I was visiting a new place last week. I was curious, so I asked ChatGPT about it.
I got lots of information, a very detailed history and a whole
series of facts. I could have written an essay on it. Which, in effect, is what
the system had turned out.
However, I had to wade through the detail to pick out the
interesting nuggets. I received information, but I had to make it meaningful. And
I couldn’t clarity anything. Check my understanding. Ask questions or raise
concerns.
I was given raw material, but I still had quite a lot to do.
Which is why I am more sanguine than some about the implications of AI.
At the moment, platforms like LinkedIn are awash with predictions
that AI will decimate communications, that automation will replace current
approaches in every working environment.
Of course, there will be changes. AI will no doubt bring
benefits to effectiveness and efficiency, as it has done in different forms for
some time. But the scale of impact – and relevance – will vary from workplace
to workplace, and from culture to culture. And communication is so much more than
the limited and linear Q&A interaction I experienced last week.
There is a long way to go before technology is more than a
tool to help us make the right connections and build meaningful relationships with
our people. To nurture a culture of two-way communication. To build common
purpose across disparate groups.
ChatGPT and complementary AI tools can help us, not hinder
or replace us. Let’s embrace them and explore the opportunities they may offer.
