Rewriting Work: Why Performance Systems Are Breaking in the Human + Machine Era - 2026 Next Practices Weekly
Next Practices Weekly recently welcomed Trellis Usher, CEO of Nova Health Labs, author of WORK. REWRITTEN., and former SVP of Talent at Pax8, for an engaging discussion on why traditional performance systems are struggling to keep pace with the realities of work in the human + machine era. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in talent strategy, organizational effectiveness, and workforce transformation, Usher explored how AI is exposing long-standing challenges in the way organization’s structure work, measure performance, and drive accountability.
Hosted by i4cp’s Heather Foust-Cummings, Vice President, Senior Research Analyst and Tom Stone, the conversation examined how leaders can move beyond technology implementation and focus on redesigning work itself. Usher introduced the concept of Performance Architecture, a practical approach for aligning workflows, incentives, workforce capabilities, leadership behaviors, and business outcomes to create sustainable performance in an AI-enabled world.
Key Topics Discussed
- Performance Architecture for the AI Era:
Trellis introduced Performance Architecture as a framework for aligning work, workflows, incentives, leadership, and AI adoption to drive stronger business outcomes. - Eliminating Hidden Friction:
Organizations must identify and address workflow inefficiencies, unclear ownership, and process bottlenecks before scaling AI, or risk accelerating existing problems. - Shifting from Activity to Impact:
The discussion challenged leaders to rethink outdated performance metrics and focus on measuring value creation, outcomes, and business impact. - HR’s Opportunity to Move Upstream:
HR, talent, and learning leaders have a critical role to play in redesigning work and shaping transformation strategies - not simply responding to organizational change.
The session delivered valuable insights for HR, talent, learning, and business leaders navigating workforce transformation. From uncovering hidden organizational friction to rethinking performance measures and leadership practices, attendees gained actionable strategies for building organizations that are better equipped for the future of work. If you missed the live event, be sure to watch the recording to hear Trellis’s practical guidance and fresh perspective on how organizations can successfully align people, work, and AI for lasting impact.
Resources Shared
- Want to learn more about Trellis Usher’s work on workforce transformation, organizational design, leadership, and performance in the human + machine era? Explore her insights, resources, and thought leadership here: Trellis Usher's Website
- Designed for Disruption – Download the Report: Future-ready organizations don’t just adapt - they’re built for disruption. Explore the agility routines driving performance in this latest research from Institute for Corporate Productivity. Access the Designed for Disruption report
To ensure open discussion, this event was exclusively for HR practitioners. Vendors and consultants were not permitted to attend.
