C200 member Inna Kuznetsova is the CEO of ToolsGroup, whose AI-powered solutions enable companies to navigate supply chain uncertainty. Inna previously served as CEO of 1010data and as President & COO of INTTRA. She currently serves on the board for Freightos, a SaaS marketplace platform for international freight.
Leading a company in today’s business world requires more than traditional strategies. Proficiency in technological advancements can provide a competitive edge, amplifying both organizational and personal effectiveness.
Senior executives are increasingly adopting Generative AI, marking a paradigm shift in their approach to leadership. Beyond its impact on organizational processes, this efficiency-boosting tool serves as a catalyst for enhancing individual productivity. The use of Generative AI by top leaders isn’t merely technological progress; it represents a commitment to continuous improvement in the face of evolving business complexities.
Generative AI’s scalability sets it apart, transitioning seamlessly from simple tasks to complex … [+]
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The Organizational Advantage of Using Generative AI
Generative AI’s scalability sets it apart, transitioning seamlessly from simple tasks to complex organizational strategies. It meets growing organizational needs by offering strategic insights and optimizing decision-making processes across various functions, from operations to data analysis.
Leveraging this technology when onboarding new hires can significantly enhance efficiency, engagement, and the overall employee experience. Interactive guides powered by Generative AI can answer questions, provide training modules, and relay information through natural language queries—adding personalization to the process.
Senior leaders have also championed Generative AI’s use in customer service efforts to provide immediate and efficient support to their customers. According to PwC’s 2022 AI Business Survey, 40% of leaders surveyed responded that their company has realized value from AI customer service activities over the past 12 months.
For example, JetBlue’s AI-powered customer support initiatives represent a strategic move toward leveraging advanced AI technologies to optimize customer service operations. By incorporating generative AI, JetBlue aims to provide a more responsive chat channel, ultimately enhancing the overall experience for its passengers. Automation through generative AI allows JetBlue to achieve greater efficiency in handling routine tasks—freeing up human agents to focus on more complex or specialized customer issues. The scalability of AI-driven solutions also enables the airline to handle a larger volume of customer queries during peak times.
Generative AI’s versatility is a game-changer, adapting to the unique needs of organizational functions to increase productivity. The impact of this technology could add trillions of dollars in value to the global economy: McKinsey research estimates that generative AI could add the equivalent of $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion annually through use cases that support interactions with customers, generate creative content for marketing and sales, and draft computer code based on natural-language prompts, among many other tasks.
Start With Personal Productivity Enhancement
Leaders looking to incorporate Generative AI into their workflow should begin by starting small, focusing on personal productivity enhancement before implementing it across broader company operations. Initiating the use of Generative AI shouldn’t require a massive overhaul—it can start with specific, manageable functions such as streamlining day-to-day responsibilities. Here, the power of AI extends beyond traditional scheduling advice. It becomes a strategic partner in optimizing the daily workflow, suggesting not just what to do, but how to do it efficiently.
Generative AI is a Powerful Summarization & Drafting Tool
In the fast-paced world of corporate leadership, staying informed is necessary, but sifting through extensive documents can be overwhelming. AI summarization tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Co-Pilot offer a solution for information deluge by condensing large volumes of text into concise summaries. Whether dealing with new regulations, market reviews, or lengthy articles, AI can provide a synopsis, allowing leaders to quickly assess the content’s relevance.
This summarization tool’s adaptability to different audiences is a remarkable feature. Leaders can customize their requests, prompting a summary within a certain number of sentences, a bulleted list format, or the content simplified. Results are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the user; even handling requests for language oriented for non-technical individuals, those without deep domain knowledge, or even a specific industry audience. This personalization of information ensures that insights are accessible and comprehensible across diverse organizational roles.
Generative AI is a strategic partner for optimizing daily workflow, suggesting not just what to do, … [+]
Lalena Kennedy via Canva.com
Beyond summaries, AI tools can also assist in drafting documents. Whether crafting summary reports, business proposals, or internal emails, AI will generate a preliminary initial draft. Leaders can train the AI by providing examples of their writing style to produce content that aligns seamlessly with their tone and preferences.
However, AI provides only a robust starting point. While it can understand and mimic certain patterns, this technology may not capture the entirety of an individual’s style or the specific context in which the document is intended. The human touch, involving personalization, editing, and contextual refinement, is needed to make the AI-generated content truly reflective of the individual user’s voice and requirements.
Time Management and Workflow Optimization
AI takes personalized scheduling to the next level by offering tailored advice based on specific prompts. Whether prioritizing tasks or planning the day, AI responds to nuanced requests, ensuring that leaders receive advice that aligns precisely with their preferences and priorities. The user can input detailed criteria, such as urgency, importance, or specific project dependencies, and receive strategic advice that aligns optimally with their goals.
Teams can utilize AI for scenario-specific recommendations; planning a customer event, an offsite meeting, or even a leisure day in a new city can prompt amazingly helpful results when they provide AI with detailed preferences. For instance, asking, “Plan a day in Lisbon for a couple who likes walking, historical tours, and music; restaurants should have vegan options and be within a walking distance of this hotel” might yield a comprehensive agenda.
The adaptability of AI to diverse needs makes it an indispensable tool for leaders across industries. From event planning to team-building activities, leaders can leverage AI to ensure that every detail aligns with their vision.
Practical Tips for Adoption
Making use of this efficiency-boosting tool should not be overwhelming; Generative AI was developed to be accessible without IT support. User-friendly applications like ChatGPT provide a straightforward entry point, ensuring that senior leaders, regardless of technical expertise, can readily adopt and benefit from Generative AI.
Before diving into Generative AI, make time for a thoughtful exploration of its potential benefits, followed by hands-on experience. As you explore these functionalities, you’ll discover how AI can help you make the most of your time and maintain a well-organized daily workflow. This gradual and informed approach lays the groundwork for a successful integration of AI into your daily routine.
Start with Small, Specific Tasks:
- To ease into the use of Generative AI, begin with small and specific tasks. Request a summary of a document, seek drafting assistance for a short memo, or ask for personalized scheduling advice. By starting with manageable tasks, you can witness the immediate positive impact of AI on your daily workflow before applying it to company-wide operational tasks.
Gradually Expand Usage:
- As familiarity with Generative AI grows, you can gradually expand your usage. Experiment with more complex tasks, such as crafting detailed documents, planning events, or seeking in-depth insights within your industry. The gradual expansion ensures a smooth integration of AI into your routine, allowing time to explore the full spectrum of its capabilities.
Make Use of Feedback and Adjustment:
- Interaction with the AI assistant should be a dynamic and iterative process. Analyze feedback from AI interactions and adjust prompts, preferences, and expectations based on the outcomes. This continuous feedback loop will help the AI assistant to become increasingly attuned to your unique working style, to become a more effective and personalized tool over time.
The modern business landscape demands agility and adaptability. Generative AI aligns seamlessly with these requirements, providing senior leaders with a tool that can evolve with the ever-changing dynamics of the business environment. Its ability to contribute across various functions ensures that leaders remain well-equipped to address emerging challenges.
Generative AI is not just a technological tool but a comprehensive solution that assists senior leaders in their dual role – steering the organizational ship and managing their individual responsibilities. It plays a pivotal role in reshaping and enhancing both the macro and micro aspects of leadership. From influencing high-level strategies to aiding in individual productivity, Generative AI is an integral part of the leadership toolkit.
