Automation changes everything in business operations. From robotic assembly lines to AI-driven algorithms, automation is both a signal of increased efficiency on the one hand … and a death knell for certain jobs on the other. In today’s digital business world, where Artificial Intelligence-powered data-driven decision-making is slowly becoming the norm, is there still room for the executive?
Thankfully, it’s still quite possible for execs to stay in the upper echelons of their company, and not just be there to pull the plug on automation when needed. In this piece, we’ll explore how human executives can stay in the decision-making loop and how they can protect their position in a gradually automated workplace.
AI can never replace a human decision-maker
AI-driven automation schemes are yet to kick the human executive out of their office. Such automation still requires the human element to function properly, and this is where the exec comes in.
Executives can think beyond logical strings of data, calculated probabilities and information patterns, taking into account cultural, ethical and social considerations. This ability lets them see business operations from a human perspective, allowing them to empathise with stakeholders and come up with creative, innovative decisions.
Furthermore, human executives can work with limited data, adapting and learning from developing information. This level of agility is not something one can expect from AI, which lacks contextual understanding and intuition.
5 ways executives can keep automation from booting them out of the workplace
As AI is projected to replace around 85 million jobs by 2025, some executives can’t help but feel the threat of impending unemployment. While we’ve established that human decision-makers are irreplaceable – for now – here are some great ways for execs to cement their position as their company adopts AI automation:
1. Embrace continuous learning.
Executives should actively seek new opportunities to learn and grow. They should work to keep up with emerging technologies, such as AI-based automation, and leverage their power to help them do better at work.
2. Upskill in specialised areas that complement automation.
Any learning the exec has to undertake should focus on spaces that work with automated processes. In that regard, they should identify areas where the human element can excel over AI-based automation, such as those requiring creativity, strategic thinking and emotional intelligence.
3. Be at the forefront of workplace automation.
Executives should lead the implementation of all forms of automation. They should be able to integrate it into their organisation in such a way that it does not thin out the workforce; AI should reshape their company in such a way that no job is lost and that it improves the productivity of the existing workforce.
4. Encourage innovation and collaboration.
Execs should create an environment where innovation and human collaboration with automated machinery remains supreme. This will create a better understanding of the value of automation to the organisation while helping stakeholders see the value of the human element in an automated workplace.
5. Focus on high-value relationships.
Leadership and communications are areas where executives excel. As such, they should lead in nurturing relationships with their employees, clients and the rest of their company’s stakeholders, allowing them to solidify their position as strategic partners, advisors and leaders.
In conclusion
Although AI-based automation is growing in intelligence and complexity, it is still nothing more than code that relies on specific conditions and fallible data. Human executives should remain to keep it in check. They ensure that the company acts beyond cold logic and makes the most human decisions for its human stakeholders.