The Advisory | Brunswick Group

The Advisory

Issue 12 – 3 min read

Subscribe Now

Now that the novelty is wearing off, ChatGPT and other generative AI tools raise serious questions for business leaders in every industry. No wonder: Companies would be foolish to ignore the opportunities and risks presented by generative AI. Still, a strikingly small number of corporations have adopted mature AI governance frameworks and principles, according to one recent survey.

With that in mind, I recently shared some personal reflections on a few tactical and strategic applications of generative AI for business leaders, along with some caveats. Tactically, used well these tools can not only save time by taking over mundane tasks like drafting emails, they can also help with decision-making. Strategically, their roles can include brainstorming around complex questions and idea generation, as well as market entry analysis.

And the caveats? Never assume that the conversation with generative AI is private. Also, remember that no matter how confident they sound, ChatGPT and its peers are works in progress, and get things wrong. So, make sure you add fact-checking to the mix, along with transparency and disclosure guidelines.

 

NEWS YOU CAN USE

How Leaders Can Get the Flexible Workplace Right

Even if they haven’t joined the backlash against WFH, many leaders are rightfully concerned about how flexible work impacts the business. Sure, they support hybrid and remote, but what does it mean for culture, collaboration and performance? McKinsey offers some suggestions for balancing employer and employee needs. Among them: Instead of obsessing over days spent at the office, make your hybrid workplace “magnetic” for staff.

Flying High With Oscar Munoz

Not even a heart transplant stopped Oscar Munoz from leading the turnaround of United Airlines. As CEO from 2015 to 2020, Munoz piloted the iconic carrier to calmer skies, bringing management and its union staff together. He tells this remarkable story in his new memoir Turnaround Time, billed as a love letter to aviation workers. In an interview with my colleague Jayne Rosefield, Munoz explains why leadership starts with listening, champions an employee-first culture and shares his advice on being a better communicator.

Tips for Leading in Uncertain Times

Worried that their job is next as layoffs mount, workers are turning to their managers for reassurance. Rallying the troops and bracing them for bad news is no easy task, especially if you don’t know what’s coming. How can bosses lead during uncertain times? The Wall Street Journal shares some best practices from three managers who have been there and done it.

Breakfast of Champions?

You can learn a lot about someone over a meal together. Just ask Walt Bettinger, CEO of financial services giant Charles Schwab. When Bettinger interviews a job candidate, he takes them for breakfast—and tells the restaurant manager to screw up their order. The would-be team member’s response—frustration, understanding or otherwise—helps him gauge how they cope with adversity.

4 Communication Secrets of Great Leaders

Next time someone tells you they’re a great communicator, forward them Carmine Gallo’s piece in the Harvard Business Review. Anyone who aspires to that title should be working hard to improve their writing, speaking and presentation skills. Author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Great Salesman, Gallo shares four tactics favored by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and other top leaders. For example, Warren Buffett might not be a poet, but he knows that the right metaphor can convey a complex investment idea.

Explore the Connected Leadership website, subscribe to receive my latest Connected Leadership newsletter, or get in touch to learn more about how Brunswick can help you with your Connected Leadership journey.

Thank you,
Craig Mullaney

Craig M. Mullaney
Partner, Brunswick Group
[email protected] 
 
  

x

If you’re new this week and like what you read, please sign up here to stay in the loop. If you’re already a loyal reader, please grow this community by forwarding this to a friend or colleague.