AI - a competent leader?

When one thinks of the possibilities of artificial intelligence in the professional world, many industries come to mind that could feel threatened by these modern tools. While they won't necessarily make entire professions obsolete, they are already replacing a wide variety of tasks previously performed by humans. But is this also the case for management tasks? Is artificial intelligence on the rise here as well?

At first glance, yes. After all, the use of AI in the area of finance already offers enormous advantages, as it can efficiently evaluate complicated and time-consuming data sets. But what one does with the results obtained remains the task of humans. Because drawing logical conclusions and evaluating results requires experience. And this is where humans are (still) irreplaceable. And in the field of HR, the advantages are also obvious: machines read cover letters and resumes faster, and they are also not biased and do not get distracted by personal details. However, to be able to make a decision in favor of future employees, something more is needed - namely sympathy and intuition, i.e. human skills.

Another area where artificial intelligence can help is correspondence. Especially when it comes to the preparation and subsequent analysis of customer data. However, communication must be handled by the manager himself, because it is only through him that interpersonal relationships, trust and appreciation can be built up. No machine in this world can replace a one-on-one meeting, in which the foundation for successful collaboration is laid.

It remains to be seen how AI will be used in the future. For us Europeans, it is important to find a differentiated, moderate way of dealing with it and not to take our cue from China or the USA. Our guiding principle should be that it is not people who must serve technology, but technology that must serve people. This is also reflected in the keyword Corporate Digital Responsibility, which is about using new technologies without disregarding our own values. And this is precisely where human leadership plays a central role.

At any rate, there is currently no reason to fear AI. As was already the case when computers were introduced, there is no way back, but only in the direction of sensible, "humane" use.