Don’t Leave Human Intelligence Behind When You Adopt AI

AI’s not if, but when.

Stop me if you’ve heard this one. It’s been the refrain at CEO roundtables across the country all year long. In Los Angeles at ChiefX. In Chicago at World Business EXPO. In Orlando at SHRM.

The future is now, if your organization isn’t already working to implement Artificial Intelligence into your operations, you’re falling behind.

But in your dash to digitize your operations don’t forget about your most important asset. Human Intelligence (HI).

While AI can scale efficiency like never before, machines won’t create your org culture, rally your teams around a vision, or manage the intricacies of a public-private partnership.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) vs Human Intelligence (HI): What’s the difference?

AI and HI can work hand in hand.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

When most people think of AI, they think of robots. That’s only part of the story. Basically, AI is when computers are programmed with algorithms to complete tasks.

1. How AI Works: Big Data + Algorithms. Machines find patterns and learn from historical data that is given to them. They either follow strict rules, or use machine learning algorithms to make predictions.

2. Strengths: Speed. Scale. They can complete boring tasks and process information much faster than any human. Plus they don’t forget.

3. Weaknesses: AI is inherently looking backward. It operates from programming and doesn’t understand, feel emotions, or have a moral compass.

Human Intelligence (HI)

Human Intelligence is what we’re all born with and is upgraded through our lives experiences. Emotional Intelligence is also a component of being human.

1. How HI Works: Our brain. We take in life through our senses. Our experiences, society and culture, and emotions. Combine all that with some brainstorming and voila.

2. Strengths: Humans are great with complexity. We can create, think abstractly, connect with others, and tackle problems with no previous data to reference. We have emotion and empathy and can “feel the room.”

3. Weaknesses: Humans are slow data processors compared to machines. We have bad memories. We also get tired.

While AI and HI can and do compete with one another in certain instances, most forward-thinking companies and organizations are using AI to take on the heavy data lifting and automation so that HI can focus on the big picture stuff.

Meet Human Intelligence

By it’s very nature, AI is reactive. It projects future outcomes by examining past data. HI is proactive. There’s no algorithm for reading a room, making ethical decisions in ambiguous situations, and leading with empathy. When you’re working out subtle nuances in a tricky funding partnership or leading a group of elected officials who just don’t want to hear what you have to say, you need HI.

Executives aren’t called to out-tech the tech. They’re called to lean into their humanness.

How to Build Humanity into Your AI Policy

Perhaps counterintuitively, the best way to leverage AI into your organization is with a whole-human approach. Your directors and managers are people too. If you as a leader start rolling out tech initiatives without checking in with your staff on the “why’s” and “how’s” you’ll breed fear and distrust. Instead, create AI policy with the intent to empower your people.

Use AI as a Personal Assistant: Position generative tools as a way to clear up administrative roadblocks so directors and managers can focus on strategy and coaching.

Practice Radical Transparency: Talk to your teams about how their data will be used. What processes are being replaced, and most importantly, why?

Invest In HI Upskilling: As more and more technical tasks are automated, allocate professional development funds towards courses on conflict mediation, strategic communication, and emotional intelligence.

Machines can scale your operations. Only people can scale your impact. Protecting and investing in Human Intelligence allows you to build future-forward organizations that don’t lose sight of why we do what we do.

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