The Role of AI in Leadership and Business: Enhancing Human Potential While Maintaining Trust

Council Post: Exploring The Learning And Development Boundaries Of AI

Chat GPT's new voice feature is one example of the ways that AI technology continues to blur the lines between human capabilities and machine functionality. These tools are pushing us closer to scenarios like those depicted in the movie Her, where conversations with AI bots feel almost human. AI's capacity to learn, adapt and perform tasks that were once exclusive to humans is expanding at an unprecedented pace. If what I wrote makes you nervous, don't worry. There still are intrinsic limitations that ensure certain human roles remain irreplaceable, such as learning and development in the workplace. Let's talk about the changes and limitations of AI. As a learning and development leader, there are certain functions that AI can take over for you. Primarily, this technology works best when built into specific L&D methodologies and frameworks. AI technology can be a great way to help employees expand their skill sets in real time. I know this from experience, having used ChatGPT to work on my negotiation skills. I experimented by uploading the book Never Split the Difference by negotiation expert Chris Voss into the AI and playing out a scenario. My first attempts weren't that successful because the bot provided a setup that wasn't related to my day-to-day responsibilities. But after I prompted it with a real negotiation I was facing, then asked for specific feedback based on Voss' book, the experience improved remarkably. After acting out the scenario, the AI gave me a grade -- a harsh but fair six out of 10. It even gave me specific feedback on what I did well, such as listening, moving the negotiation forward and trying to get to a resolution. Then it shared what I could improve on, like mirroring (when you repeat the last few words that the other party said). If you're an L&D leader planning to implement AI as a skill-building tool, I recommend that you keep in mind that it won't be excellent right off the bat. But by providing the tool with high-quality content for context, as well as giving the right prompt, you can turn it into an excellent resource. Similarly, AI is changing the approach to career coaching. Many of coaching's core competencies, such as asking insightful questions and prioritizing tasks, can be efficiently handled by AI. In fact, a lot of vendors in the space are already using these technologies as co-pilots. But from what I'm seeing, they're mostly relying on chatGPT's capabilities. Given the accessibility of open AI tools, I would encourage you to create your own coaching bots that are trained on your organization's specific cultural context, as well as industry-standard resources. Despite its advantages, AI's capabilities aren't boundless. You'll face significant challenges if you try to use it as a replacement for nuanced human experiences, context and expertise. For example, while chatGPT could provide me with strong, base-level negotiation advice, it couldn't produce the kind of unique insights I might receive from an expert who's navigated negotiations in specific industries. So the value of lived experience, industry-specific knowledge and nuanced understanding of human interactions likely won't be replaced for the foreseeable future. To ensure the human element remains front and center in L&D as you engage with AI tools, you need to understand what it is about humans that can't be replicated. For example, do people on your team have irreplaceable experiences with certain industries or skills? It's also key to remember the trust element of AI interactions. Your employees are more likely to believe in-depth knowledge provided by an expert, not a bot. So it's important that you don't rely on AI-driven learning entirely. AI will continue to evolve and enhance its capabilities, and we'll have to evolve with it. When it comes to learning and development, we might eventually see advancements that allow tools to integrate broader contextual data and provide more personalized and nuanced advice. However, the irreplicable human elements of empathy, ethical judgment and deep contextual understanding will likely ensure that AI remains a tool rather than a replacement. As we move forward, embracing AI as a powerful ally in our development journeys will enable us to achieve greater heights, blending the best of human ingenuity with technology. Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for HR executives across all industries. Do I qualify?

How Leaders Can Enhance Trust And Inclusion With AI

Often, I suggest that companies increase their diversity, but achieving this is not always straightforward. Many regions around the world lack access to a broad pool of diverse talent, particularly outside of major cities and magnet areas. This challenge is even more pronounced in areas with limited immigration. Speaking from experience growing up in remote parts of Denmark and in countries where leadership and management positions are predominantly held by white individuals, I understand the complexities involved. Maybe AI can offer a solution for the lack of diverse thinking or limited access to diversity. Imagine the possibilities when we can assemble a panel of 5-10 AI agent personalities each representing different minority perspectives. These AI agents can provide insights and viewpoints that might otherwise be overlooked, helping organizations make more inclusive and well-rounded decisions. By simulating diverse backgrounds and experiences, AI can bridge the gap and bring a wider array of voices to the table, even in areas where diversity is hard to achieve. In a recent experiment led by Reid Hoffman and Allie K. Miller, the potential of AI to enhance our decision-making processes was put to the test. As curious minds exploring the future of AI, they assembled a panel of custom GPTs to engage with them in a conversation about the trajectory of artificial intelligence. This approach showcased how multiple AI agents can help anticipate opportunities and challenges that might otherwise be overlooked. While some contributions from these agents, like "The Skeptic," were underwhelming, the overall experiment highlighted a crucial point: AI can significantly broaden our perspectives if we learn to orchestrate these digital assistants effectively. The experiment revealed a fascinating contrast in the quality of input from different GPTs. The AI agent programmed as "The Scribe" captured the essence of discussions and provided valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of effective prompting and orchestration. On the other hand, "The Skeptic" highlighted the limitations and biases still present in AI systems. Critics argue that such experiments could be replicated by assembling human experts, providing a more nuanced and informed conversation. They point out that AI's tendency to avoid disagreement and its risk of hallucinations cannot replace the dynamic interactions of human dialogue. However, Hoffman and Miller's experiment is not about replacing humans but augmenting our capabilities with AI. Human trust is often influenced by similarity and familiarity. Research from Stanford University highlights that we are more likely to trust people who look like us, share our backgrounds, or hold similar beliefs. This bias can limit the diversity of perspectives we consider and inadvertently exclude valuable insights from those outside our immediate circles. Custom GPTs can improve inclusion by bridging gaps and providing access to diverse perspectives and voices. This democratization of information and viewpoints can lead to more inclusive and well-rounded decisions. By incorporating AI agents programmed with diverse backgrounds and expertise, a wider array of opinions and experiences can be considered, fostering more inclusive dialogue. Stanford research indicates that diverse teams perform better and make more innovative decisions. However, achieving such diversity in real-world settings can be challenging. AI, through carefully designed custom GPTs, can simulate this diversity, ensuring that different viewpoints are represented and considered. Allie K. Miller's recommendation to maintain both AI-enabled and independent tasks is essential to preserve critical thinking and prevent over-reliance on AI. This balance ensures that human ingenuity remains at the forefront of innovation. Ultimately, the experiment conducted by Reid Hoffman and Allie K. Miller offers a glimpse into a future where AI serves as a powerful tool to amplify human thought processes and enhance inclusivity. It underscores the importance of learning to prompt and conduct our respective GPT orchestras effectively, ensuring that we harness the full potential of AI while remaining vigilant about its limitations. As we continue to explore AI's capabilities, experiments like these remind us that the true value lies in the synergy between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. The future of AI is not just about advanced technology but also about enhancing our ability to make informed, creative, and inclusive decisions.

AI Leadership: Why AI Is Every Leader's Responsibility

In recent years, we've witnessed a profound shift in virtually all industries, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. From transforming customer service to revolutionizing supply chain management, AI's ability to streamline processes and provide actionable insights is unparalleled. Yet, despite AI's broad spectrum of applications, the responsibility for its successful integration has largely been placed on IT departments. A new study from Freshworks reveals that 40% of employees believe the IT department spearheads AI policy and implementation, while business leaders lag far behind at 23%. This raises a critical question: Given today's technological advances and the potential value proposition of AI, shouldn't business leaders be at the forefront of AI integration? The truth is - AI is not just another technological advancement, it's a game-changer that can redefine your business strategy, customer engagement and operational efficiency. According to Korn Ferry, over 82% of CEOs and senior leaders believe that AI will have an extreme to significant impact on their business. While IT departments are adept at managing the technical aspects of AI systems, the strategic deployment of AI technologies requires a leadership perspective that considers both the human and business implications. Effective leadership in the age of AI means understanding and integrating AI into the core strategic planning and decision-making processes of the organization. So why should you, as a business leader, take charge of AI integration? First, AI's ability to drive innovation and efficiency can significantly impact your organization's long-term goals and competitive edge. By taking the reins, you ensure that AI initiatives align with your strategic vision, thereby maximizing their value. Second, AI can help you identify areas for development that may not be evident through traditional means. Predictive analytics and machine learning can uncover patterns and insights that inform better decision-making, ultimately enhancing your own leadership effectiveness. Ultimately, successful AI integration isn't just about understanding the technology - it's about fostering a culture that embraces change and continuous learning. Leaders must inspire their teams to adapt to new technologies and methodologies, ensuring everyone is on board with the AI transformation. To lead effectively in the AI era, you must enhance your own competency in AI technologies. This doesn't mean becoming an AI expert overnight, but it does require a foundational understanding of how AI tools and systems work. Development for all leadership roles should now include modules on AI, machine learning and predictive analytics. According to a Korn Ferry survey, 44% of company leaders believe that their employees need to develop new skills for the AI-driven business environment. It is equally important for business leaders themselves to develop these skills to effectively guide their organizations through this technological evolution. To that end, consider implementing mentorship programs within your organization. Pairing seasoned leaders with AI experts can facilitate the sharing of knowledge and insights, creating a more robust leadership pipeline. Equally important is the focus on ethics. AI algorithms can sometimes perpetuate unconscious biases, leading to unfair or discriminatory outcomes. By ensuring responsible AI practices, you safeguard your organization's reputation and build trust with your stakeholders. This involves setting guidelines for data security, human oversight and ethical decision-making, which you, as a leader, must champion. AI leadership in this digital age is not a solo endeavor. AI presents both challenges and opportunities, making every modern leader a chief AI officer in their own right. Building a community of AI-driven leaders within your organization will create a support system that fosters innovation and change resilience. How can you cultivate such a community? Start by encouraging collaboration across departments. Break down silos and create cross-functional teams that bring diverse perspectives to AI projects. This collaborative approach ensures that AI initiatives are well-rounded and consider various facets of the business. In addition, create forums for knowledge sharing and discussion. Regular workshops, training sessions, webinars and discussion groups can keep everyone informed about the latest AI tools and best practices. This not only enhances collective knowledge but also strengthens the sense of community and shared purpose within your organization. Engage in active mentorship and coaching. Identify potential leaders and provide them with opportunities to develop their AI skills. This could involve formal training programs, hands-on project experience, or one-on-one coaching sessions. By investing in the development of your team, you build a pipeline of future leaders who are well-equipped to drive AI initiatives and ensure the responsible use of this technology. What does the future hold for leadership in the AI era? Companies that successfully integrate AI will enjoy a significant competitive advantage. However, this requires more than just adopting the latest AI tools -- it demands a fundamental shift in leadership practice. The role of the leader will evolve to become more facilitative and less directive. Instead of making every decision, you will empower your teams to leverage AI for routine tasks and focus your attention on strategic planning and human relationships. This shift will allow you to stay ahead of new challenges and seize opportunities that arise from technological advancements. Every leader must also become a change leader, continuously balancing the demands of managing the organization while simultaneously driving its transformation. In this role, soft skills such as emotional intelligence, active listening and clear communication become even more important. Furthermore, AI will enable more personalized and effective leadership development. By utilizing AI to analyze individual needs, concerns and learning styles, you can tailor development plans and an enterprise learning process that maximize each leader's potential. Virtual reality and augmented reality can also play a role in creating immersive learning experiences that enhance leadership skills. The integration of AI into business operations is not just an IT responsibility -- it's a leadership imperative. By taking an active role in AI integration, enhancing your AI competency, building a community of AI-driven leaders and adapting your leadership practice to the demands of the AI era, you can ensure your organization remains competitive and innovative.

Council Post: How AI Can Enhance, Not Replace, Human Interaction In Business

Rodolfo Delgado is an architect, tech nerd and founder of Replay Listings, based in New York City. Love AI? Let's connect! IG@rodolfodelgado It's scary to think how technology is taking over our lives. Decades ago, nobody would have cared if they stepped away from home without their phones. Today, not only have smartphones become an extension of our body and mind, but artificial intelligence is beginning to invade our everyday lives. But it is not all doom and gloom. In a world where technology is improving exponentially, the human element in business is more important than ever. I vividly remember an early experience in my career that underscored this truth: a client's heartfelt appreciation for the transparent way I worked with them. This interaction reinforced my belief that technology, especially AI, should serve to enhance human connections rather than replace them. It's not just big companies that can leverage AI. If you are thinking about opening a small bakery, for example, I would encourage you to research free or affordable online tools to help you automate your tasks, such as customized email campaigns that can send your clients notifications when their favorite cupcakes are on sale. In businesses all around the world, AI is now being utilized for everything from predictive market analysis to customer service automation. AI-powered tools help analyze vast datasets to forecast trends, understand customer preferences and optimize operations. These capabilities allow businesses to operate with greater efficiency and precision, freeing up resources to focus on customer relationships and innovation. Another area where we're seeing this happen is with real estate technology or proptech. Have you ever been annoyed about paying a broker's fee? Many people believe that real estate professionals "just open a door" and then charge a hefty fee. Although I am positively convinced that good realtors do much more than that, I know that artificial intelligence is now enabling real estate professionals to offer you even more accurate and timely information thanks to technology. How does it work? Predictive market analysis tools tend to be expensive and complex, making it difficult for a consumer who does not work in real estate to understand or interpret the data. But real estate professionals with experience in particular neighborhoods can now access valuable information, digest and interpret the data and provide their clients with better information. In other words, while tech advancements are impressive, they are most effective when they complement the human touch. The bottom line is artificial intelligence is challenging traditional business models and changing the way companies operate. It's not just a trend; it's here to stay. The true power of AI lies not in replacing human interactions but in enhancing them. At my company, we've harnessed AI to offer unedited video tours that provide a transparent view of properties. This approach builds trust between renters and landlords, ensuring that all parties have access to clear and immediate information. By integrating AI, we maintain the integrity of our interactions, fostering stronger relationships and greater customer satisfaction. AI can also help businesses personalize customer experiences. For instance, AI-driven insights can help companies to anticipate customer needs and respond proactively. This means that instead of relying on generic marketing strategies, businesses can tailor their communications and services to meet individual preferences. This level of personalization is key to building meaningful connections with clients. Despite the many benefits, integrating AI into business practices is not without its challenges. One major concern is the potential for AI to create a disconnect between businesses and their customers. In other words, AI can also make things worse. One of the most common shapes I've seen this take is impersonal interactions. I get so frustrated when I'm trying to contact support from any company and their over-reliance on technology only leads to more friction to the point that I may stop giving them my business. I think it's safe to say that we all dislike it when a robot answers the phone and won't connect you to a human. Ethical considerations are also paramount. AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on, and biases in this data can lead to unfair outcomes. Additionally, data privacy is a significant concern. Businesses must be transparent about how they collect and use data and take steps to protect customer information. It's crucial to approach AI with a commitment to ethical practices. This means being vigilant about potential biases, prioritizing transparency and always considering the human impact of AI-driven decisions. Finding the right balance between AI and human interaction is key to leveraging the full potential of technology. AI can handle repetitive tasks and analyze large datasets far more efficiently than humans, freeing up time for us to focus on tasks that require empathy, creativity and strategic thinking. For example, while AI can provide data-driven insights into market trends, the interpretation and application of these insights benefit greatly from human intuition and experience. Moreover, the human touch is irreplaceable when it comes to building trust and relationships. Personal interactions, whether in person or through personalized digital communication, create a connection that technology alone cannot replicate. My hope is that we can create a future where technology and humanity coexist harmoniously. This balance can not only drive innovation but also ensure that personal connections remain at the heart of our business operations. The key is to embrace AI not as a replacement for human interaction but as a powerful tool that enhances and enriches our relationships and our work. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?

Council Post: Why AI Coaching Can't Replace The Real Thing

Svetlana Whitener | EI Executive Master Coach at InLight Coaching. Let EI enhance your career and relationships with EQi-2/360® Assessments. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked worldwide discussions about how it will affect various occupations and professions, including coaching. As the new technology evolves at a staggering speed, the coaching profession faces a pivotal question: Can AI replace human coaches? Or, if not replace them, then serve as complementary and perhaps even very useful coaching tools? Answering this question requires that we explore how coaching and AI at its present stage of development interact, as well as that we make some guarded predictions about how AI might develop in the future. The answer also involves at least a layman's technological assessment of the matter as well as an inquiry into the essence of coaching itself. And the entire discussion raises fundamental questions about the nature of personal and professional development and the balance between technological efficiency and human empathy. In so many fields, and so with coaching, AI adds an entirely new level of efficiency. It can be of inestimable value in automating coaching-related administrative tasks and analyzing extensive data sets, tasks that previously required a prohibitive amount of time or were completely beyond the capabilities of all but the most technologically adept coaches and their assistants. No longer. Drawing on its broad universe of data, AI's analytical abilities have already begun to facilitate the development of enhanced coaching plans individually tailored for each client, as well as creating metrics to track, compare and prognosticate between and within huge and diverse populations, significantly enhancing the overall effectiveness of coaching. Despite AI's advancements, the essence of coaching lies in elements that are inherently and uniquely human (e.g., empathy, intuition and personal connection). These attributes form the foundation of effective coaching, fostering deep and meaningful relationships that facilitate candid discussions, introspection and personal growth. Human coaches excel in interpreting subtle nonverbal cues, understanding nuanced cultural contexts and offering sincere empathetic support -- abilities AI currently lacks. In trying to be emotionally intelligent, without which coaching is nothing more than an enhanced conversation, AI faces significant challenges. To be emotionally intelligent is to understand emotions at their deepest level to manage and appropriately respond to them in ways that foster trust and development. AI is currently not capable of doing this. It just doesn't have the emotional depth or true understanding of the human condition. While AI brings numerous advantages to the coaching profession, consider the following: AI cannot genuinely empathize with clients, a crucial element in building trust and understanding. Understanding and navigating complex emotional landscapes is a uniquely human skill AI cannot presently and, I submit, never will be able to replicate. AI struggles to provide the personalized, empathetic responses and imaginative forward thinking often required in effective coaching. Taking into account AI's demonstrated abilities as well as its limitations, a viable future for successful coaching can only include an approach that makes use of AI but at the same time leaves to the coach that which AI lacks. This suggests a collaborative approach, integrating AI's analytical strengths with the nuanced understanding provided by human coaches. As stated, AI's role in handling data and providing insights is a ready enhancement to the human coach's ability to interpret these insights within each client's unique emotional and personal journey and help prepare them for needed actions in the future. In such a collaborative mode AI could be a powerful tool for initial assessments, progress tracking and even simulating coaching scenarios. However, the human coach's role in providing guidance, empathy and personalized support remains central. Thus, a symbiosis of coaching and AI promises a richer, more effective coaching experience, as well as a truly transformative coaching journey with compassionate accountability. Addressing ethical and practical concerns is crucial as AI becomes more prevalent and integrated into coaching. Maintaining the confidentiality and security of client data is paramount in coaching, where sensitive personal issues are often discussed and clients often reveal matters that if known could be devastating to the concerned parties. Also of concern are unnoticed and inherent biases inadvertently built into or resulting from the AI algorithms. Making sure these are revealed and accounted for is essential to the fairness and objectivity of the coaching process. Yet where are reliable assurances these concerns are being met? Who except the AI scientists has any idea about what data sets and remedial features, if any, are being included in any particular AI coaching program? Putting these concerns aside for the moment, AI does have an important role to play in some specific coaching scenarios like career development and skill-building. For instance, AI can assist in identifying proficiency gaps and suggesting personalized development plans. In scenarios like leadership coaching, AI can provide data-driven insights into leadership styles and effectiveness. However, even in such limited matters the human coach's interpretation and extrapolation of assumptions and findings within the context of individual client needs and organizational culture remain vital. While AI introduces significant advancements in data analysis and administrative efficiency, the core of effective coaching -- empathy, compassionate accountability, intuition and personal connection -- remains a uniquely human domain. The future of coaching lies in a collaborative approach where AI enhances rather than replaces human coaching. Embracing AI as a complementary tool in coaching can lead to more impactful coaching journeys where technology and human insight combine to create a more profound coaching experience. Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?