Will AI take Luke Donald’s job?
As this year has progressed, AI has increasingly become the most talked about phenomena for politicians and business leaders. There are real and understandable concerns related to security and jobs. In fact, a recent Lex article in the Financial Times reported that, “Half of US CEOs questioned say AI could replace most or all of the jobs they do according to a survey by edX, the education platform created by MIT and Harvard.” The Lex article itself however goes on to argue that in fact new technologies tend to create jobs.
It was interesting to read (see below) the trend in UK job creation by sector. The data shows Healthcare, Hospitality, Wholesaling and Transportation as being the current trendsetting top job creating sectors and none of these are a surprise. The thrust of the conclusion from the Lex article was that, in response, “Prospective job hunters should consider narrowing their focus to computing, care and clean energy.” We’re not sure we agree with that direction of travel or the career advice. There are opportunities for growth and career development across almost every sector. Businesses are always challenged by the changing nature of the economic and social climate and the tastes of their customers. But well-run organisations will continue to thrive as long as they don’t take their eye off the ball, assess the information and think and act with strategic clarity.
Luke Donald’s European team at last week’s Ryder Cup are an excellent example. Their victory demonstrates the value of insightful leadership. If you listen to his post-victory interviews, despite the attempts of consecutive interviewers to tease out the genius behind his strategy and the subtle arguments espoused during his team briefings, Luke admits that the team’s success comes down to clarity of messaging and conviction to delivering on a shared goal. Unleashing the talents of a well-managed team of talented individuals to find a way to win.
It’s unlikely we think that AI will replace the leadership role of Luke Donald come the next Ryder Cup, or we suspect half of the CEOs in the US. If clarity of messaging and the ability to engage the emotions of teammates are the key to great leadership in a turbulent environment, and we think they are, their jobs are safe, poor thinking or slips aside.