Transforming Leadership in the Age of AI

The arrival of GPT-4o, the new version of ChatGPT launched by OpenAI, or the imminent integration of AI into Google searches through Project Astra announced by the tech giant at its annual conference this month, are clear examples of how artificial intelligence is here to stay.

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In recent years, we have witnessed the emergence of new experiences and services, changing the way we relate to information and technology. Of course, we have also observed how the unstoppable advancement of AI has required the adoption of new organizational approaches.

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Therefore, we can affirm that AI has not only impacted countless aspects of our lives but also, professionally, our way of structuring work processes, implementing operational models and, if that weren't enough, its revolutionary power has practically forced us to develop new skills and specialized knowledge to navigate an ever-changing work environment.

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In such a revolutionary context, the question I pose is:

What is the role of a leader?

What responsibilities do we have and can be asked of us in such a changing landscape?

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Before answering these questions, I propose an exercise in humility. Recognizing our own limitations and maintaining a curious, constantly learning attitude will make a difference in our management approach. Sometimes out of embarrassment or simply feeling overwhelmed by something we don't understand, we leave technology "in the hands of others," distancing ourselves from comprehending it deeply enough to consistently support our teams. Curiosity, training, and experimentation should be the foundation.

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With that said, here are 5 basic considerations for leading the AI revolution in our organizations:

1. Innovative Vision: Having a clear perception of this technology's potential is much more fruitful than denying it. In-depth knowledge will allow leaders to enhance their creativity and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
2. Ethical Responsibility: Like any advancement, AI brings a series of ethical challenges, and it's important to understand them in order to make responsible decisions that consider aspects such as transparency, privacy, equity, and others.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: AI is a field that requires internal and external collaboration from experts in various areas, such as computer science, mathematics, psychology, and ethics. Having the ability to broaden our perspective beyond our niches will foster interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate the creation of innovative solutions.
4. Developing and Protecting Human Qualities: The arrival of AI implies a reevaluation of our leadership but also our talent management. While the demand for specialized skills increases, a leader's role is to ensure that the team's soft skills are also preserved, as Moravec's paradox states: "What is easy for humans is difficult for AI." Recognizing AI's opportunities should not diminish the humanization of our organizations.
5. Psychological Safety: Every technological revolution brings uncertainty that we cannot overlook in our team interactions. Additionally, all technology implies a certain individuality at the expense of collaboration and a sense of belonging. Therefore, as AI-driving leaders, we must be aware of these factors and ensure that, through empathy, we provide our teams with the necessary information and tools to continue feeling part of a shared purpose.

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Of course, we don't have all the answers yet, and we'll have to build them as the AI ecosystem evolves. But what is clear is that new intelligence requires new leadership full of challenges.

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From my perspective, the challenge lies in our ability to introduce and adopt technology without losing sight of the humanization of our organizations.

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How are you experiencing the AI revolution in your day-to-day?