Empowerment in the world of intelligent machines
The Oxford dictionary defines empowerment as the “authority or power given to someone to do something.” It goes on to say that empowerment involves “becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life.”
So, why is empowerment still so difficult for managers and leaders and what are the implications of rapid technological advances for empowerment?
Most managers and leaders are driven by two primary drives — the desire to achieve and the desire for power. Some are driven by the need to be liked and accepted. These types though, are far less common than those who want to control and achieve. So, it is understandable then that many leaders don’t like to give up power. They fear that to give up power means to lose control. And losing control of course gives rise to primitive ‘lizard brain’ fear instincts. These are the same people who don’t like flying or others driving them as they’re not in control, they are afraid to let others control their destiny.
However, they miss an important point. To trust and empower others means getting more power as the scope of your influence increases when you have more talented people who respect you and work hard to help achieve the organization’s vision and goals. When they achieve or exceed these goals, you look good and hey presto, you become more successful and powerful. This is one of the greatest paradoxes of management, you need to give up control to gain power and influence.
How will intelligent machines and AI effect empowerment?
So, enter the brave new era of intelligent machines and Artificial Intelligence (AI). How will this unstoppable trend effect empowerment? Well, the bottom line is that leaders and managers who can’t let go of control had better start learning how to. Machines are currently mainly tools and assistants used to achieve our goals. Take Amazon’s Alexa as an example. Currently, this is merely an assistant that can take the hassle out of routine tasks and help us become more productive….and less lonely in the case of some poor souls. But machines are quickly moving up the evolutionary hierarchy and will soon become peers and even our boss. They will someday soon even issue tasks, organise our work and evaluate our performance.
The future is fast approaching and leaders and managers who are still struggling to empower their staff will become dinosaurs in the digital age. So, try empowering your staff more, relax your vice grip on the rudder and get ready to see the magic happen.
About the Author
Leadership Consultant | Executive Coach | Business Psychologist
James has over 25 years’ experience working with leaders and organizations internationally to optimize their performance, talent and future success. He has worked with leaders from diverse sectors, countries and cultures. Clients have included Commvault, Equinor, Gilead Sciences, GSK, PhotoBox, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk, Oracle, Sainsbury’s, Swiss Re, Tesco, Yahoo! and WSP.
James has set-up and successfully grown several of his own businesses, including Strengthscope®, a global strengths assessment and consulting business. As Joint Founder and MD, he grew Strengthscope® into a market leader before selling his stake in the business in 2018.
James is a regular speaker on leadership, coaching, assessing and developing talent and the future of work. He has contributed a wide range of publications in these areas. His most recent book, Optimize Your Strengths, explores how leaders can transform their organizations by inspiring people to shine and deliver exceptional results.
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