Navigating the AI Maze: A Leader's Guide to Discernment
The world is buzzing about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Every day brings a new wave of headlines proclaiming groundbreaking advancements, potential disruptions, and even dire warnings. It's enough to make anyone's head spin, especially business leaders who are trying to make strategic decisions in this rapidly evolving landscape.
But how much of what we're hearing is real, and how much is hype? How can leaders cut through the noise and discern the truth about AI's potential and its implications for their businesses?
AGI vs. Narrow AI: Understanding the Difference
One of the first steps in navigating the AI maze is understanding the distinction between Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Narrow AI. AGI, often depicted in science fiction, aims to mimic human intelligence and solve complex problems across various domains. Narrow AI, on the other hand, is designed for specific tasks and operates within a limited scope. While AGI holds exciting and scary possibilities for the future, most of what we encounter today falls under the category of Narrow AI, including the generative AI tools that are making headlines.
Leading technologists are increasingly urging leaders across all sectors to get informed and involved in shaping the future as AGI could be coming faster than anticipated. Something fascinating - GenAI has “emergent capabilities” - features that weren't anticipated and surprised developers - like writing poetry, role playing, and coaching. Even predicting how someone would feel in a situation (e.g. If Jack steals Jill's ball, how will Jill feel?).
For business leaders, the distinction between AGI and Narrow AI is crucial not only for understanding security implications but also for recognizing the limitations of current GenAI solutions. While Narrow AI can automate specific tasks and provide valuable insights, it's important to remember that true innovation often requires a cross-functional approach. Bringing together diverse human perspectives and expertise remains essential for solving complex problems and driving meaningful progress.
Mindset Matters: Cultivating a Balanced Perspective
It's easy to get caught up in the extremes of AI hype – either embracing it as a panacea or dismissing it as a passing fad. As leaders, it's crucial to cultivate a balanced mindset of curiosity and intentionality. Instead of succumbing to fear or denial, ask yourself: How can generative AI amplify my team's talents? How can we use it safely and ethically to benefit our business and our community?
Be aware of confirmation bias; it's a common human tendency to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs while dismissing evidence that contradicts them. If we don't stop to reflect every once in a while to check our mindset and attitude, it's easy to fall into this mental trap.
I will admit that when the first GenAI agents came out, even as an early technology adapter, I was gravitating toward the articles that were focused on how bad this could be for our society and workers. I made connections to the many downsides that we have seen from social media and thought “great, here we go again!”
Then I remembered my dad always told me the three most important things in life are attitude, attitude, attitude; so, I became intentional about getting curious and learning. I am choosing to be involved so that I can be part of how this next chapter goes rather than sitting on the sidelines much the way I did with early social media. I am of the opinion that social media has done more harm than good, especially for our youth, but as my Grandma would say, “that horse has left the barn.” I hope to influence non-techy people to play a part in shaping how GenAI agents end up showing up in the world.
Following the Incentives:
When evaluating AI information, it's essential to consider the source's motivations. Are they trying to sell you something, gain influence, or profit from your data? Remember, if you're getting information for free, you or your data might be the product. While not all vendors or influencers have ulterior motives, it's crucial to be aware of potential biases and agendas.
Investing in information from reliable sources can be highly valuable. Seek advice from those that are working for your best interest. In a personal example of this, my husband and I have chosen to work with a fee only financial advisor because we know they have a fiduciary responsibility and because our fees are paying their bills vs. payment from companies for using their products. We know the incentives are all aligned to be making the best choices to meet our goals.
Practical Steps for Discernment:
Get Hands-On: Don't just delegate the exploration of GenAI to your team. Experiment with generative AI tools within your existing technology ecosystem. Try using them for tasks like drafting communications, generating content, summarizing lengthy reports, brainstorming ideas for marketing campaigns, or creating personalized responses to customers or employees. This firsthand experience will help you understand the capabilities and limitations of these technologies which will help as you evaluate business value for big decisions. See Alan’s Insight: Mastering GenAI Communication: An Unexpected Edge to Better Human Interaction
Ask the Right Questions: When evaluating AI claims, ask yourself: What are the specific use cases? What are the potential limitations? How does this align with my business needs and values?
Seek Diverse Perspectives: Don't rely on a single source of information. Consult with experts, read industry reports, and engage in discussions with peers to gain a well-rounded understanding.
A Call to Action for North Carolina Businesses:
For business leaders in North Carolina, there's a unique opportunity to contribute to a deeper understanding of AI's impact. Liberated Leaders is conducting a study called "Promises and Risks: A Study of the Adoption of AI in North Carolina Businesses at the Dawn of the Third Wave." This research aims to explore the challenges and opportunities businesses face as they navigate the AI landscape. We encourage you to visit our website https://www.liberatedleaders.com/ai-study and consider applying for the study. By participating, you'll gain valuable insights and contribute to shaping the future of AI adoption in our state.
Looking Ahead:
GenAI is here to stay. By cultivating discernment, embracing a balanced mindset, and taking practical steps to evaluate information, business leaders can navigate this evolving landscape with confidence and harness the power of GenAI for the benefit of their organizations and communities.
Embrace the challenge, lead with discernment, and shape the future of AI in your organization.
How we help
As technology strategists and translators, Liberated Leaders partners with chief decision-makers to discern and align their technology needs to what’s necessary and what might be overkill. We then help leaders settle on the strategic decisions that make tech useful.
About the Author
Tina Dao is founder and principal of Liberated Leaders, she partners with business owners and decision-makers to ease the burden of company leadership and embrace the discipline needed to create long-term value.
Tina has completed course work from MIT specific to AI and business strategy and worked in the technology industry for over 20 years in some of the most innovative companies of our era. Find out more about Tina and upcoming Cutting through the AI hype talks at liberatedleaders.com.
Note: This blog was 85% human generated and 15% machine (AI) generated.
Promises & Risks Collaborators: The Chamber of Catawba County, The Economic Development Corporation of Catawba County, Lenoir-Rhyne College of Business and Economics, Small Business Center, and Manufacturing Solution Center.