Will Leaders Be Replaced By Robots?
AI has impacted virtually every corner of our lives, from the apps that we have on our phones through to the technology that has been implemented to make our days run smoother! Within the world of work, however, AI has also had a substantial impact on how teams operate and ultimately, what the future of work could look like.
However, AI is somewhat demonised to a degree due to the fear of robots, AI, and Machine Learning replacing humans. In some ways, it’s a valid worry to have - but for the vast majority of sectors, it would be premature to assume that in a few year's time your Monday morning stand-up will be conducted by an i-Robot-esque figure with a computerised voice!
People Management produced a compelling article on the leadership vs robots argument, stating “Research has shown that the participation of stakeholders and the creation of transparency are not only of great importance here, but that adopting AI also comes with a shift in what their role will require.
This may mean further qualifications to expand skills may be necessary and for leaders and management especially, the focus will shift more toward social competencies. As it is likely that AI will replace the ‘technical’ elements of leadership, including the cognition required to process hard facts, data and information, AI will create a demand for leaders to hone in on their soft, interpersonal skills – something AI can’t match. This includes our personality traits, attitudes, values and behaviours that allow individuals to help others to stick to a goal or achieve a shared purpose.”
Although robots can be programmed to be incredibly intelligent - the intricacies of the human mind (and the complex emotions that we experience on a day-to-day basis) cannot be replicated by a machine. Instead of seeing AI as the enemy, the article further highlights that worries about jobs becoming obsolete are almost pointless, as we will just grow and evolve with the changes that AI and robots bring. Instead, new roles will be created and we will learn to work more in harmony with AI rather than against it.
We have already seen the incredible benefits technology has brought to our lives - even the ability to work remotely has given many of us a better work-life balance. Automated programs and scheduling systems enable us to be more efficient in our roles, and although this has meant that some roles have been eradicated - big ticket career opportunities aren’t going to be snatched from our grasp by a robot.
Instead, leaders can use and hone AI to their advantage, giving them more capacity and a better understanding of their people.
How can leaders address this?
The biggest thing that leaders need to be good at is adaptability. Failure to move with the fast-paced nature that AI brings can leave leaders (and organisations) behind.
There are three key things to bear in mind as a leader when it comes to AI and how it will affect you and your teams:
#1 You must be open to the change
Resisting inevitable change is pointless, especially if the decision has been made. Be fluid with the changes that are proposed and don’t see them as a negative.
#2 Upskill alongside rather than against new technologies
Ensuring that you, as well as your team are upskilled is crucial. Doing this alongside technologies that you’re using will not just equip you with the knowledge of how to make certain tech work for you better, but it’ll also create a more synonymous and happy workforce. Going against new technology is only delaying the inevitable, so instead focus on giving your team members the right knowledge and training they need to make tech work for them.
#3 Give it time
Don’t expect to feel completely at ease or “in the know” straight away. Adopting new technology, specifically, AI, can take a lot of time and can be challenging to get on board with for a number of reasons. Be patient with yourself as well as your team and know that time is your biggest asset (as well as a little patience).
In summary, AI and robots aren’t going to replace our leaders any time soon. However, being open to the positives that AI can bring to our lives will enable us to have better implementation of AI/ML technologies as well as improving how we operate on a day to day basis.
