Positive spillover effects

Routines show an incredible propensity for positive spillover effects. Once implemented in one area, they influence other areas as well. Probably the most notable example is that of Alcoa. Paul O’Neill, the CEO appointed in 1987, made worker safety the organization’s top priority. More to the point – these were exactly the safety and reporting routines that became the focal point of Alcoa’s attention. The fact that workplace safety improved tremendously is not surprising. However, there were a few surprises waiting right around the corner once the magic started kicking in: in due time, operational efficiency overall and communication between employees improved as well. Finally, productivity and profitability grew as well.

The “safety first” program was not only about compliance. It had a transformative effect on the whole organization and redefined organizational identity. The question “How do we do things around here?” brought a shift in mindset that shaped decision-making processes, putting the emphasis on “How do we do things safely and efficiently?”

Grounding effect

Routines provide a grounding effect in multiple ways. The most noteworthy examples here are those of surgeons and pilots. These two groups have a lot in common: high stakes, the need for intense focus, and great responsibility. Thus, it is no coincidence that both groups also share the practice of having their routines, checklists, and protocols before they embark – on a surgery or on a flight. Of course, the main reason for the existence of these checks and routines is to ensure that all the necessary preparations are carried out. However, there are a couple of bonuses that come with them, and they relate to other work groups as well.

First of all, routines reduce uncertainty, creating a sense of predictability in outcomes. Second, they become a source of self-efficacy and empowerment while being executed. Finally, they bring satisfaction – completing the steps brings micro-successes. All that lowers anxiety and increases overall job satisfaction. In a sense, routines become rituals, and as a shared practice, they can have a magical effect on team cohesion, as well as on organizational culture and the sense of identity.

Freeing up cognitive capacity

This is a no-brainer – literally. Routinizing processes and not having to think about them lowers your cognitive load automatically. This means you have more cognitive capacity for tasks where thinking is needed.

The word “automatic” is, indeed, very fitting here. During my time in automotive banking, I was involved in a project to implement automated credit decisioning for straightforward cases. By translating decision-making routines into automated workflows, we freed underwriters to focus on complex cases that required deeper expertise.

This is also where AI will provide massive support, handling structured, repeatable processes so humans can focus on intuition, creativity, and strategic decision-making. AI is already transforming how businesses operate – from automated credit approvals in banking to AI-driven fraud detection in finance. The magic lies in AI handling the routine while humans focus on what requires true intelligence and judgment. This will be one enchanting tango between human and artificial intelligence!

Deciphering the formula of the magic potion kept in a routine might take some time, but for now, we can keep this: positive ripple effects, sharpened clarity, and unleashed mental capacity.