Andrea Eboli is a Business Strategist, Founder & CEO of IGB Consulting. Ph.D. in Consumer Science. Member of Forbes Business Council.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be characterized as a set of systems capable of performing activities or reflections that were previously exclusive to human beings. Machine learning (ML), the foundation of AI, allows for continuous updates and learning from data provided by humans. The evolution and speed of this learning are remarkable, as these networks are becoming increasingly skilled at processing complex data and delivering astonishing results.
For example, in the field of medicine, these applications are already aiding in diagnosis, discovering new treatments and even assisting with performing surgeries. MIT Management already offers a course on AI in Health Care, aiming to prepare healthcare leaders to comprehend the potential of AI innovations and explore technologies and applications in their daily operations through real-world case studies. AI innovations are also expanding into the business world, impacting areas such as risk analysis, fraud detection, industrial automation and customer service, among others.
The question this raises in my mind is, how can leaders leverage these benefits while differentiating themselves in their roles, considering that robots still can’t match many human characteristics? I believe the answer lies in their soft skills. While tasks like decision making, analysis and task management can be automated in the near future, qualities such as empathy, interpersonal interactions and emotional intelligence remain differentiating factors for human leaders. I believe that leaders who can connect with their teams, react appropriately and provide a human touch will be increasingly valued and recognized.
Based on my on experience, here are five key elements that can help reinforce the role of an authentic and human leader, even in the era of AI.
1. Self-Awareness
Authentic leaders know their strengths and weaknesses, continuously learning and adapting their management approach based on feedback. They also value and leverage the diverse strengths of their team members. When seeking to be a self-aware leader, consider how you can be more open about your weaknesses and surround yourself with people willing to help you grow. Being aware of where you need to grow can help you find ways to enhance your skills and, in turn, enhance the skills of your team.
2. Integrity And Truth
Authentic leaders act in alignment with their values, ensuring coherence between their words and actions. This fosters credibility and trust among your team members. Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, exemplifies this approach by aligning his business strategy with his personal values of sustainability and social responsibility. A leader who manages with such alignment gains credibility from their team and customers. The “Don’t Buy This Jacket” ad campaign run by Patagonia in The New York Times in 2020 serves as a powerful example of their commitment to challenging excessive consumption and raising awareness about its impact on the planet.
3. Empathy
Empathetic leaders can better understand and empathize with their team members, putting themselves in their shoes. They collaborate to find solutions and build genuine connections within the team.
Empathetic leaders typically emerge within a company regardless of their position or title. They are those individuals who exemplify compassion, understanding and sincere interest in others, fostering a positive and inspiring work environment. Ask yourself who you know who possesses this remarkable ability and how you can learn from them. Empathy is a skill that can be practiced and honed, especially by individuals who prioritize it as a core value in their interactions with others.
4. Transparent Communication
Authentic leaders can communicate clearly and objectively, providing clarity on problems and explaining the rationale behind their decisions. This establishes an environment of trust and respect. Over my years of experience in the corporate world, I have observed that when a leader acts with integrity in their decisions and communicates simply and transparently, even delivering bad news can become engaging. People, especially in the corporate world, crave authenticity and individuals who express their feelings well regardless of their position.
5. Resilience
Leaders who demonstrate resilience can inspire their teams to persevere in the face of challenges. Some ways of doing this include encouraging alternative approaches and fostering a sense of collective achievement. The world of startups has many examples showing how when you align purpose, cause and objectives, you tend to become more resilient.
One inspiring example is the story of Jack Ma, the chairman of Alibaba, one of China’s largest e-commerce companies that connects Chinese businesses with buyers from all around the world. Jack, in one of his videos, recounts being rejected by renowned universities and turned down by companies for mediocre jobs. However, he set a goal to keep moving forward, saying, “Even today, we still have a lot of people rejected…(but) we keep on fighting; we keep on changing ourselves.” His resilience and determination can serve as an inspiration for young individuals, executives and entrepreneurs alike on what can be achieved through resilient leadership.
Authenticity And Technology
Technology can help accelerate management processes, offering new perspectives and more agile and efficient ways of operating. However, it becomes even more powerful when combined with an authentic and available leader. We don’t need to make choices; we have the future and technology at our disposal to enhance the essence of human beings and their ability to connect with others. I believe authentic leaders will understand this and use technology as a tool to amplify human connections and create meaningful and inspiring work environments.
As we advance in an increasingly technological world, the importance of authentic and human leadership only grows. Technology can help automate tasks and improve efficiency, but it is the authentic leader who brings humanity, understanding and the ability to build genuine relationships. And I believe it is through these relationships that we can build engaged, motivated teams capable of facing future and technology challenges with resilience and empathy.
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