CEOs & HR See AI Very Differently. Here's Where They Can Both Level Up Faster:

Last year, I found myself intrigued by a peculiar silence. CEOs were loudly proclaiming the transformative power of AI on the workforce, yet HR leaders - the experts on recruitment, training, and performance - were notably quiet.

This silence piqued my curiosity. Why weren't they chiming in on a topic so clearly within their domain?

I’m still deep in interviews and focus groups, but here are some early answers:

1. Origins of the Question

It all started when I stumbled upon compelling reports from PwC and McKinsey. These documents painted a vivid picture of CEOs' visions for AI in the workplace. They predicted sweeping changes, massive workforce transformations, and a future where AI would reshape the business landscape. But something was missing. The voices of HR leaders were absent—the people who would enact these grand plans.

I decided to dig deeper.

2. CEOs Predict Vast Workforce Changes

I began by examining what CEOs had to say. Their opinions were strong and clear:

a) Downsizing with AI: Over half of the CEOs (54%) surveyed intended to downsize their workforce in favor of AI this year. 37% claimed to have done so last year.

b) Skills Transformation: Around 70% believed AI would necessitate significant reskilling of their workforce within the next three years.

c) Value Creation: Another 70% foresaw AI drastically altering how their companies create, deliver, and capture value.

Additionally, according to McKinsey 30% of work hours could be automated within the next five years. 30%.

The message was clear: CEOs were gearing up for a revolution. But what about the HR leaders who will follow them?

3. The Quiet Voices of HR

Then I talked to hundreds of HR leaders, and the narrative shifted:

a) Stable Workforce: Most HR leaders reported minimal reductions due to AI. They anticipated that AI would act as an assistant to employees rather than replacing them, with workforce sizes remaining stable or even growing slightly.

b) Skills Evolution: While they agreed on the need for new skills, they viewed this as an evolution rather than a revolution—jobs would become more relational, creative, and innovative.

c) Gradual Change: HR leaders believed changes in value creation would occur more slowly and be less disruptive than CEOs expected.

The biggest difference was this: HR saw automated work hours leading to higher quality work rather than fewer jobs. Less rote work, more thinking.

4. Two Perspectives, One Story

This seemed there was a stark misalignment. But as I dug deeper, a more nuanced story emerged. Both CEOs and HR saw similar changes on the horizon, but their timelines and focal points differed:

Timelines: CEOs expected rapid changes, while HR leaders foresaw a more gradual shift.

Focus Areas: CEOs prioritized cost reduction and speed, whereas HR leaders focused on job quality and workforce expansion.

This wasn't just about differing opinions - it was about communication and alignment.

It looks like these execs aren't talking to each other. And that gap looks like it's holding back adoption inside of companies.

5. The Realization and the Reality

As I continued my research, I stumbled upon a more profound insight. The real issue wasn't just about AI. It was about leadership. Many leaders reported feeling unfocused, stressed, burnt out, and disconnected from their teams.

This disconnect led to wasted resources and missed opportunities. The old methods of relentless productivity were failing, and AI seemed like an easy solution.

But AI merely acts on what leaders bring to it.

And the lack of leadership holds AI back.

6. A New Kind of Leadership

Leaders today need to reduce noise and increase signal, making their efforts more effective by focusing on reducing resistance rather than just working harder.

This is the new productivity.

And AI? It's merely a forcing function, highlighting the need for intentional and effective leadership. Strong leadership has always been about being deliberate and clear in communication.

AI isn't changing this—it's just making the need for good leadership more apparent.

Differing views between CEOs and HR/People leaders on AI’s workforce implications highlight a broader need for improved leadership. Clear communication and alignment across organizational levels are essential for navigating the changes brought by AI.

My ongoing research suggests that strong, intentional leadership has always been critical, and AI is now spotlighting its necessity.

But that requires CEOs and HR leaders to lead. And that begins by talking and listening to each other.

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