The year of Artificial Intelligence

In Nicole Le Goupillot’s latest Business Brief article, she discusses how, as AI continues to progress and discussion about its capabilities and ethics increases, we can already sense a rise of fear and anxiety. Whilst it may have shifted far beyond the mild panic that a ‘super intelligence’ will wipe out the entire human race (after too much time spent watching 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Terminator), fear has remained, with real concerns about job losses, plagiarism and the power that the transformative nature of technology wields.  

What is the leader’s role with AI? The answer is the same as with any emerging technology, change or situation. It is to lead. Which means taking an objective perspective on change and opportunities for improvement.  

Orientating resources towards the future, choosing to think-forward and resisting the temptation to hold fast to present - but soon to be past - ways of doing things. One thing for sure is that we must continue to embrace AI and recognise how it can be used to advance businesses and enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of our people. It’s not a time to shy away, but to be ready in our planning and strategising for the incorporation and implementation of new AI. For it is in the transition period, which is now, that the leadership skills of vision, adaptability, agility and resilience are needed more than ever.  

With the rise of AI, leaders will need to ensure they are putting their people first. Whether it’s new policies, strategies, vision or AI, regardless, some things just don’t change and people should be the priority.  

Investing more in human capital is essential. People need reassurance that it is less about job loss and more about job change. Training will be crucial going forward to make sure the right skills are being nurtured. The emergence of new technologies throughout our history, as we know, has always made way for new jobs and new skillsets, rather than inevitably leading to the loss of them. 

The most vital element of business will remain our people and although artificial intelligence keeps moving forward, it does not replace the human qualities of emotional and social intelligence which are of paramount importance in every industry. And as AI assumes particular activities and tasks that humans are currently involved in, emotional intelligence will need the most attention and development, for there will be a bigger demand for collaborative working.  

As we navigate our way through, it is imperative that consideration is also given to the ethics of using AI. As Dr Alex Connock outlined in his recent talk at the Guernsey Institute of Directors Mid-Term event, AI lacks morality. Therefore, what AI lacks is what leaders must possess. 

The moral compass of a leader - an enduring necessity of any leader - must guide, lead and inform how AI is used accordingly and ethically. As with any machine, low moral coding will be amplified by AI, with potentially devastating results.  

AI is here and now, and will continue to move at pace. Leaders must not get left behind but be open to change. However, it’s imperative that this must not be to the detriment of people, values and ethics. AI could propel us towards new opportunities; the leader’s role is to ensure that these are healthy and sustainable.