Having overheard a colleague saying they had recently published a blog post that had been generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), my curiosity was sparked. Naturally. A quick internet search found a site. I asked it to write a post. What title I thought? I settled very quickly on: The Top Three Things Leaders Should Do in Business. That seemed like a reasonable ask.
Within a few of the briefest moments, some 1,500 words popped up. I started to look in disbelief as what seemed like a well-constructed piece, with a compelling opening to set the scene, appeared on my screen. What’s more, it looked like the three top things were indeed set out. How clever I thought. Each title was sub-divided into three further sections. Even cleverer I said under my breath. What a crafty device to squeeze in more content and circumvent the brief – I must do that myself one day. It felt like rubbing Aladdin’s lamp, and using one of your three wishes to ask for unlimited wishes – that cunning childlike fantasy trick! That was lesson one.
Then, a major flaw became apparent. After I scrolled through the third heading, there was a surprise fourth, then even an unexpected fifth. An epic fail! Could you imagine asking a real person for an article on three things and then getting five? Maybe, maybe not. I would imagine in my office they would be asked to rethink, and to follow the brief, unless there was a cogent argument for five. I started to resent the handful of sections with three sub-sections each, totalling 15 top things a leader should do. A dozen more than the brief. Is AI disobedient and obedient in equal measure I pondered. That was lesson two.
I read on. The preamble was convincing, and I quote: “Leadership plays a critical role in driving success and growth within any business. Effective leaders possess the ability to inspire, guide, and empower their teams to accomplish extraordinary things. However, with numerous responsibilities and expectations, it can be challenging for leaders to prioritize their actions. In this article, we will explore the top three things that leaders should focus on to propel their businesses forward. From setting a clear vision and goals to building a strong and empowered team, we will delve into fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability, effective communication and collaboration, and the importance of continuous learning and development. By understanding and implementing these key strategies, leaders can create a solid foundation for success and drive their organizations towards excellence”. I can easily subscribe to all of that, and it seemed very reasonably put. That was lesson three.
But what, I think you need to know, were those three/five things?
1. Setting a Clear Vision and Goals
1.1 Defining the mission and purpose
1.2 Establishing long-term goals
1.3 Creating a strategic roadmap
2. Building a Strong and Empowered Team
2.1 Hiring and retaining top talent
2.2 Fostering a positive work environment
2.3 Empowering employees through delegation
3. Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Adaptability
3.1 Encouraging creativity and idea generation
3.2 Embracing change and overcoming resistance
3.3 Promoting a learning mindset and experimentation
4. Effective Communication and Collaboration
4.1 Establishing open and transparent communication channels
4.2 Encouraging active listening and feedback
4.3 Promoting cross-functional collaboration
5. Embracing Continuous Learning and Development
5.1 Investing in employee training and development
5.2 Encouraging personal growth and learning opportunities
5.3 Emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing
Each section was clearly and helpfully explained too. The piece concluded, “by prioritising these top three (sic) areas, leaders can maximise their impact and drive success within their businesses. Setting a clear vision and goals, building a strong and empowered team, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability, effective communication, and collaboration, and embracing continuous learning and development are essential pillars of effective leadership. By consistently focusing on these aspects, leaders can create a thriving and resilient organisation that can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve long-term success. With a strong foundation in place, leaders can inspire their teams to reach new heights and drive their businesses towards a prosperous future”. There was even some FAQs to support those asking more detail on how to do these things. Lesson four and five.
The sixth lesson is from me to AI, three means three, not five, and certainly not 15. That’s natural intelligence. And I wrote all this blog myself thank you very much. Although it did take me 45 minutes and not 45 seconds.
Find Joy in the Middle 