Listen "Escaping the Performance Trap with Radhika Dutt"
Episode Synopsis
“Escaping The Performance Trap”
Join me and my guest Radhika Dutt. She is currently Advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (Singapore’s central bank and financial regulator). She is the author of two book, the latest of which proposes that a focus on performance is stifling innovation and limiting creativity and productivity. She is a graduate of MIT, speaks nine languages and the methodology she introduced in her first book is now used in over 40 countries. In this interview we explore her innovative new methodology: OHLs (Objectives, Hypotheses, and Learnings). OHLs reframe how we define and measure progress and transform organizations from a target-driven culture to one of puzzle-setting and puzzle-solving.
SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You!
Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you
Summary
In this conversation, Blaine and Radhika Dutt explore the concept of the 'soul of business' and how traditional metrics like KPIs can detract from genuine innovation and productivity. Radhika introduces her framework of OHLs (Objectives, Hypotheses, and Learnings) as a solution to the pitfalls of goal-setting, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and learning in the workplace. They discuss the need for a shift in mindset towards puzzle setting and solving, which fosters a more engaged and innovative organizational culture.
Takeaways
The purpose of a goal is to grow, not just achieve metrics.
KPIs can often suck the soul out of business.
Chaos can be a necessary component of effective leadership.
A framework for experimentation is essential for innovation.
Puzzle setting and solving can add soul to business processes.
Asking how well something is working encourages curiosity.
Learning from experiences is more valuable than just reporting numbers.
The mindset shift is crucial for implementing new frameworks.
Burnout often stems from a loss of meaning in work.
Engaging teams in problem-solving fosters a more innovative culture.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join me and my guest Radhika Dutt. She is currently Advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (Singapore’s central bank and financial regulator). She is the author of two book, the latest of which proposes that a focus on performance is stifling innovation and limiting creativity and productivity. She is a graduate of MIT, speaks nine languages and the methodology she introduced in her first book is now used in over 40 countries. In this interview we explore her innovative new methodology: OHLs (Objectives, Hypotheses, and Learnings). OHLs reframe how we define and measure progress and transform organizations from a target-driven culture to one of puzzle-setting and puzzle-solving.
SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You!
Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you
Summary
In this conversation, Blaine and Radhika Dutt explore the concept of the 'soul of business' and how traditional metrics like KPIs can detract from genuine innovation and productivity. Radhika introduces her framework of OHLs (Objectives, Hypotheses, and Learnings) as a solution to the pitfalls of goal-setting, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and learning in the workplace. They discuss the need for a shift in mindset towards puzzle setting and solving, which fosters a more engaged and innovative organizational culture.
Takeaways
The purpose of a goal is to grow, not just achieve metrics.
KPIs can often suck the soul out of business.
Chaos can be a necessary component of effective leadership.
A framework for experimentation is essential for innovation.
Puzzle setting and solving can add soul to business processes.
Asking how well something is working encourages curiosity.
Learning from experiences is more valuable than just reporting numbers.
The mindset shift is crucial for implementing new frameworks.
Burnout often stems from a loss of meaning in work.
Engaging teams in problem-solving fosters a more innovative culture.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More episodes of the podcast Soul of Business with Blaine Bartlett
Rethinking Delegation with Brad Federman
06/10/2025
Leader As A Host with Taylor Scott
03/10/2025
Russell McLeod, Founder of Mightyhum
24/09/2025
Mark Peters, CEO Butterball Farms, Inc.
17/09/2025
Doug Bruhnke
21/08/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.