Empowering Future Leaders: Harnessing AI for Workflow Enhancement and Skill Development

According to IDC’s Worldwide AI and Generative AI Spending Guide spending on AI by businesses across the Asia Pacific region will reach US$78.4 billion by 2027. 

To date, AI usage can broadly be categorised into three distinct types:

1. Machine learning, which involves feeding datasets into machines, enabling them to learn and predict outcomes based on that data. This form of AI has seen significant advancements and is capable of impressive feats, such as predicting moves in a game of chess or powering services like Alexa, Siri and Cortana.
2. Deep learning, which mimics human neural networks, enabling machines to think and recognise patterns like a human brain. An example is the driverless car, which deploys deep learning algorithms capable of recognising objects and making decisions based on their environment.
3. Generative AI, which uses a large language model (LLM) trained on massive amounts of information, making it capable of generating text, images and videos. Right now, the most popular examples of Generative AI are ChatGPT and Gemini (for text), Dall-E2 (for images), Amper (for audio) and Pictory (for video). 

Ready to adopt?

You might be concerned that your business is lagging behind the AI curve, but don’t be alarmed just yet. Artificial Intelligence means different things to different people, and whilst some regard AI as a technology investment for the future, many are unaware that they are benefitting from it already, through personalised advertising, voice assistants, facial recognition and smart home devices.

The investment to date has been largely consumer focused, but we are starting to see technologies and applications aimed at enterprise, such as Microsoft Co-pilot and Google Gemini. And it is in applications like these, designed to deliver workflow productivity and enhancement, where we will see the most accessible advances in AI technology.  

Where to start

Before committing to an AI investment, business leaders understandably seek answers to three simple questions: 

1. Where should we start?
2. What impact will AI have on our people and workplace culture?
3. How can we equip our people for the AI era?

AI technology is already accessible to businesses of all sizes, and there are any number of workflow efficiencies that can be made with AI applications, such as:

1. In sales, AI automation tools automate repetitive tasks such as lead generation, email personalisation, and follow-up scheduling. 
2. In digital marketing, AI automates the entire content creation process, from keyword research to drafting and optimising articles for SEO. 
3. In retail, AI delivers personalised shopping journeys through advanced algorithms that analyse browsing histories, purchase patterns, and social media activities.
4. In fraud prevention, AI’s ability to analyse transaction data in real-time helps e-commerce platforms detect and prevent fraudulent activities. 
5. In business management, AI automates administrative tasks, and enhances decision-making with data-driven insights. 

The impact on people and culture

While AI brings the promise of increased efficiency and innovation, it also demands careful consideration of its effects on people. 

For the avoidance of doubt, introducing AI into a business can impact the workforce significantly, transforming job roles, workflows, and skill requirements. It can lead to job displacement, cultural and organisational shifts, and considerable demand for retraining and redeployment. 

It’s interesting to witness new approaches to retraining, with companies like Amazon, Shell, DBS Bank and Airbus investing in digital skills training programmes to prepare all their employees for the future, irrespective of job changes due to automation. 

These programs are tailored to equip staff with the skills needed to navigate and contribute to AI-driven projects, highlighting the shift towards continuous learning and adaptability in the workforce. 

Irreplaceable attributes

Whilst AI has made significant strides in enhancing workflow optimisation, data analysis, and even certain creative endeavours thanks to Generative AI, there are several essential qualities, or attributes, where AI does not match up to human proficiency:

1. Trust, which is the foundation of any successful workplace. It underpins effective collaboration, enhances open communication, and fosters a culture where employees feel valued and safe to share ideas and take risks. Trust is inherently human, built on mutual respect and understanding, and cannot be programmed or replicated by AI. In an era where technology can sometimes obscure the human element, cultivating trust ensures a cohesive and transparent workplace environment.
2. Innovation, which is the lifeblood of progress in any industry. It stems from creative thinking, the willingness to challenge the status quo, and the pursuit of new solutions to complex problems. Humans bring a unique perspective that combines knowledge, intuition, and experience, driving forward breakthroughs that AI alone cannot achieve.
3. Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is inherently human. It is crucial for building strong relationships within the workplace, influencing team dynamics and customer interactions, and promoting a supportive and inclusive culture. In roles that require deep emotional intelligence, such as counselling, healthcare, customer service, and leadership, empathy is crucial for building trust, fostering meaningful connections, and making compassionate decisions.
4. Critical thinking, which involves questioning assumptions, and evaluating evidence, to make reasoned decisions. At face value, it sounds like the perfect role for AI. However, even the most advanced machine learning models operate within the confines of their programming and the data they’ve been trained on. While they can process and analyse data at speeds unattainable by humans, their ability to think critically, or to apply information in new, unanticipated contexts, is limited. Critical thinking involves nuanced judgement and decision-making that accounts for ethical considerations, cultural differences, and emotional impacts, all areas where AI lacks depth. 

As we integrate AI and other technologies into our working lives, these four human attributes in particular become even more significant in the workplace, particularly when recruiting new talent. In fact, they are our most valuable assets, ensuring that our use of technology fosters workplaces that are not only more efficient but also more compassionate, creative, and ultimately, human.

Equipping people for the AI era

Inevitably, the future will comprise a partnership between our people and AI, where each complements the other’s strength. 

For example, AI tools can provide real-time insights and analytics, helping our teams to identify trends, anticipate market changes, and make more informed decisions. We will lean on AI for data-driven insights, efficiency, and automation, while human skills like critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to humanise will guide the ethical, creative, and compassionate use of technology. 

Investing in the development of these skills, alongside technical competencies, will be crucial for preparing future leaders who can navigate the complexities of an AI-enhanced world effectively.

Can we help?

At Cognitive Union, we help businesses of all sizes transform in the digital world through learning, training, consultancy, and coaching. For an informal discussion about your digital transformation, with no obligation, please email me at lynsey@cognitiveunion.com.