Is AI Helping or Hurting Leaders? Rethinking Artificial vs. Assisted Intelligence

What do you think? Are you:

• Pro AI – Heck yes, I’m using it for everything

• Heck no – I am not using it now or ever!

• My Jury is still out on AI

Honestly, for me I was no way do I want anything to do with AI until I was listening to a podcast on the way to see my sister in Georgia a little over a year ago. The host, who I am sad to say I don’t remember, shared his viewpoint on AI, and uttered one statement that caused me to stop and think about AI in a completely different way and changed my mindset.

He said - don’t think of AI as Artificial intelligence, think of it as Assisted Intelligence 

Hmmm - now that’s an interesting perspective. 

The Opportunity

Is AI an opportunity? Yes, it’s an opportunity which comes with tremendous responsibility. 

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept—it’s a reality and here to stay. How we choose to engage with AI will shape culture, trust, and performance now and for years to come.

At its best, AI allows people to elevate their work, by automating routine tasks and synthesizing complex data. It creates space for deeper thinking and even more meaningful conversations. We can respond faster, personalize experiences for team members and customers, and scale effective practices across organizations. 

The Challenge
AI also demands discernment. We will want and need to determine how to use AI in an ethical manner as well as ensure that data is checked to ensure accuracy. 

Moving Forward
Leaders won’t ask, “What can AI replace?” but rather, “What could humans do more of because AI exists?” It’s important to remember that empathy, judgment, creativity, and values-based decision-making remain uniquely human strengths.

As I see it there are advantages and challenges to using AI. By the way I thought it would be interesting to see what AI shared as advantages and challenges, so I want to be transparent. The advantages and challenges listed below are what AI shared with me when I asked what the advantages and challenges were when using AI. I thought you might be interested to see what AI had to say. 

Advantages in using AI

1. Increased Efficiency and Productivity
   AI automates repetitive, time-consuming tasks, enabling employees to focus on higher-value, strategic work.

2. Data-Driven Decision Making
   AI analyzes large and complex data sets quickly, uncovering patterns, insights, and forecasts that support more informed decisions.

3. Cost Savings Over Time
   While initial investment may be significant, AI can reduce long-term operational costs through automation, error reduction, and process optimization.

4. Consistency and Accuracy
   AI systems perform tasks consistently, minimizing human error in areas such as data entry, analysis, and quality control.

5. Scalability
   AI solutions can scale rapidly to handle increased workloads without proportional increases in staffing or infrastructure.

6. Enhanced Customer Experience
   AI enables personalization, faster response times, and 24/7 support through tools such as chatbots, recommendation engines, and predictive service models.

7. Innovation and Competitive Advantage
   Organizations leveraging AI effectively can create new products, services, and business models that differentiate them in the market.

Challenges using AI

1. Implementation and Integration Complexity
   Deploying AI often requires significant changes to systems, workflows, and skill sets, which can disrupt operations if not managed carefully.

2. Data Quality and Availability
   AI outcomes are only as good as the data used; incomplete, biased, or poor-quality data can lead to flawed results.

3. Ethical and Bias Concerns
   AI systems may unintentionally reinforce bias or produce inequitable outcomes if not designed, trained, and monitored responsibly.

4. Workforce Impact and Skill Gaps
   AI can change job roles, creating anxiety, resistance, or the need for reskilling and upskilling across the organization.

5. Security and Privacy Risks
   Increased data use raises concerns about cybersecurity, data protection, and regulatory compliance.

6. Lack of Transparency (“Black Box” Models)
   Some AI models make decisions that are difficult to explain, which can reduce trust and pose challenges in regulated environments.

7. Ongoing Maintenance and Governance
   AI systems require continuous monitoring, updating, and governance to remain accurate, compliant, and aligned with business goals.

Back to me writing:

The advantages and challenges listed above give us many things to think about and consider. My invitation to you - think about how and when it makes sense to use AI and when it doesn’t as well as how to use it in an ethical manner. 

Sooooooo,

Do I utilize AI for some things? Yes. 

For example: I might use it to assist me with polishing a paragraph, tightening up thoughts for an email, and helping format a document. 

Do I use it for everything – No way. My voice may not be perfect but it’s my voice and it’s real. 

Does AI have a place?

I believe it does, but it does not, in any way, shape, or form, take the place of a human. As humans we create, feel, and can relate to others. 

We can all use some assistance, and like the following quote states:

“Artificial intelligence is only as good as the questions we ask of it.” — unknown

You got this and I have your back.

Supporting you in creating the life and career you deserve, 

           - Ann