It's all around us. It's listening to our conversations. It's watching us when we browse the internet. It knows our buying habits, interests and where we are throughout the day. And it's getting better all the time.
Technology has changed our world, in many ways for the better. Work has become more efficient. Information is at our fingertips any time we wish. And the companies who use technology to their advantage are able to provide us with products that we need faster, more efficiently, and with less expense than ever before.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being spoke of as the next revolution in world history. From Marketing to Medicine, Manufacturing to Customer Service, AI is being explored to make our world more efficient than ever. Business models will change, and we've already seen some companies, like Dictador experimenting with an AI Chief Executive.
Naturally this has caused plenty of alarm within the workforce. You may have heard questions like "Will robots replace my job?" or "How long until Skynet goes live?" (Yes, for those of you old enough to recall, that is a Terminator reference). You've may have also seen ads on your computer right after you've had a discussion with someone based on some kind of product, vacation, service, etc., or gotten phone calls from a company and you just knew you weren't talking with a human.
There are plenty of supporting arguments on both sides of the topic of AI, and there is plenty of validity on each side. This actually points to the fact that regardless of how well AI progresses, there will always be the human need for genuine human to human interaction. This doesn't mean that AI won't be involved. For example, AI assisted doctors and pharmacists will very likely help to greatly reduce the number of medical injuries and prevent reduce the percentage of medical malpractice claims that we currently see. But there will still be the underlying psychological need to speak with an actual, living, breathing human.
As we consider the future of our careers and our organizations, we do need to consider the areas of business that AI can improve what we do. However, we also need to proceed with caution because if we lean too heavily on robots our customers may ultimately leave us. While AI is rapidly changing the world around us through efficiency and innovation, let's not lose sight of what truly matters -- human connection.
Everything in moderation
Whether you are for or against the future of technology, it is going to happen. We know this because it already is. But amidst the algorithms and automation, the heart of every business and relationship will always be human.
I encourage you to embrace AI as a tool to empower your organization, not to replace your employees. By finding balance we will shape a future where technology can serve us and we can ultimately enhance the human interactions are so critical in all areas of life. It doesn't have to be one or the other. We can truly live in a high tech, high touch world.
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