Expert Panel, Forbes Coaches Council
Forbes Source:
From customer chatbots to virtual assistants, it seems that artificial intelligence is everywhere in the business world today. One important application of AI is workforce optimization – analyzing team data to track productivity and automate certain tasks and decisions, with the end goal of making staff members more efficient.
It's easy to see the benefits of AI in the workplace: Delegating the "grunt work" to a machine gives workers the time and freedom to focus on big-picture strategic tasks. But what does the full potential and impact of AI look like in terms of team performance – for better or for worse? Six members of Forbes Coaches Council weighed in.
1. Use AI During The Screening Process To Improve Diversity
AI and analytics could have a dramatic impact on team performance. The screening will be more objective, and based on skills and abilities versus the interviewer feeling comfortable with the person because they are the same gender, race or religion. It has the potential to improve overall productivity by reducing groupthink and increasing innovation that comes from a more diverse team. - Beth Kuhel, Get Hired, LLC
2. Predict Patterns For Future Success
Both AI and internet of things (IoT) allow teams to ask what kind of tasks are done. "What players do we need?" Through the use of connected devices, sensing of patterns, and the use of predictive analytics, AI can substitute for or complement workers and improve the functions of management through automation, cost controls, self-service customer service, recognition of markers and better tracking. - Joanne Markow, GreenMason
3. Measure Productivity To Improve It
In theory, analytics and artificial intelligence should make workers more productive. AI should help to minimize routine tasks, freeing up time, so workers can focus in on more complex issues. Analytics will help to measure productivity and provide more real-time feedback on long-term goals. - Angela Copeland, Copeland Coaching
4. Get Real-Time Feedback And Automate Its Analysis
Point of experience mobile applications like LoopSurvey allows any business to quickly design questions and target customers and frontline employees, obtaining “real-time” feedback. Data analysis is automated and managers receive alerts if service and experience are below standard, allowing them to respond quickly if service recovery is required or if processes need to be adjusted. -Vanita Bellen, True North Coaching and Consulting
5. Be Mindful Of How AI Affects Your Team's Emotional Intelligence
I won't be one to suggest that AI and analytics will hurt interpersonal communications and emotional intelligence. On the positive side, AI might even give people possible ethical choices in decision making that may allow them to better discern options for best performance. On the negative side, analytics and AI may remove interpersonal relationships from decisions and hurt teams. Use it wisely. - John M. O'Connor, Career Pro Inc.
6. Value Humanity Over The Numbers
Whilst the numbers drive direction and destination, be mindful not to get too hung up on them. We are human "beings," not human "doings." It's important to be mindful of the humanity within our teams and their performances. When we connect with each other and share insight and feedback, we are creating. This creativity feeds personal and professional growth. - Frances McIntosh, Intentional Coaching LLC
©2019 Forbes Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.