When effort stops becoming progress
Good People, Dumb Systems
Capable people. Good intentions. The same problems, again.
Why are capable people working harder without the work getting easier?
When the answer is always “try harder”, it is worth asking what the work is demanding in the first place. This keynote looks at the conditions that spend people’s attention, narrow their options, and make good work unnecessarily difficult.
Is this your audience?
Leadership conferences, people and culture events, and teams facing persistent overload or coordination problems.
Questions and takeaways
- Recognise the hidden demands that consume attention before the important work begins.
- Ask better questions when familiar problems keep returning.
- Identify working conditions that leaders can change, rather than relying on constant individual rescue.
The book behind the conversation
What this talk draws on
Draws on Dave’s book, its synthesis of published research, and his experience in organisational strategy.
Every booking includes an organiser briefing, audience-specific preparation, programme materials, AV coordination, a one-page summary, and a follow-up clarification email. See fees, inclusions, and booking terms.
Programme description to copy
For leaders and teams facing overload, repeated problems, and difficult coordination. Dave Morris explores why capable people can work harder without making the work easier, drawing on his book Good People Dumb Systems and experience in organisational strategy. Audiences leave with better questions about the demands consuming attention and the working conditions leaders can change. Available as an in-person or live virtual keynote: 45–60 minutes total, with the talk and Q&A split agreed for your programme. A leadership keynote and discussion runs 75–90 minutes total.
Explore what the talk draws on · Download all three descriptions
Bring this conversation to your audience
Bring it into your room.
Tell Dave who is coming, what is happening in their world, and what would make the session valuable. Format, examples, and scope are discussed before a proposal.
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