The Human Side of AI
Confused. Insecure. Frustrated. Scared.
These were the exact words the executive team in a large, international company used when I asked them how the people in their organization were responding to the company’s new AI strategy.
I had a feeling the executive team were describing themselves as well.
They wanted to know how to keep their teams motivated through times of uncertainty and change. They needed their organisation to continue to innovate and perform, while adapting to the new ways of working that their AI strategy was relying on.
They are not the only ones grappling with these kinds of questions right now.
While digitization, automation and AI have been high on leader’s agendas for a while, their focus on people and culture has been lagging behind. This can now be seen and felt, from “quiet quitting” and disengaged employees to lack of innovation and growth and inability to implement necessary changes, structurally as well as culturally.
In times of change and uncertainty teams need more, not less, attention from their leaders. They need to be seen, feel valued, and be listened to. They need to feel informed, involved and given the opportunity to learn, understand and discuss the challenges they see. Without it, they will most likely (and quietly) resist any changes coming their way.
Therefore, in this turbulent AI Age where the word AI in itself can create a lot of uncertainty and fear, it may be a good idea to invite your team to a dialogue around PEACE:
P for Perspective
What is AI, really? How can it help us work better, smarter, simpler, more effective? Which pitfalls should we try to avoid? How is AI changing the world of work, our lives and the world? Why is critical and creative thinking more important than ever, and how can we develop these skills further?
E for Emotions
How do we feel about AI? What excites us? What scares us? What happens to us when we feel confused, insecure, frustrated, and scared? How can we learn to handle change and uncertainty in a conscious way, not be a victim of our emotions, but learn how to use them constructively?
A for Authenticity
What does it mean to be authentically human in the AI age? How can we double-down on our humanity and do more of what makes us unique? How can we show up authentically for each other, build honest and trusting relationships and support each other in times of change?
C for Connection
Why is human connection key in the AI age? How can we connect more, better and deeper with each others as colleagues, friends, humans? How can we build meaningful relationships and collaborations, inspiring work cultures and communities, and create a sense of belonging to each other?
E for Elevate
How can we elevate as individuals, teams, businesses, societies, and the world, to create a better, smarter, wiser, and kinder world? How can we learn, grow and develop as people and teams and build thriving lives, organisations and businesses based on purpose, values, trust, growth mindsets, passion and joy?
And how can AI help us be more, not less human, as we step into this unknown territory?
“We often fear what we do not understand; our best defense is knowledge.” (Tuvok, Start Trek, Voyager)
So just start the conversation, see where it takes you, and let there be PEACE…
Do you want to learn more about “The Human Side of AI” and how to inspire for growth in times of uncertainty and change? Feel free to DM me for a chat or to book a keynote or a workshop, guaranteed to bring some PEACE and JOY to your team:)
