Ep 250 – The 4 Shifts Every People Team Must Make | Priscila Bala, LifeLabs Learning

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1. AI is here — but it can’t replace practice with real humans

AI can generate coaching scripts, personalize training, and accelerate content creation. But it still can’t simulate the full pressure of a tough conversation with a real person.

Priscila broke it down like this:

“The battle has never been in the learning — it's in the doing. Can I behave the right way when my amygdala is hijacked, my heart is racing, and there's another unpredictable human on the other side?”

Her team now calls it the “artificial intern” — a tool to support human creativity and speed, not replace it.

“You still need to review the output and decide: what’s critical? What’s persuasive? That taste-making, that judgment — that’s the skill of the future.”

2. Want better managers? Start with this one habit

LifeLabs has researched thousands of managers and found one clear signal of effectiveness: they ask more questions.

One of the simplest practices they teach is called “Q-Stepping.”

“Step into questions. Ask two, three, four more questions before jumping into advice mode. That’s how you get to the root of what’s really going on.”

You don’t need a complex rubric. You need managers who get curious before getting directive.

3. LifeLabs’ facilitators follow a specific rhythm

If you're running learning sessions, here's a cheat code from the LifeLabs playbook:

Every 7–12 minutes, create a moment of interaction — a reflection, a poll, a quick activity. Why? Because human attention spans are shorter than we think.

“Our facilitators track energy like a barometer. They know when to inject play and when to pull back for reflection. It’s that responsiveness that makes learning stick.”

And it’s not just the cadence. It’s the hiring.

“We look for people with a passion for transmitting ideas and role modeling real courage — not just delivering content.”

4. Overwhelmed managers? You’re not imagining it

Being a manager today is like managing a portfolio of jobs: coach, stakeholder manager, team psychologist, AI navigator. And most companies don’t define the role clearly enough.

Priscila named the real problem:

“We’ve made manager the next rung on the career ladder, without recognizing that it’s a completely different skillset. Not everyone should climb that ladder.”

Her advice? Audit what’s actually on your managers’ plates.

“If we’re talking about the same thing for the third time, call a timeout. Decide what stays, what goes, and where you’re under-supporting.”

5. Want to DIY your learning programs? Start here

You don’t need a big L&D team to make learning work. Start with what LifeLabs teaches in every session:

  • Make it practical (not just aspirational)
  • Embed learning into day-to-day work
  • Co-create with your people

And if you’re looking for facilitation inspiration, join one of LifeLabs’ virtual Culture Clubs.

“We’re generous wild scientists. We believe in sharing tools because we’re all building the future of work together.”

They’re also launching a “Train the Trainer” program in 2026 — with early pilots starting now. Keep an eye on it.

Thanks for reading. See you next time!

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