Will AI Make or Break A Leader?

In the era of Artificial Intelligence, over 50% of companies have plans to utilize AI in their day-to-day work (Forbes). Undeniably speaking, AI performs way better than human-like leaders in terms of data extraction, decision-making, and emotion elimination in the expertise setting. Let alone, AI is unlimited in its capacity to work and provide the best possible outcome.

Yet, a question remained: Will AI make or break a leader?

Before stating my opinion on this question, let’s look at AI as a wholesome viewpoint.

AI as A Whole:

AI refers to artificial intelligence that mimics the human brain’s function in working with data and giving out the most logical outcome to any challenges, including in the business setting. For that reason, many companies opt for AI to streamline repetitive tasks, making sure their employees can focus on the higher-level work.

However, with great power comes great responsibilities, especially those related to ethical concerns, biased viewpoints, and transparency. A more recent study done by Havard. also states that AI has the potential to become a leader, but its lack of human-like emotion has made it impossible to replace humanity.

But just because AI can master many complex processes at work, it does not mean that leaders are at risk of being replaced. Humans want to be led by other humans, even if that humanity comes with flaws and messiness - Havard Business Review

AI-led VS Human-led Leader

• AI-led leader: Faster, more accurate, more consistent, and less biased.
• Human-led leader: imperfect but Authentic

Looking at the above chart, it’s clear that AI has a long way to go before it can (ever) replace human leaders in their Strategizing and Decision-making responsibilities. Especially when it comes to human interaction, authenticity seems to be the very human-like nature that bonds team members together and makes teamwork a “dreamwork” - as they say. Even with the complexity and unpredictability of human interactions, employees are found to still prefer them over AI's potential benefits. This doesn’t suggest we should reject AI and its numerous advantages. Rather, the most effective leaders, both now and in the future, will strike a balance by leveraging AI’s strengths while also emphasizing their distinctly human qualities in leadership.

How to Embrace AI Initiatives to BECOME a Better Leader?

Here are 2 main points I’d like to share, hopefully, help you leaders out there understand your role better, without the fear of ever being replaced by any technology:

1. Show ourselves as a human being: Undoubtedly, this is the thing we, as humans, has an advantage over AI. Wisdom, compassion, and awareness are some qualities of a great and authentic leader, and they can only be found once a leader stays committed to their role with the team. It is about embracing the true human nature that separates us from a robot.
2. Vision and Strategies: Alongside becoming more authentic, it is also important to learn about the trends, the risks, and the benefits that AI can bring to our team. Understanding AI’s potential allows us to craft better strategies while remaining aligned with our team’s goals and values. This includes being aware of the ethical implications and ensuring that AI is used in ways that are fair, transparent, and beneficial to everyone involved.

The Future of Leadership

AI has made many rapid transformations in industries and businesses. However, the future of leadership is AI-enabled, not AI-dominated. Because employees will still crave human-centered leadership, leaders who can balance AI with human qualities like awareness, compassion, and wisdom will excel at attracting, retaining, and motivating top talent. This is our chance to test our authenticity and leverage the team to be more connected, especially in the team where multi-culture plays a role in success.