Global Trends Brief on TKI Marketplace.