Leadership Made Easy LME 037 - My Experience with AI So Far
Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/my-experience-with-ai
Today, I want to share a personal story and my current thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI).
A Surprising AI Conversation
A couple of weeks ago, I was on a long drive, listening to an audiobook about OKRs—Objectives and Key Results—a popular framework for setting and tracking goals. While the book offered great insights, it felt overly optimistic, glossing over some potential challenges with OKRs.
As I was pondering these issues, I thought, "Who can I discuss this with right now?" Instead of calling someone, I decided to open ChatGPT. But this time, I didn't just type; I talked. Yes, I had a full voice conversation with ChatGPT using its text-to-speech capabilities.
I spoke to ChatGPT as if it were a friend—casually, openly, and without overthinking. And it replied in a natural, conversational way. To my surprise, this wasn't just a Q&A. It felt like a real discussion. I even caught myself gesturing as if I were talking to another person. At that moment, I was fascinated—and a bit unsettled.
AI in Leadership and Beyond
This experience got me thinking: How can AI like ChatGPT be used in a professional context? Could it become a "virtual team member" during strategy meetings? Could two AI models debate with each other to generate fresh perspectives? And what impact will this have on how we work and interact?
AI is no longer a futuristic concept. It's here, reshaping how we live and work. For example, AI excels at dynamic, complex tasks like autonomous driving, predictive modeling, and chatbots. In contrast, automation focuses on repetitive, rule-based tasks to increase efficiency and reduce errors. The real power lies in combining the two—what experts call "intelligent automation."
Challenges and Limitations
While AI is powerful, it's not without flaws. Let me share an example. I recently experimented with creating a customized AI chatbot, "Ask Bernd." I trained it using my own leadership materials, including podcasts and video scripts. The goal was to make "Ask Bernd" answer leadership questions as I would.
While the responses were often insightful, they occasionally contained fabricated details. For instance, it would refer to specific videos in my course that didn't exist. This issue, known as AI "hallucination," highlights a critical limitation: AI can produce convincing but factually incorrect answers.
For businesses, this is a serious concern. Imagine using AI to create an internal knowledge base, only to find it spreading misinformation. Trusting AI blindly can lead to costly mistakes.
Why You Should Engage with AI Now
Despite its limitations, AI is a game-changer. Ignoring it isn't an option. Remember the early 2000s, when some dismissed the internet as a passing fad? We all know how that turned out.
As a leader, you need to experiment with AI tools—whether it's ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or others. Encourage your team to do the same. Right now, no one has decades of experience with AI because the field is evolving so quickly. This is your chance to learn, adapt, and stay ahead.
Practical Tips for Leaders
Here are a few ways to start:
- Experiment Freely: Try tools like ChatGPT for drafting emails, creating job descriptions, or preparing interview questions.
- Empower Your Team: Show your employees how AI can make their work easier and more efficient.
- Continuous Learning: Attend webinars, take courses, and follow AI experts to stay updated.
Remember, AI is not a replacement but a tool. Those who learn to leverage it will thrive, while those who don't risk being left behind.
Closing Thoughts
AI is not just a buzzword; it's a transformative technology shaping our future. As leaders, it's up to us to guide our teams in embracing this change and using AI as a strategic advantage.