Understanding AI and Its Impact on Leadership

Navigating Uncharted Waters: Leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

The AI revolution has smacked into us like a rove wave; will you surf it or capsize? Whether we like it or not or understand the technology, we have no choice but to adapt. Plus, the AI revolution is just beginning; as the models get more powerful, the impact on our lives will get more visceral. I don't know about you; my TikTok feed is full of creators preaching the latest ways to use AI to make money, create efficiencies, or hack their jobs.

Much like Alice, I have gone down the rabbit hole; for me, it is Large Language Models (LLM) like?ChatGPT-4 ,?BARD , and?Jasper ?(to name only a few). My husband is a creative director at an agency in LA. He graduated from?FIT ?and is always looking at the fashion industry. He is playing with?Midjourney , creating incredible images, and experimenting with fashion concepts without touching one piece of fabric. Check them out?here .?

These platforms are all consumer-facing, and while fun and exciting, they are barely scratching the surface of where we will be in a few months and years. The stuff we don't see will impact us the most.

This article is the first in a series aimed at providing tools for leaders and organizations to navigate this new technology. I straddle two worlds, always at the forefront of new technology and human-centered strategy. I am excited about the future; I wish I could live a thousand years to see where this goes, but I always see people. As leaders, we must walk this path with Empathy for ourselves and our teams. So let's go on this journey together; I hope this is helpful.?

What exactly is AI?

For most, AI has been a tool of science fiction. HAL from 2001 a Space Odyssey or Skynet from the Terminator movies. No matter what your reference is, it has been a malevolent force out to destroy humanity. Then came ChatGPT, and suddenly AI was all we were talking about. Students were cheating on their homework, and the potential of it being used for nefarious purposes such as misinformation and fake news. We have already seen companies almost cease to exist like?Chegg . Governments worldwide are grappling with what to do and how to regulate AI.?

AI is a branch of computer science that aims to create systems capable of performing tasks typically requiring human intelligence. These tasks include learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding – think machine learning, robotics, and natural language processing (ChatGPT, Bard); these are not just buzzwords but powerful tools that are reshaping industries and redefining what's possible. Here is an article by?ZDNet ?that goes deeper into types of AI. However, we are still a long way from the end goal of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence); this is when the system can learn and adapt much like a human could.?

AI has been subtly integrating into our lives for years, often without noticing. From personalized recommendations on streaming platforms to voice assistants on our phones – you have been using Ai every time you say, 'Hey Siri' or 'Hey Google.'?

A study by?PwC ?suggests that AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with North America expected to see significant benefits.

But what does this mean for you, the leaders at the helm of this transformation?

AI and Leadership:

As if being a leader wasn't hard enough these days, you now need to get your head around AI and how it will affect your team and potentially YOUR job. There needs to be more than just understanding your industry; you must also understand the technology reshaping it.

You do not need a technical background in the different technologies underpinning AI. You do need to know that AI is here and not going anywhere; how you and your organization react to it will determine how you can stay competitive and lead your team through these changes. A few weeks ago, IBM?announced ?it would pause hiring as they plan to replace 7,800 jobs with AI. These jobs are primarily back-of-house HR, including tasks like income verification letters. How leaders manage this transformation will be critical.

Another example is AI's impact on autonomous vehicles and those employed as drivers. Millions of Americans drive for Uber/Lyft, deliver our groceries and packages, and haul our goods across the country. With this shift, we will need to decide how to reskill and employ these displaced people as a society. According to some?reports , this shift will cost the US $350 billion annually.?

So, as a non-technical leader, what can you do?

1. Understand AI's Impact:?While you may not need to know the technical details, non-technical leaders should understand how AI will likely impact their area of business and organization. This includes understanding how AI can streamline processes, improve decision-making, and create new opportunities.
2. Data-Informed Decision-Making:?You should be comfortable using data to inform your decisions without a deep technical understanding, including basic data analysis concepts and interpreting data.
3. Change Management:?As AI changes organizations' operations, you need strong change management skills to help your teams adapt. You must communicate changes effectively, manage resistance, and support your teams through the transition.
4. Ethical Considerations:?Leaders should understand the ethical considerations of AI, such as data privacy and algorithmic bias. You should be able to advocate for ethical AI use within your teams and the broader organization.
5. Collaboration:?AI initiatives often involve cross-functional teams. Leaders should be able to collaborate effectively with others, including technical experts, to implement AI solutions.
6. Continuous Learning:?The world of AI is fast-paced and constantly evolving. Foster a culture of continuous learning and curiosity for yourself and your teams.
7. Empathy and People Skills:?As AI changes job roles and tasks, be empathetic and supportive, and help your team members navigate any anxieties or uncertainties they may have.
8. Security:?Work closely with your IT team. AI platforms are not secure, be careful of what information you are giving the platform access to. Be sure to check everything for accuracy.

So where do you start? These points are just the beginning; I could write pages here.

Are you an AI Ready Leader?

Let's be fair here; the pace in this field is FAST, and I don't think any of us are truly ready for what is coming. However, there are things you can do to stay on the wave; remember, the goal is not for every leader to become an AI expert but rather to understand how AI can benefit their area of the business and lead their teams effectively through the changes brought about by AI.

As an AI-ready leader, you should:

1. Understand Employee Concerns:?Many employees may feel anxious about job security and acquiring new skills. Lead with Empathy, understand these concerns, and provide reassurance, support, and resources to help employees adapt.
2. Vision:?Have a clear vision of how AI can enhance business operations and create value. You should be able to communicate this vision to your teams and stakeholders.
3. Adaptability:?The AI landscape is constantly evolving. Be adaptable, ready to embrace change, and make necessary adjustments.
4. Learning Orientation:?Given the rapid pace of AI development, leaders should strongly desire to learn and stay updated on the latest trends and technologies.
5. Decision-Making:?Leaders should be able to make informed decisions about AI investments and implementations, balancing potential benefits with ethical considerations and risks

For me, Empathy is the big one here, Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, has emphasized the importance of Empathy in innovation, stating, "Empathy makes you a better innovator. If I look at the most successful products we have created, it comes with the ability to meet customers' unmet, unarticulated needs."

Conclusion:

As we conclude this first part into the intersection of AI and leadership, it's clear that we are on the cusp of a new era. The AI revolution is not just about technology; it's about people, leadership, and the future of work. It's about navigating uncharted waters with courage, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.

As leaders, we are responsible for understanding AI's implications for our organizations, teams, and ourselves. Therefore, we must strive to be AI-ready leaders with the knowledge and skills to guide our teams through the changes and challenges. This includes fostering a culture of Empathy, continuous learning, and adaptability, as well as understanding AI's ethical considerations and security implications.

Together, we will uncover new insights, challenges, and opportunities as we delve deeper into this rabbit hole. The next article will explore how AI can enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, improve organizational culture, and transform HR practices.?

Remember, the AI revolution is not a wave to be feared. So stay tuned for the next article, and let's continue this exciting journey into the future of leadership in the age of AI.

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