In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, we start exploring the different tracks available to Industrial-Organizational (I/O) psychology professionals. Today Morgan Ashworth is interviewed by the Organizational Sherlocks I/O behind the scenes, Darien Chismar, to examine the industry track—a path that blends psychology, business strategy, and people operations. They discuss how I/O professionals in industry roles often start in HR, yet expand their impact to organizational development, leadership coaching, and change management. Morgan shares insights on adapting evidence-based practices, tackling real-world urgency, managing asymmetric information in leadership, and balancing business success with employee well-being. Listeners will gain practical advice on entering industry roles, learning beyond formal education, and staying current with trends such as AI and generational shifts in the workplace.

In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth guide listeners through the diverse career options available to industrial-organizational psychologists. Using the SIOP framework, they outline paths in academia, consulting, government, and industry, sharing insights about roles, responsibilities, and practical considerations for each. The conversation highlights the nuances of job titles and the importance of focusing on skills and responsibilities over labels. They also discuss career progression opportunities and challenges unique to each sector. This episode sets the stage for future deep dives into these career paths, encouraging thoughtful exploration for aspiring and current I/O professionals.

In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth tackle three common myths in industrial-organizational (IO) psychology: that it's only about hiring and firing, that bias can be fully removed with technology, and that burnout is just about long hours. They clarify the true breadth of IO psychology, discuss the limits of algorithmic tools in hiring, and explore the complex, systemic causes of burnout. Tune in to deepen your understanding of the field’s nuance and learn practical insights for managing people and organizations more effectively.

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.

In this episode of Organizational Sherlocks, hosts Elizabeth Fleming and Morgan Ashworth dive into the complexities of performance management and corrective action in the workplace. Blending psychological insight with business practicality, they explore common challenges like misalignment, employee resistance, and the impact of a volatile job market. The duo outlines essential steps in the corrective action process, from verbal warnings to termination. While emphasizing documentation, legal considerations, and the role of leadership curiosity. Whether you’re an HR professional or a team leader, this episode offers practical tools for fostering accountability and driving organizational alignment.