Can ChatGPT be my buddy, my co-pilot: help me become a more empathetic leader?

Loes van Eerd and I had a heart-to-heart on what it takes to be an empathetic leader. We both believe that true business leaders are also ‘people leaders’ as they have an exponential positive effect on results and productivity. In my role as career counsellor, and also as a counselee myself, I experience how impactful a Manager who shows empathy and vulnerability is. Sure, organizational success comes with both business results and “peopleness” but I firmly believe that empathetic leadership can make a career (or sadly the lack of can break a career) and can impact one's life in the most profound way.

IMO being a good leader requires empathy, true listening, emotional intelligence, and insightful guidance. Loes says that spending time building relationships with colleagues, coaching employees to reach their full potential and aligning teammates toward a common goal is what makes a good leader. An empathetic ‘people leader’ make you feel included, supported, challenged, and empowered.

Unfortunately these skills do not come naturally to all. Numerous studies show that displaying emotional intelligence in the workplace is key to business results. Many business leaders struggle with this connect of empathy and results. Both Loes and I are convinced that with guidance, training, and tools most managers can become leaders. PS - I loved this post by Chris Donnelly

As an important part of my work at EY, I think deeply about the impact of disruptive technologies, such as generative AI. The rise of generative AI has opened up new avenues for using technology in leadership roles . Loes and I explored some possibilities of using GenAI as a tool for empathetic leadership.

Here are our top 4 possibilities.

1.?Enhance a leaders empathic and emotional support capabilities.

AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, including speech patterns, facial expressions and body language, to interpret emotional cues. With this information, AI tools can provide real-time feedback and suggestions to help coaches, counselors and mentors respond more effectively to the emotional needs of their team. In this way, generative AI supports creating safe spaces for them to share their concerns and experiences.

2. Encourage leaders to master their communication and active listening skills.

AI tools can analyze spoken or written messages to provide feedback and suggestions on communication style. By giving insight into the impact of words and suggestions to improve clarity, understanding and empathy in leaders' communications. Virtual simulations can help leaders practice active listening to hone their ability to understand and respond appropriately to the concerns and ideas of others.

3. AI algorithms can nudge leaders to reduce bias and promote diversity and inclusion within their teams.

By analyzing hiring and promotion patterns, AI can identify any potential biases in decision-making processes. Leaders can then use this information to implement corrective measures, such as structured interviews and blind evaluations, to ensure fair and equitable practices. Generative AI can help create inclusive environments where every team member feels valued and empowered.

4. Using generative AI, leaders can provide targeted support that accelerates counselees’ growth and maximizes their potential.

Generative AI algorithms can analyze various data sources, such as individual performance data, personality tests, self-reflection exercises and feedback from peers and leaders. This can be generated into visualizations promoting self-awareness and growth. Generative AI can recommend tailored resources, learning tools or activities based on the specific needs and goals of counselees. This analysis enables leaders to gain valuable insights into counselees’ behavioral patterns, strengths and areas for improvement and provide evidence-based guidance that effectively supports their development.

While discussing this, Loes and I had a debate on humanness, the ethics of it all, is there a place for SkyNet, and is the world doomed. All quite heated and emotional!

1.?Combining genuine human empathy with the strengths of generative AI can lead to an impactful leadership style.

Don’t underestimate the unique qualities that human empathy can bring to leadership. While generative AI can enhance certain aspects of empathy, it cannot (yet) replace the emotional connection, understanding of context, intuition, adaptability and authenticity inherent in human-to-human interactions. Combining the strengths of generative AI with genuine human empathy can lead to a powerful and impactful leadership style that fosters a positive organizational culture and supports the growth and well-being of individuals and teams.

2. Don't let regulations get in your way, start learning and experimenting now!

Be ethical and responsible, surely. Of course, much is still unclear when it comes to data privacy. Gartner recently found that 41% of organizations have experienced an AI privacy breach or security incident . With the advent of generative AI, these numbers will only increase. Lawmakers are busy regulating AI tools, while companies need to stay abreast of changing privacy regulations as they invest in generative AI. Don't let regulations get in your way, start learning and experimenting. We’re all wading into new, unknown territory.

Are you ready to go boldly?

Adopting Generative AI within companies requires a vision. Together with our EY etventure team and EY wavespace , part of the global Innovation & Experience Design community, we help our clients imagine how Generative AI will change the way people live and work. What does your desired future look like and how will you shape this future with Generative AI?

Loes van Eerd , Mario F?h , Grant Brewer , Mat Record , Beatriz Sanz Saiz

#generativeai #leadership #empathy #buildingabetterworkingworld