Equilibrium Blog 4 Practices for Managers to Work With AI

In the tail end of Summer 2015, the Accenture Institute for High Performance conducted a survey of 1770 managers from 14 countries and 17 different industries to find out their thoughts on artificial intelligence's impact on their jobs. The fact of the matter is that this element of information technology is imminent and will be able to take on managerial duties cheaper, faster, and better. So how can managers of tomorrow adapt? Here are four practices that can help them do so.Leave Administration to AIManagers spend much of their time performing administrative tasks when their time should be focused on other responsibilities. Functions such as juggling work schedules can easily be automated by an AI system and many managers that took the survey expect to see artificial intelligence affect these responsibilities by automation.Whereas 54% of managers' time are spent on administrative coordination and control, 30% is spent on problem solving and collaborating, 10% on strategy and innovation, and 7% interacting with stakeholders. Managers can focus on these tasks and develop skills listed below to become better managers.Focus on Judgment Work AIs have the algorithmic capabilities to create readable data and make certain decisions using that data. However, it cannot replace human decision making which is backed by personal experience, knowledge of organizational history and culture, empathy, and ethical reflection. The data it generates take most of the work off their hands leaving them more time to commit to developing decision making skills and making judgment calls.Think Like a DesignerBecause artificial intelligence will automate administrative tasks, it will become even more important that managers can utilize their own creativity and that of others. Managers who think like designers can put several great ideas together to create integrated and superior solutions.Develop Social SkillsIf there is one human aspect that an AI cannot replicate, it's human interaction. While artificial intelligence can automate mundane tasks and gather data together to help managers make decisions, it cannot socialize with human beings nor would they want to talk to a "machine". Managers who took the survey undervalued the social skills needed to network, coach, and collaborate with others. Socializing will undoubtedly become more prominent as artificial intelligence begin to be integrated, which is why it will be even more important that managers develop this skill.If you are a manager and are preparing for the latest in information technology to improve your business in Chicago, come to Equilibrium for our IT project consulting services. You can schedule a consultation here.