Will AI Change the Way We Think About Leadership?

Artificial intelligence is changing the way more than we think about leadership here is how

The emergence of full artificial intelligence (AI), according to the late Professor Stephen Hawking, "could spell the end of the human race," according to the BBC. Now, although I don't want to call into question the forecast of one of the greatest brains in history, I would contend that he was considering the very worst-case scenario, in which we have lost control over AI and are still very far from experiencing.

Hawking also explored a more upbeat conclusion if we use AI wisely, there is hope that human intellect may stop our AI-generated devastation. When integrating AI into our daily lives, this aspect—the strength of human intellect and innovation—remains crucial to ensure that we reap the benefits to the fullest.

Before the discussions of ChatGPT and Bard by even just five years, the Leadership in the Age of AI report revealed that 46% of enterprises globally felt their AI deployments were already significantly outperforming the accuracy and productivity of similar human activities. Since AI has been adopted so quickly, human power is in urgent need of catching up to effectively incorporate AI in a process-driven and cost-effective manner.

Nevertheless, it is still obvious that AI can solve some of the biggest difficulties facing humanity. It can speed up routine tasks, easily analyse large amounts of data, and identify possible problems before our brains do. As we've already observed, AI can and will have a significant impact on workplace culture, shifting the focus of leadership. As a result, management teams will play a crucial role in defining the AI adoption process by providing a strategic framework for formulating clear targets and visions for how AI will improve its workforce alongside human power.

According to research, implementing AI would change the requirements for stakeholders' roles, making their engagement and the establishment of transparency even more crucial. This could indicate the need for additional training to broaden skills, and for managers and leaders in particular, the emphasis will likely shift more towards social competencies. Given that AI will likely replace the 'technical' aspects of leadership, such as the cognition needed to understand difficult facts, data, and information, AI will increase the need for leaders to enhance their soft, interpersonal abilities, which AI can't match.

This encompasses the characteristics of our personalities, attitudes, values, and behaviours that enable people to support others in sticking with a course of action or achieving a common objective.

Despite concerns that some employees may become obsolete, the fifth industrial revolution and the digitization of the workplace will create and shape many future roles. According to the 2030 Workforce research from Arden University, automation is predicted to eliminate 30% of jobs by 2030. We discovered that this means company leaders would need a set of fundamental skills, including self-leadership, self-awareness, self-management, and entrepreneurial abilities. The skills that employees bring to the table must supplement technological breakthroughs in light of the labour market's assistance from AI, tech developments, and automation.

The advantages of technology are already becoming apparent. Working remotely has transformed how people view the typical workday; deservedly, individuals now place more emphasis on striking a work-life balance and have greater leeway to apply for jobs that were previously out of reach due to geography or the inability to commute. It has increased the alternatives available to people with impairments and allowed parents to advance in their careers without having to give up valuable time with their kids.

The installation and use of AI must be human-centred to complement this, and to achieve this, a supportive, collaborative workplace culture is required, which leadership and management are tasked with developing. Having a comprehensive mentality is essential for accomplishing this. Among many other things, technology will enable organisations to accept a more diverse crew. Leaders will be able to interact with people from other specialities and industries, expanding their perspectives and continuously influencing their evolving worldview. As dedicated supporters of diversity and flexibility, these individuals will be able to develop strong, long-lasting connections with key stakeholders thanks to the interaction that will help them change their perspectives. They will also be better able to understand people from other cultures and backgrounds.