AI and Coaching
Is AI A-okay?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing legs and is taking up an increasingly large amount of space in conversations, organisations, and industries the world over. New Scientist online defines AI as, ‘…computer software that mimics aspects of human intelligence’. They’ve hit the nail on the head when they say AI “mimics” human intelligence; it does not replicate.
Some quick facts on the Australian AI market, according to Forbes Advisor (2023):
· Digital technologies, including AI, could be worth $315 billion to the Australian economy by 2028.
· The integration of automation technologies could add an additional $170 to $600 billion a year to Australia’s Gross Domestic Product by 2030.
· AI is used in the maintenance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There are 2,400 sensors on the iconic landmark which generate data that’s analysed using machine learning and predictive analytics to identify priority locations for maintenance of its concrete supports. By employing AI, maintenance costs and traffic disruptions have reduced.
In Australia, AI is earmarked to reshape industries, and even create new ones. It currently runs the gamut across customer service chatbots to drones and medical diagnosis systems. Some pretty important decision making and support right there, and that’s just in our backyard!
In the US, AI is engaged in making important decisions, including parole eligibility, job suitability, granting of bank loans and insurance products.
It’s important to note, that for AI to work effectively it needs between thousands to millions of examples to learn how to do something (New Scientist online).
While AI can support the human workforce in terms of speed, there are instances where its skills are not comparable to us mere mortals, who have studied, trained, and possess working knowledge in our specific field. Compared to the work carried out by people, it is difficult to understand how AI decisions/answers are formulated, and therefore harder to keep AI products accountable. This flaw in the AI worker model could potentially impact the use of AI in the future, as well as call into question it’s reliability and safety.
AI and coaching
The widespread use of AI got us to thinking about AI in our industry, how our clients would use it and the potential effects it would have on organisations, particularly the public sector. Our problem statement reads:
What role, if any, would AI play in terms of career coaching and does it have the capability to support, uplift, upskill, and guide individuals and organisations to success?
For answers to these questions, we look to some experts and sources in the field.
Professional coach Olga Reinholdt reflects on AIs potential to replace human coaches. She acknowledges that (human) coaches gives guidance, support and motivate both individuals and teams in achieving their goals.
Like anything, there are pros and cons to AI, and dare I say, there could be a place for it in career coaching.
Let’s consider this question, can our AI ‘peers’ guide, support and motivate? We’ve broken down below a comparison. Let us know if you can think of any other benefits or limitations!
Benefits
Accessibility and affordability
Personalisation
Scalability
Limitations
Lack of human connection
Contextual understanding/ situational awareness
Nonverbal communication
So, after looking at that table, where do you place value? Is it important for you to have a connection with the person who is supposed to be guiding you, or your team, or even your organisation to success? Or do you only care about end results, and the vehicle to achieve that result is immaterial?
How about an ability to scan the current climate (whether internal or external to your organisation)? Surely personalisation and tailored solutions are key proponents and attributes of a career coach?
In her article, Reinholdt concludes that the coaching profession runs on human connection, empathy, and the ability to pivot to client needs. Only a person can offer these human-centred attributes. Furthermore, personalised approaches, therapist experience and knowledge, cultural sensitivity and much more, all positively contribute to the efficacy of coaching and subsequent favourable outcomes. She concludes there are some attributes like trust, adaptation and relationship building, which AI cannot mimic.
Conversely, according to this 2023 article by the World Economic Forum, ‘AI-powered career coaches are tools that leverage artificial intelligence to support people in their career journeys. By collecting and analysing large data sets of coaching processes, these platforms offer online career coaching guidance for people at all stages of their professional lives and help them make more informed decisions concerning their careers.
The authors go on to say that an AI-powered career coach could help with tasks like:
· staging mock job interviews.
· exploring career opportunities
· drafting resumes and cover letters
· assisting with interpreting job descriptions and selection criteria.
The main advantages of AI-powered career coaching, from our perspective, would be the cost and accessibility. Some AI-powered coaching tools are free or require a fraction of the cost compared to traditional coaching methods. Additionally, AI-powered coaching can be accessed at a time and place that suits the client.
I guess a positive takeaway is that whether you engage in-person with a career coach or an AI-powered coach, the profession is in high demand. This begs the question…
When should you start seeing a career coach?
The short answer is, whenever you like! There’s no set time or stage in your career where a career coach is most useful. The role of a career coach is to listen and identify how they can support you in the stage you are at, and to guide you to the next stage of your career, if that’s something you seek.
HBR have identified three signs that you’re ready for a career coach:
You feel frustrated by your current work and level of achievement: You might have a lot of questions whirling around your head about your current work status, why you are still in the same role and your colleagues and peers have gone onto different areas or completely different organisations with new opportunities. Perhaps you have pressure from family or bit of a ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ mentality? According to HBR, ‘a career coach could help you to identify what you want and what you need to change, or improve on, to move forward.’
You want to switch career paths: have you been holding out to make a career change? A career coach can help you flip the switch and plan your next career move.
You feel uncertain about your future: What do you plan to do in three years, in five years? Should you move sideways or look to stretch yourself to the next level? A career coach can help you navigate these questions, find the answers, and prepare you for the outcome you reach.
Now that’s the perfect segue way! At MYS we are on a mission to support and enable you, your team, and your organisation. Our coaching services can help:
· provide insight to improve resilience
· you realise your personal and professional goals
· you and your people better adapt and pivot to organisational challenges.
If you’re interested in levelling up your career and need guidance (and a human connection!) to help get you there, then you’ve found your match at MYS. Email or give Lynn a call to chat about how we can support you and your team!