The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is more than a technological shift; it’s a profound transformation that will redefine the way we work. For boards, the challenge isn’t just about adopting AI—it’s about leading organisations through the people implications of this revolution. And as the Board Chair of the HR Institute of NZ (and a PCC Chair on another Board) - I’m very passionate about making sure we think about our people in all of our governance conversations!
The Workforce at the Heart of AI Deployment
1. Preparing for Workforce Evolution
AI has the potential to automate up to 70% of repetitive tasks (Source: Everyday AI), reshaping job roles across industries. Boards must lead efforts to ensure the workforce is prepared, resilient, and empowered.
• Upskilling and Development: Invest in employee training to help workers adapt to an AI-powered workplace. Show how AI can enhance, not replace, human capabilities.
• Transparent Communication: Address employee concerns about AI with openness. Create opportunities for dialogue to foster trust and collaboration.
• Talent Retention: Attract AI expertise by cultivating a workplace culture of innovation and learning. Consider appointing an AI-focused executive to oversee this transition.
2. Building Trust Through Responsible AI
AI adoption can only succeed if stakeholders trust how it’s used. Boards must prioritise responsible AI practices to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability.
• Ethics at the Core: Establish governance frameworks that align AI use with organisational values and legal standards.
• Explainable AI: Use AI models that are transparent and understandable to reduce bias and build trust with employees and customers.
• Data Protection: Implement robust policies for safeguarding sensitive data and enduring compliance with privacy regulations.
3. Leading the Cultural Shift
AI integration isn’t just about technology—it’s about shifting mindsets and fostering a culture of collaboration, experimentation, and innovation.
• Hands-on Engagement: Encourage directors to experiment with AI tools to build understanding and confidence.
• Small Wins First: Start with pilot projects to test AI’s impact and gather learnings before scaling.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Track AI’s impact on people, ensuring initiatives deliver value while maintaining ethical standards.
The Māori saying “He tangata, he tangata, he tangata” serves as a guide for this cultural shift. It’s a reminder that people are at the core of an organisation’s success, and they should remain the focus as we integrate AI into workplaces. AI should be a tool to enhance human potential, not diminish it.
Guiding Boards Through the AI Era
At Directorly, we focus on helping boards navigate the implications of AI. Our AI Training Programs empower directors with the tools and insights needed to lead responsibly and adapt to the changing nature of work. For more details about the course or to register, please contact us.
This blog is a product of thoughtful human input and strategic use of AI tools, helping us deliver impactful, insightful and high-quality content and images efficiently and effectively. Because leading innovation means leading by example.