What do you do if AI can automate routine tasks and give managers more time?

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable Embracing AI in the workplace is indeed a forward-thinking approach. It's about leveraging AI to handle routine tasks, which in turn can free up valuable time. This newfound time is a golden opportunity to focus on areas where human intuition, creativity, and interpersonal skills are irreplaceable. Engaging more deeply with your team, having hi-fidelity interactions, building social capital and fostering innovation, not only enhances your value to your organization but also positions you as a key player in an evolving, AI-integrated work environment. This is the beginning of the shift to hyper productivity and the fly wheel effect for hyper productivity.

Key: Focus on strategic work, people development, and innovation Strategic Thinking: Dedicate more time to long-term planning, market analysis, and identifying new opportunities. Team Development: Coach and mentor employees, focus on talent retention and growth. Relationship Building: Strengthen connections with clients, partners, and other stakeholders. Foster Innovation: Encourage experimentation, explore new AI applications, and create a forward-thinking culture. Improve Processes: Analyze the impact of automation, identify further areas for optimization, and streamline workflows. Remember: AI is a tool. Leverage the freed-up time for activities that elevate your leadership and drive the business forward!

I think about this topic often and it's being increasingly reported on by the media from the perspective of "AI is taking people's jobs / replacing people". I think the question of the topic is the right framing: what can we do with this extra time AI automation has given us? It's not about immediately getting rid of people now that some % of work is automated. Now that staff, managers, etc. don't have to do the more mundane tasks, they can now focus on higher-value tasks. Take customer support as an example. AI is perfect at 1st-line support. This frees us support agents to spend more time on the complex issues and deal with them more quickly. This means customers are waiting less time for help which should improve their retention.

In my opinion, managers should have a mindset that's open to change and innovation. Embracing technological advancements like AI can lead to more efficient workflows and better outcomes for the organization.

Accepting AI as a friend and utilizing the resources left untapped by it will create an amazing environment. Working on prompt engineering and make the ai to increase the chance of reasonable results. Extra time is an extra opportunity and gives an extra edge, which can be used to useful process starting from team building, collaboration, networking and so on.

There are a lot of courses online and trainers like myself who can train AI to organizations. But before diving into a training, I would suggest that you first identify your business cases and objectives and from there identify the training needed to meet that objective. One can start by identifying the tasks they do in a typical day and identify the issues and bottlenecks they encounter at the workplace. From there they can identify how AI can help solve that problem and identify the courses needed for that.

Embracing AI as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat is key. Diving into AI’s capabilities not only positions you as a forward-thinking leader but also equips you with the knowledge to make strategic decisions. It's a wise move to balance technical know-how with the cultivation of soft skills. These human-centric abilities will become increasingly valuable as AI takes on more tasks. Engaging with AI's potential while honing your unique human skills ensures that you stay ahead in an evolving landscape. There are some great classes that you can take e.g Building AI in your company (Coursera course with Andrew Ng). You should ask your self the question “How do I plan to integrate this learning approach into my current role?”

It is critical that managers should continuously invest in their own learning and development, especially in areas related to emerging technologies and automation. This enables them to better understand the capabilities of AI and leverage them effectively in their roles.

AI is going to automate repetitive work and give us more time to concentrate on other stuff on our plate. In order to realise what can be AI enabled, a manager needs to update their skills and add on to what else they can concentrate on.

Learn About AI: Use your free time to dive into how AI works. It's like becoming a mini-expert on your favorite video game. Boost Your Brainpower: Work on skills that make you a better thinker and leader, stuff that machines can't do. It’s like leveling up in real life. Stay Ahead of the Game: Knowing more about AI and how to work with people makes sure you’re always the team captain, even when the game changes. Pro Tips: Seeing AI as a tool to free up your time is your ticket to becoming even smarter and more creative at what you do. It's all about using that extra time to become unbeatable.

The future is AI + Human for the workplace, Automation with Generative AI will automate tasks and enable the Insights, Managers and Leaders to work on enabling the culture of cultivation for creativity, human empathy and innovation to drive the strategic objectives Generative agents give them insights about productivity scores or Behaviour, Managers have to take action for improving engagement and well being of the people

Instead of simply automating existing processes, managers should look for opportunities to innovate strategically. They can explore how AI can be used to create new products, services, or business models that differentiate their organization in the market.

The rise of AI in the workplace doesn't diminish the need for human intelligence and intuition; it amplifies it. By leveraging AI for routine tasks, professionals can concentrate on areas where they truly excel and AI can't compete—empathy, creativity, and strategic insight. This shift isn't just about staying relevant; it's an opportunity to redefine what we consider valuable in our roles and industries.

With AI automating routine tasks, managers can innovate strategically by: - Developing new products or services that leverage AI capabilities. - Identifying opportunities for growth and innovation. - Using the extra time for long-term strategic planning and goal-setting. - Fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging employees to explore new possibilities.

Look for new ways to improve your business or team. Ask, "What can we do better?" Maybe it's finding a new product idea or making a process smoother. This is your chance to be creative and lead changes that make a real impact. Remember, small improvements can lead to big wins. So, start brainstorming and testing new ideas, and see how you can make things better with the time AI saves you.

Leveraging AI to handle routine tasks opens the door to creative delegation. Challenge your team with tasks that demand human insight and creativity, tapping into their unique skills and keeping them fully engaged. Effective delegation involves recognizing each team member's strengths and aligning tasks accordingly, promoting not just productivity but also personal growth and teamwork. This approach not only maximizes the potential of your team but also ensures a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative work environment.

With routine tasks automated, managers can delegate more creatively, focusing on assignments that require human judgment, creativity, and critical thinking. This allows them to empower their team members and foster a culture of ownership and accountability. I follow a simple rule that is not only true for businesses but applies to us as thinking and growing beings, "Not every problem that needs to be solved needs be solved by us"

Hand Out Cool Tasks: Give your team interesting challenges that need a human touch. It's like picking the perfect player for each position in a game. Spot Everyone's Superpower: Notice what each person is really good at and match tasks to their talents. It’s like knowing who’s the best at racing or puzzle games. Grow Together: Mix tasks up so everyone learns something new and gets to work with different people. It's like teaming up to build an awesome fort. Pro Tips : Think of AI as your assistant coach, handling the routine so you can focus on leading your team to victory with creativity and strategy. It’s your move to draw out the best game plan!

As AI handles routine jobs, direct your team towards more intricate and inventive tasks that highlight human ingenuity. This approach not only fuels engagement but also capitalizes on their distinctive talents. ??? Effective Delegation: Identify Strengths: Recognize each member's unique skills and delegate tasks accordingly. Encourage Growth: Assign challenging projects that promote skill development and teamwork. Embrace this shift to empower your team, fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment. ????

AI not only optimises processes, it generates vast amounts of valuable data and information. It capitalises on this knowledge by identifying insights and hidden patterns that can reveal new lines of business, products or disruptive models.

Think about using technology to make collaboration easier and more fun, like virtual brainstorming sessions or online workshops. This approach not only makes work more enjoyable but also leads to better ideas and stronger results. Remember, the goal is to use the time AI saves to build a more creative and united team.

Collaboration can also come from information sharing as well as tips and tricks about how best to automate tasks. There are so many tools on the market that can accomplish these automations, employees could report out to their team on what they use and how they use it. Showcases on best practices foster collaboration and trust within a team.

Team-Up: Use AI’s help to get everyone working together, not just side by side. It’s like starting a team project where everyone has a part to play. Mix It Up: Create projects that let people from different areas work together. It’s like mixing different flavors to make a new, awesome taste. Share the Wins: When the team does something great, celebrate everyone’s contribution. It’s like giving a high-five to every player after a group win. Pro Tips: Think of AI as your teamwork booster. It handles the boring stuff so you can dive into cool team projects and build something amazing together. Let’s make teamwork the star of the show!

?? Enhancing Collaboration in an AI-Enhanced Workplace ?? AI's role in taking over routine tasks presents a unique opportunity to strengthen team collaboration. Use the time saved to encourage partnerships across different functions of your organization. ??? Collaboration Strategies: Cross-Functional Projects: Promote projects that involve members from various departments, enhancing skill diversity and viewpoint. Break Down Silos: Encourage open communication and teamwork, paving the way for innovative ideas that transcend traditional boundaries. Leverage AI to not only streamline operations but to also cultivate a more interconnected and inventive team environment. ????

Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and experimentation in your team. Create safe spaces where they can propose and test innovative ideas with AI without fear of making mistakes. Future success will lie in the agility to iterate and scale the best initiatives.

Proactive leadership is key in navigating the integration of AI into the workplace. As a manager, it's essential to foster a culture of adaptation and innovation, where team members feel empowered to embrace AI as a tool for enhancement rather than a threat to job security. By setting a clear vision and demonstrating the positive impact of AI on productivity, efficiency, and job satisfaction, managers can inspire confidence and enthusiasm among their teams. Moreover, leading by example in embracing new technologies and exploring their potential applications can catalyze organizational success in an AI-driven environment.

Use the extra time to connect more with your team, understanding their needs and goals. Plan ahead, thinking about ways to improve your team's work and help them grow. Look for new projects or areas where your team can make a big impact.

The transformative impact of AI will require restructuring roles, organisational charts and ways of working. Use this additional time to rethink outdated organisational structures and processes, eliminating activities that no longer add value.

Integrating AI into organizational processes requires a deep understanding of the biz to tailor AI solutions effectively. Additionally, having a clear long term vision helps in strategically integrating AI to not only address immediate challenges but also future needs. Leadership is crucial; starting with an MVP approach allows for manageable projects that facilitate iterative test&learn Moreover, fostering a culture that encourages innovation and learning is vital for demystifying AI. Finally involving diverse stakeholders ensures that multiple perspectives are considered, enhancing the relevance and acceptance of new technologies. Embracing these elements can significantly enhance organizational efficiency and drive transformative changes

?? Proactive Leadership in an AI-Driven Future ?? In an era where AI reshapes our work, proactive leadership becomes crucial. Look ahead to understand and navigate the changes AI introduces, readying your team for a seamless transition. ???? Leadership Essentials: Vision Setting: Clearly define how AI will elevate, not replace, your team's contributions. Change Management: Act as a catalyst for positive AI integration, focusing on benefits for employees and the organization alike. Be the guiding force that melds technology with human potential, leading your team with confidence into the future. ????

If AI automates routine tasks: Focus on Strategy: Plan future moves. Enhance Creativity: Explore new ideas. Improve Decision-Making: Analyze deeper insights. Personal Development: Learn new skills. Team Building: Strengthen team dynamics. Customer Engagement: Enhance interactions, satisfaction. Process Innovation: Streamline operations further. Market Research: Explore new opportunities. Health and Well-being: Prioritize work-life balance. Mentorship: Guide junior staff. Leveraging AI for routine tasks frees managers to concentrate on growth, innovation, and personal development, adding significant value to their roles and the organization.

Maximize AI's potential to streamline tasks and free up managers' time with these steps: 1. Automate Tasks 2. AI Time Management 3. AI in Project Management 4. AI for Performance Tracking 5. AI in Team Management 6. Address AI Ethics Leveraging AI effectively can refine decision-making, enhance management practices, and redefine managerial roles in the AI era.

When thinking about AI freeing up time, also consider the skills your team will need in this new landscape. Learning to work alongside AI requires understanding its capabilities and limitations. Focus on developing soft skills like critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence, which AI can't replicate. Additionally, explore new areas AI could improve, beyond routine tasks, to further enhance efficiency and innovation. This broader perspective ensures you're fully prepared to maximize AI's potential in your organization.

In the midst of AI's rise, remember the value of human intuition and creativity. These qualities enable us to ask the "what if" and "why not" questions that AI cannot. Encourage your team to maintain their curiosity and creativity, as these will be the differentiators in an automated world. My final piece of advice? Stay human in a world of machines. It's our greatest strength.