Omer Glass is the Co-Founder and CEO at Growthspace.
Chat GPT’s new voice feature is one example of the ways that AI technology continues to blur the lines between human capabilities and machine functionality. These tools are pushing us closer to scenarios like those depicted in the movie Her, where conversations with AI bots feel almost human.
AI’s capacity to learn, adapt and perform tasks that were once exclusive to humans is expanding at an unprecedented pace. If what I wrote makes you nervous, don’t worry. There still are intrinsic limitations that ensure certain human roles remain irreplaceable, such as learning and development in the workplace. Let’s talk about the changes and limitations of AI.
AI’s Potential For L&D Methodologies
As a learning and development leader, there are certain functions that AI can take over for you. Primarily, this technology works best when built into specific L&D methodologies and frameworks.
Real-Time Skills Building
AI technology can be a great way to help employees expand their skill sets in real time. I know this from experience, having used ChatGPT to work on my negotiation skills. I experimented by uploading the book Never Split the Difference by negotiation expert Chris Voss into the AI and playing out a scenario. My first attempts weren’t that successful because the bot provided a setup that wasn’t related to my day-to-day responsibilities. But after I prompted it with a real negotiation I was facing, then asked for specific feedback based on Voss’ book, the experience improved remarkably.
After acting out the scenario, the AI gave me a grade—a harsh but fair six out of 10. It even gave me specific feedback on what I did well, such as listening, moving the negotiation forward and trying to get to a resolution. Then it shared what I could improve on, like mirroring (when you repeat the last few words that the other party said).
If you’re an L&D leader planning to implement AI as a skill-building tool, I recommend that you keep in mind that it won’t be excellent right off the bat. But by providing the tool with high-quality content for context, as well as giving the right prompt, you can turn it into an excellent resource.
Personalized Coaching
Similarly, AI is changing the approach to career coaching. Many of coaching’s core competencies, such as asking insightful questions and prioritizing tasks, can be efficiently handled by AI. In fact, a lot of vendors in the space are already using these technologies as co-pilots. But from what I’m seeing, they’re mostly relying on chatGPT’s capabilities. Given the accessibility of open AI tools, I would encourage you to create your own coaching bots that are trained on your organization’s specific cultural context, as well as industry-standard resources.
AI’s Limitations When Applied To L&D
Despite its advantages, AI’s capabilities aren’t boundless. You’ll face significant challenges if you try to use it as a replacement for nuanced human experiences, context and expertise. For example, while chatGPT could provide me with strong, base-level negotiation advice, it couldn’t produce the kind of unique insights I might receive from an expert who’s navigated negotiations in specific industries. So the value of lived experience, industry-specific knowledge and nuanced understanding of human interactions likely won’t be replaced for the foreseeable future.
To ensure the human element remains front and center in L&D as you engage with AI tools, you need to understand what it is about humans that can’t be replicated. For example, do people on your team have irreplaceable experiences with certain industries or skills?
It’s also key to remember the trust element of AI interactions. Your employees are more likely to believe in-depth knowledge provided by an expert, not a bot. So it’s important that you don’t rely on AI-driven learning entirely.
The Future Of AI In Employee Development
AI will continue to evolve and enhance its capabilities, and we’ll have to evolve with it. When it comes to learning and development, we might eventually see advancements that allow tools to integrate broader contextual data and provide more personalized and nuanced advice. However, the irreplicable human elements of empathy, ethical judgment and deep contextual understanding will likely ensure that AI remains a tool rather than a replacement. As we move forward, embracing AI as a powerful ally in our development journeys will enable us to achieve greater heights, blending the best of human ingenuity with technology.
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