Looking Into AI’s Potential: Thoughts on The AI+HI Project

Colleagues, Friends, HR Professionals -

As we look back on three exciting days in Mountain View for The AI+HI Project, I’m more confident than ever in a premise you've likely heard from myself and my colleagues at SHRM for several months now:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), combined with Human Intelligence (HI), will push businesses forward and improve human potential.

Sure, there's much more to come and the pace of innovation will be rapid. However, let me quote our colleague Jim Link , SHRM-SCP, and Chief Human Resources Officer.

“I have a hypothesis that if all things are equal among organizations regarding the use of artificial intelligence, then some factor of human intelligence is what will win the competitive race,” Jim said.

What does this mean? It means we have to change the narrative and get people ready to embrace AI within their organizations. 

Because ready or not… it’s coming. 44% of work tasks are set to be automated or augmented by AI, and the stakes are high.

It’s not a doomsday scenario, though. There are very actionable steps that you can take in your organization today to help foster change and help employees truly thrive in this new technological age.

How?

1. Upskilling / Reskilling: When we talk about reskilling, it's more than just addressing job changes; it’s about giving your employees new skills. Learning AI is a significant part of enhancing our skills and knowledge. It’s not about choosing between learning new things or improving what you already know. It’s about doing both. 
2. Improve Executives’ AI Fluency: Like all major organizational shifts, leaders need to be the change they want to see in their workplaces. So, for all the C-suite folks and other managers reading this newsletter, take the time to review SHRM resources to learn the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of AI. 
3. Frame HR as the AI Catalyst: We've heard from experts about AI's technological implications, but the key to success is shifting our mindset. AI, as a technology, isn't a catalyst in and of itself, but rather the person utilizing it is the catalyst. HR can and should be the leaders behind this change and set the stage for their organizations to be the change they want to see.
4. AI and Strategic Leadership: A major highlight across all our speakers was the focus on how AI can improve leadership and decision-making processes. By aligning AI strategies with business objectives, leaders can benefit from its ability to enhance operational efficiency and drive strategic initiatives forward.
5. Understand AI's Societal Impact: Beyond the boardroom, AI's ripple effects across society are profound. We delved into how these technological advancements are reshaping not just how we work, but also the very core of education, media, politics and more. Grasping these societal shifts is crucial for any organization looking to understand the future awaiting us.

Why This Matters?

The AI+HI Project went beyond understanding this technology — it was a call to action. I encourage every professional, whether in the C-suite or the front office, to take the following into consideration: 

• Transform Your Strategy: Leverage the intersection of AI and HI to optimize your approach.
• Forge Powerful Connections: Network with executives and AI thought leaders.
• Maximize ROI: Adopt AI strategically to enhance both profitability and human creativity.
• Champion Innovation: Pioneer industry innovations through AI training and tools.
• Promote Ethical AI Use: Implement AI with a commitment to ethics, privacy and diversity.

As we look ahead, I truly believe we’ve set the stage for a journey toward innovation, growth and ethical responsibility. Let's carry forward the momentum, today and tomorrow, embracing the possibilities that AI and HI together can bring to our organizations and society at large.

Thank you for being a part of this transformative experience.

Warm regards,

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP

SHRM President & CEO