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| Connie Braun |
The lyrics express the reality of our changing, turning world, yet one in which we need to find a time and place to welcome these developments. Originally released during the years of the Vietnam War, it is clear to me that the lyrics and the song have stood the test of time, applying to many different situations. Extrapolating perspectives, ideas and other influences can help us to embrace how we might use AI to improve human relationships. AI has the potential to alter many aspects of our daily lives and, if used appropriately, AI may very well strengthen partnerships, client relationships, and function as a source for good in our human relationships.
One way in which communication is already enhanced is through the deployment of AI’s ability to assist customers with simple, repetitive tasks in self-service mode. Many of us have had experience with a virtual assistant when we need assistance with services such as Canada Revenue Agency or those to which we subscribe such as Telus. Only when the task becomes more complicated is an individual passed to a human customer service agent. Then, by analyzing the conversations with the virtual agent and presenting ideas for next steps or improvements, AI is able to help improve human interactions, and very quickly. Ultimately, this means that individuals with more complex concerns are able to obtain more personalized attention that helps to resolve issues in meaningful ways.
Most likely, you have had the experience of receiving an email message from Amazon or another online emporium suggesting that you might also like to acquire such and such item, based on a recent purchase you have made. Or, via social media, there is content suggested for you based on your profile and the kinds of things you view. This kind of personalized content can help a viewer to discover things that they might not otherwise see in relation to their usual interests. On the less positive side, it can limit exposure to diverse perspectives, and reinforce what may be misinformation or disinformation. When restricting exposure to different points of view and values, human relationships can quickly and clearly be affected by this type of polarization. We see this in the news every day.
Cultivating relationships and building effective teams while collaborating is more important than ever as AI technologies advance. In addition to reinforcing trust and mutual respect, working together and collaborating with each other as well as with the AI tools will only become stronger. Having good connections, trust, and credibility among colleagues and within organizations enhances productivity and overall loyalty. It is also here where we can learn and grow, relying on the knowledge and experience of others as well as contributing same to members of the team.
Following closely on collaboration and cultivating relationships is innovation, particularly as it relates to the evolution and continuing advancement of global technologies. When strong relationships, credibility, and mutual respect are present across organizations, innovation seems to come naturally. People who feel safe about sharing ideas, however wild, see creativity and collaboration abound, often leading to new discoveries and breakthroughs that otherwise probably would not have occurred. AI can help with this, giving a platform where ideas and options can be explored.
Networking is much more than meeting people at professional events, participating in community activities or adding connections on social media platforms. Achieving career success has long included the idea of networking and making connections with others in your industry and around, even in your neighbourhood. To be effective at networking requires building relationships and creating value for others. When we go beyond meeting people doing similar work, adding connections, we can find opportunities to learn and grow, develop resilience as technologies and circumstances change. Using these opportunities to create value in the workplace, community, and further afield, provides a sense of purpose giving meaning to our lives, personal and professional. Again, AI can help with this.
With speedy and continuing evolution of AI, its interaction with data of all kinds will show the way to people with ideas about how to use this kind of technology to improve our lives. Surprising discoveries are being made every day. Still, there are concerns about what social values will be used to guide the overall development of AI. Governments around the world clearly need to be creating smart legislation now and regulating where and how AI can move forward so that all can be assured that the world is not being exposed to serious harm. While caution needs to be practised, it is a time to embrace.
Connie L. Braun is a product adoption and learning consultant with LexisNexis Canada.
The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s firm, its clients, Law360 Canada, LexisNexis Canada, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and
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