Employees are counting on management with artificial intelligence rollouts. Don’t let them down.
Companies don’t get very far if their senior executives build an organization fomenting mistrust, although that’s exactly what too many businesses are seeing these days.
According to a recent Gallup survey, only 23% of U.S. employees say they trust their organization’s leadership.
The Gallup study found that low-performing teams in low-trust cultures talk about trust constantly and in high-trust cultures, teams rarely mention trust at all.
“Creating high-trust cultures takes time, patience, and effort, and telling employees “trust me,” doesn’t work,” Gallup stated. “What does defang mistrust is creating cultures of authenticity and transparency, driven by leadership competencies that reignite trust.”
With legions of companies amid new artificial intelligence implementations, C-suite executives are going to need the trust of their teams more than ever.
“Although most businesses are still early in their adoption of AI, in survey after survey, business leaders report that they expect AI to materially change their businesses,” says Zack Kass, an adviser on AI strategy and the former head of go-to-market strategy at OpenAI and Nathan Christensen, CEO of HR at the compliance firm Mineral, in a co-bylined commentary on Marketwatch on December 16.
This scenario has wide-ranging implications, the duo notes.
“Both trust and technology are vital components of organizational success, empowering, enabling, and engaging an organization’s most valuable asset: its people,” they say. “The impact goes further. As businesses build trust with and between their employees and customers, and support them with responsible and innovative technology, businesses create a path for societal connection and advancement.”
A Trust Blueprint For AI and Employees
So how can companies instill a company-wide theme of trust with their AI efforts, especially with so much chatter on how the technology is going to take away jobs?
By prioritizing employees before, during, and after their artificial intelligence rollouts.
“To nurture human connection, CEOs must adopt a people-first approach, recognizing that even as AI technology advances, employee well-being, and involvement are integral to a company’s success,” Kass and Christensen said.
Here’s what they advise senior executives to do when introducing AI and immersing it into the workplace.
Show “transparent communications. “Keeping employees informed about AI integrations and their implications,” the commentary notes. “This transparency helps alleviate fears and uncertainties regarding AI, fostering a culture of trust.”
Emphasize “inclusive” decision-making. Involving employees in discussions about AI implementation. “This model improves decision-making and ensures that employees are valued and heard,” Kass and Christensen said.
Have “continuous” learning and adaptation. Senior management needs to provide opportunities for employees to continuously develop their skills in line with AI advancements. “This step demonstrates a commitment to employees’ long-term success and is crucial in an environment where AI can render certain skills obsolete,” the duo adds.
The rise of AI and decline in trust calls for a new kind of leadership, Kass and Christensen conclude.
“It embraces the potential and complexity of technology without losing sight of our common humanity, they note. “By prioritizing people, leading with empathy, and navigating the ethical challenges of AI, CEOs harness the power of AI while also enhancing the trust and culture that drive their organizations.”
Brian O’Connell, a former Wall Street bond trader and best-selling author, is a prominent figure in the finance industry. With a substantial background as an ex-Wall Street trader, he has authored two best-selling books: ‘The 401k Millionaire’ and ‘CNBC’s Creating Wealth’, demonstrating his profound knowledge of finance and investing.
Brian is also a finance and business writer for esteemed national platforms and publications, including CNN, TheStreet.com, CBS News, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and Fox News.
