With access to unlimited information, superior processing power, rapid learning capabilities, and no emotional constraints, artificial intelligence will soon surpass human ability in many areas of leadership. Our research, for which we surveyed more than 600 employees across multiple industries, indicates that employees already have more confidence in AI than in their human bosses in certain areas of leadership.
The Best Leaders Can’t Be Replaced by AI
As AI-enabled leadership evolves, human qualities like compassion and wisdom will only become more important.
January 12, 2024
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Summary.
There are some areas where AI is surpassing human capabilities — but there are several it can’t replace. Based on their research into employees’ comfort with AI in management, as well as their decades of research on the qualities of effective leadership, the authors identify the promise (and perils) of AI-enabled management, as well as the three uniquely human capabilities leaders need to focus on honing, especially as AI begins to figure more in management: 1) awareness, 2) compassion, and 3) wisdom.
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New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Leading People Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.