Steering Point Articles
AI in Ireland and Europe: the Taoiseach’s Perspective
In a recent article in the Business Post, Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin underscored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for both Ireland and the EU [1]. Written in the wake of his attending the AI Action Summit in Paris earlier that week, Martin compared AI’s impact to that of the Industrial Revolution and the printing press, arguing that Europe must embrace AI’s opportunities while ensuring appropriate regulation.
The Next Step: Elevating Teams to Their Peak
Not all teams are created equal. Some are highly productive, cohesive, and innovative, while others seem to face continuous obstacles that limit their potential. Why is this the case? While many factors play a role, the real difference often comes down to certain elements of peak performance and execution that determine whether a team will succeed or ultimately fall short. When these elements are nurtured, teams can unlock their true potential. Without them, even the most talented teams can struggle to succeed.
The Untapped Power Within
Humans are extraordinary beings—capable of deep insight, creative problem-solving, and resilience in the face of challenges. Yet, most individuals and teams never fully tap into their true potential. Not because they lack ability but because they unknowingly limit themselves through ingrained beliefs, habitual behaviours, and a failure to recognise their capacity for growth.
Six Negotiation Myths That Might Be Costing You
Negotiation is often perceived as an art mastered only by a select few, but in reality success in negotiations is determined less by natural talent and more by learned skills. The problem is that many of these skills are misunderstood, mainly thanks to persistent myths that lead people to adopt counterproductive strategies. Whether you’re negotiating a salary, a contract, or a business deal, falling for these myths can cost you money, opportunities, and valuable relationships.
Beyond Experience: How Mastery Changes the Way We Think
Experience is something that evolves throughout a person’s lifespan. From entry-level professionals to seasoned experts, the accumulation of knowledge and refinement of skills play a vital role in shaping cognitive abilities and perceptual skills. Experience is not just about time spent in a profession, it’s about the transformation of skills, perception, and cognition. At Steering Point, we help people and teams to excel.
The Psychology of Decision-Making
Every day, we make thousands of decisions — what to wear, what to eat, how to respond to an email, or whether to take a new job offer. While some decisions are automatic and require little thought, others shape our careers, relationships, and long-term well-being. The way we make decisions is influenced by cognitive biases, external pressures, and even the way we process our thoughts. Understanding the psychological mechanisms behind decision-making can help us make better choices, avoid common pitfalls, and gain confidence in our judgements.
What is the impact of DeepSeek, China’s new AI model?
The impact of DeepSeek’s flagship model, DeepSeek-R1, is difficult to ignore. Trained with an investment of approximately $5.6 million — compared to the estimated $100 million to $1 billion spent by American competitors — its success challenges the prevailing notion that AI progress is reserved for companies with vast financial and computational resources.
Wearable Technology and Human-Driven Performance Enhancement
While wearable technology has revolutionised self-awareness and self-regulation, it remains a tool, not a replacement for human discipline, reflection, and self-mastery. Traditional approaches to self-awareness—such as coaching, journaling, and structured reflection—demand a level of intentionality that technology cannot replicate.
What to do About Childcare?
Addressing the childcare-work dilemma requires a multifaceted approach that combines increased public investment, progressive workplace policies, and cultural change. Increased public investment is critical: governments should allocate more resources to childcare, focusing on making it affordable and accessible for all families.
Pseudoscience: Unravelling the Facade of False Scientific Claims
The distinction between science and pseudoscience is of paramount importance. Science follows a systematic method of inquiry and relies on empirical evidence. Pseudoscience, in contrast, often lacks such rigour. Its proponents may base their beliefs on anecdotal evidence, personal experiences, or untested hypotheses, rendering them unreliable and potentially misleading. The ability to differentiate between these two domains is crucial, as it underscores the need for critical thinking and scepticism when evaluating scientific claims.
Avoiding Toxic Positivity
Amidst the cultural shifts away from the more traditional brand of toxicity noted above, the trend towards a kinder, more positive outlook has been championed and adopted in the workforce and beyond. That, of course, is a good thing –– mostly. But over the past few years there’s been a growing sense that that positive approach can occasionally go too far in what has been termed “toxic positivity”.
How To Work On The Move
In an increasingly connected world, the boundaries of the traditional workplace are dissolving. Airports, train carriages, and even cramped-for-legroom economy seats are becoming extensions of the modern office. With global work rhythms operating 24/7, professionals are often left navigating a fine line between productivity and burnout.
