GitHub ex-CEO Thomas Dohmke: Measuring AI usage doesn’t mean assessing how many lines of code someone wrote with AI, instead it is about…
Former GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke had defended Microsoft‘s controversial internal memo requiring managers to evaluate employees based on their AI tool usage, arguing that measuring artificial intelligence adoption should focus on cultural alignment rather than quantifiable metrics like code generation. Speaking on the “Decoder” podcast that aired August 7, Dohmke explained that simply counting AI-generated lines of code would be “easily gamified” and miss the broader point of fostering an AI-forward organizational mindset. Instead, he emphasized that evaluation should center on whether employees demonstrate willingness to learn and integrate AI tools into their workflow.The former GitHub executive backed a June memo from Julia Liuson, president of Microsoft’s developer tools division, which stated that “using AI is no longer optional” and should be part of managers’ performance evaluations. Business Insider first reported on the internal directive earlier this year.Cultural transformation over metricsDohmke characterized the Microsoft memo as “totally fair game” for 2025, suggesting that companies should expect employees to reflect on their AI learning and usage of tools like GitHub Copilot, Microsoft Copilot, and Teams Copilot for meeting summaries.The former CEO drew parallels to GitHub’s company culture during his tenure, where every employee across all departments—from HR to sales to legal—was required to use GitHub’s platform. He made clear that employees uncomfortable with this requirement could find opportunities at “tens of thousands of other tech companies.”Dohmke described the evaluation process as “more nuanced” than simple usage tracking, focusing instead on meaningful conversations between managers and employees about AI learning and adoption. This approach, he argued, aligned with Microsoft’s growth-oriented culture that prioritizes continuous learning and adaptation during his time leading GitHub.The stance reflects broader industry shifts toward mandatory AI integration, with companies increasingly viewing artificial intelligence proficiency as essential for competitive advantage rather than optional technological enhancement.
