This article was first published on LinkedIn.
In today's ever-evolving technological landscape, the rise of generative AI marks a pivotal moment. We are on the brink of a groundbreaking era where the rise in AI is having a profound impact on the way we work. Among these strides, ChatGPT emerges as a revolutionary force, boasting capabilities that were once confined to the realms of science fiction.
However, as with any groundbreaking technology, alongside its promises, risks loom large. The potential impact of generative AI surpasses mere novelty; its influence might rival or even exceed that of the internet and smartphones. Concerns linger, especially regarding AI's effect on employment. Venture Capitalist Vinod Khosla predicts that AI will be able to replace 80% of all jobs in the next 10 to 20 years. This echoed worries expressed by UN Secretary General António Guterres in his statement at the UK AI Safety Summit that “AI will further exacerbate the enormous inequalities that already plague our world.”
Privacy and intellectual property protection also stand as significant concerns. AI's continuous data utilization to refine Large Language Models (LLMs), including user-input data in chat interfaces, poses risks. Samsung's ban on AI tools stemmed from inadvertent exposure of confidential information, spotlighting these risks. As generative AI technology is still relatively young, it remains prone to errors and, in certain instances, may perpetuate biases and inequities.
Moreover, existential worries hover over the horizon. The ascent of AI could potentially lead to the creation of dangerous new weapons and even the extinction of the human race.
Nonetheless, it's imperative to acknowledge that AI serves as a potent productivity booster today. Companies leveraging generative AI are benefitting from heightened efficiency and innovation across sectors. Research, like the recently published working paper Generative AI at Work, underscores the substantial productivity surge—14% on average and up to 34% for novice workers in customer support—thanks to AI-based conversational assistants. Another study, Experimental Evidence on the Productivity Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence, demonstrated a 37% increase in task completion for white collar workers using ChatGPT.
This moment demands attention; companies ignoring this paradigm shift risk peril and stagnation. To turn a blind eye to AI's potential is akin to resisting change amidst a dynamic world. This is no time to stick your head in the sand!
Fostering an inclusive environment that embraces, rather than ostracizes, generative AI is pivotal for staying competitive. Inhibiting its use among employees hampers progress, jeopardizing companies in a fast-paced market.
Rather than enforcing stringent restrictions, a strategy centered on engagement is key. Encouraging responsible exploration of AI's potential among employees—providing tools, not rules—unleashes their creativity and passion.
How to get started
Our book, The Intrapreneur's Journey, is a guide on how to cultivate a culture of innovation in your organization. Most companies fail to take advantage of their hidden assets, that is, the ideas employees have to drive growth and productivity. Your employees are likely going to be the best source of ideas on how to leverage generative AI in your business.
To begin engaging employees on generative AI, consider hosting an AI Jam, akin to a hackathon, where employees brainstorm ways to boost productivity using generative AI. Provide guidelines for responsible usage (such as disabling chat history and opting out of model training), and have members of your privacy and security teams available to answer questions. Alternatively provide employees with a self-hosted LLM to ensure no leaks of confidential information. At the conclusion of the jam, showcase and celebrate exemplary uses that achieve the best productivity gains.
In conclusion, embracing generative AI isn't just an option; it's a necessity for sustained growth and relevance. It's about acknowledging its transformative potential, engaging employees responsibly, and leveraging the tools it offers. The time to embrace this technology is now, as hesitance might lead to lagging behind in an era where adaptability and innovation reign supreme.
*This article was composed with the assistance of ChatGPT 3.5