Intelligent CIO Europe Issue 79 | Page 44

CIO OPINION
The relentless march of ‘ always-on ’ technology , where systems run 24 / 7 , is a double-edged sword .
IT leaders ’ enthusiasm for maintaining physical fitness reflected their confidence in its benefits . Babble ’ s research shows they are most likely to agree that it makes them more determined to succeed ( 79 %), better motivate their team ( 78 %) and build relationships with key stakeholders ( 76 %). This is a positive step in a world where technology never turns off , so tech leaders should ensure they maintain this momentum .
Navigating the AI ethical knife edge as a leadership team
The role of the business leader has always demanded a strong moral compass .
Babble ’ s research shows that leaders dedicate an average of 81 minutes a week to working on ethical matters relating to their businesses and the wider community . While it may seem odd to quantify ethics , as they ’ re integral to our everyday selves , this provides a useful marker for business leaders on how much time they spend consciously developing ethical fitness through activities such as pro-bono work , the development of a sustainability strategy or building a plan for the responsible use of AI .
With the rise of AI , IT leaders have been thrust into the heart of a complex ethical minefield . Recently there has been increasing conversation about the ethics of AI-generated voices and texts , and the use of tools such as Microsoft Copilot present questions on how humans and AI can successfully work together . While AI presents exciting opportunities , it also comes with critical ethical considerations . To navigate this new landscape effectively , leaders need to adopt a collaborative approach .
Business leaders must consciously invest time and resources in establishing a clear and shared ethical framework . Open discussions and agreed-upon principles will be crucial for making responsible decisions when deploying AI .
This collaborative approach extends beyond simply creating ethical guidelines . Leaders need to actively guide teams as they grapple with some of the most intricate ethical dilemmas surrounding AI . From issues of bias in algorithms to concerns about data privacy , these challenges require careful consideration and leadership from the top . By working together , CEOs and IT leaders can unlock the full potential of AI while ensuring its responsible and ethical implementation .
The future leader
Technology ’ s relentless pace forces leaders to adapt or be left behind . Embrace the opportunities by becoming a lifelong learner , leading with agility and prioritising your human team . Mastering these three pillars is the key to leading in a constantly evolving landscape . p
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