Recently, I attended a Leadership Summit and participated on a panel focused on AI and Leadership. It was a great conversation focused on what leaders should be thinking about when it comes to generative AI and their teams. Since then, I have been asked to expand on what we discussed during that conversation so below are a few of the top themes that emerged during that session.
1. Clarity: Defining the Role of AI
One of the primary responsibilities of a leader is to drive clarity within their teams, which is especially true when it comes to AI. According to a recent Work Trend Index from Microsoft, 75% of knowledge workers are already using AI at work, finding that it saves time, boosts creativity, and allows them to focus on their most important tasks. However, leaders face challenges, with 60% worrying that their company lacks a clear vision and plan for AI implementation. Therefore, its critical for leaders to clearly define the objectives of using AI and establish policies and guidelines for its safe and effective use.
2. Communication is Critical
Communication is vital in addressing your teams' fears about AI. Many employees worry that sharing the productivity gains they've made using AI might negatively impact their roles or how they are perceived. Leaders must create a safe space for open dialogue, share best practices, and communicate that AI is intended to augment their work, not replace them.
3. BYOAI: Embracing Employee Initiative
One standout finding from the Work Trend Index is the rise of "Bring Your Own AI" (BYOAI). With 78% of AI users bringing their own AI tools to work, it is evident that employees are eager to leverage AI's power. In the absence of a company plan, access, and policies, employees are taking the initiative to integrate AI solutions themselves. This presents a unique opportunity for leaders to harness this momentum and channel it into organizational ROI.
4. AI and Career Development
AI is also reshaping the job market. While there are concerns about AI and job loss, data shows that employees with AI skills are in high demand. A significant number of professionals are considering career changes, with 46% globally and 85% in the U.S. eyeing new opportunities. Yet, only 39% of AI users have received AI training from their company, pushing many to skill up independently. LinkedIn has reported a 142x increase in members adding AI skills to their profiles and a 160% increase in non-technical professionals using AI learning courses. This trend suggests that organizations that invest in AI training will attract top talent.
5. The Rise of the AI Power User
Research identifies four types of AI users, ranging from skeptics to power users who utilize AI extensively. Power users, who save over 30 minutes per day thanks to AI, are 61% more likely to have heard from their CEO about the importance of AI, 53% more likely to receive leadership encouragement, and 35% more likely to get tailored AI training. This reorientation of work processes and the positive impact on workload and job satisfaction indicate that fostering power users can lead to significant organizational benefits.
As organizations navigate the transformative potential of AI, leaders have a critical role in establishing and communicating clear goals, policies, and best practices. A strong implementation and change communication strategy is key to success. Leaders who build for agility, invest in internal skill building, and embrace the enthusiasm of their teams will position their organizations for competitive advantage and create more efficient, engaged, and equitable workplaces. If you need help with an AI implementation change strategy, shoot me an email at lisa@ignitecommunications.ca.

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