There are two ways to harness AI.
- One is to use AI as a cost-reduction technique – we’ve seen this in dozens of organizations – Amazon, Facebook, Blok, IBM, Klarna, HP and so many more. For these leaders, AI is code for head-count reductions.
- The other is to use AI to help existing employees become more productive and successful – both as employees, and also as productive human beings and contributors to society.
Here is the difference:
Group 1 sees people as disposable and as a drain on profits. Often, leaders in Group 1 simply send an email to employes telling them that their services are no longer required, and not to come into the office tomorrow! Their credentials, access to buildings, computers, phones and more are instantly severed.
Group 2 sees people as the most important asset in their organizations – not as a disposable means of production, but as human beings with families, mortgages, and car payments whose lives are worth uplifting. They ask, “How can AI contribute to each person’s work and life, and therefore to our organization?”
The key difference between Group 1 and Group 2 leaders is CHARACTER. Different leaders make different decisions, depending on the quality of their character.
Which one are you?
Well said Lance. I’ve shared this with friends. Thanks.
Stephen, why is this so hard to appreciate for so many? Is it just greed and leadership-via-spreadsheet?
So brilliantly and succinctly stated, Lance! We need more leaders like you and like those in Group 2 who really want to develop PEOPLE. Thank you for this!
Mary, thanks for your comments. Are you able to help people be in Group 2?