The rise of artificial intelligence and the beauty of humanity

“LIFE imitates art far more than art imitates life."

These were the applicable words of Oscar Wilde, one of London’s most popular playwrights in the 1880s.

Of all the emerging digital trends, artificial intelligence (AI) most evokes a feeling of a science fiction movie brought to life.

AI is about computer systems that can interpret text, data and languages, learn to go beyond what they are programmed to do and embrace the human ability to see, hear and touch.

The aim of AI is not only to mimic human intelligence, but to surpass it.

So what does this mean for leadership decision-making, planning and ethics?

When it comes to making decisions, the longterm view becomes vital when taking into account the effect of technology on individuals, business and society.

AI can connect the dots and process thousands of variables simultaneously.

It sees all data as connected and can do scenario planning in a heartbeat.

According to Klaus Schwarb of the World Economic Forum, 45% of those surveyed believe that an AI decisionmaking device will take its place on the corporate board of directors by 2025.

They believe that its data-driven decision-making will enhance efficiency and productivity. For some it is a dream, for others a nightmare. This is why it is vital that we empower people to master technologies to see beyond the fear.

This will require many manual and knowledge work tasks to be re-evaluated and the people conducting those functions to be reskilled.

This will enable them to make a meaningful contribution through technology or embracing the human potential that technology is supposed to release.

This means we must design our future with a balance of technology and human interaction – not losing the beauty of being human.

The greatest works of art, inventions and discoveries have been about breaking the rules.

It has not been about being logical, making mistakes with unintended positive results and serendipity.

We must never lose the power to do this or we risk putting our humanity in jeopardy.