Like many business leaders, I’ve been thinking a lot about AI. We at TRG Marketing see real potential for large language models (LLMs) and are helping our clients adapt to changes in how people search and buy. I blogged on this a few months ago.
I am increasingly struck, though, by the need for business owners and leaders to think carefully about the ethical implications of AI. If I’m honest, TRG Marketing has spent more time in the last year probing the effectiveness of AI than on technology’s long-term effect on people.
What does it all mean? I don’t have all the answers, but here are some questions and aspects our team will explore in the coming months.
- Human toll—As the workforce reorients, are business leaders considering the effect that AI is having on people, their jobs, and mindsets?
- Respect for the next generation—Some new graduates will fail to land entry-level work because of AI, we should look out for young people. Are we concerned for the next generation in our companies and country?
- Accuracy—AI gives results that are sometimes accurate and sometimes far from it. We need to proceed with care. Are we training our staff to effectively use AI and not just put more inaccurate or incomplete information into an already cluttered marketplace?
- Transparency—Are we transparent with those we serve about our use of AI?
- Quality and authenticity—My colleagues, Jacob Werre and Jonathan Wordell, have blogged about the importance of being authentic and avoiding word slop. Are we as business leaders maintaining our commitment to being real and producing high-quality work?
- Intellectual property—Are we respecting the ideas, writings, and work product of others?
- Respect for what makes us human—God designed us to think, feel, create, and much more. Are we using our giftings, or are we permitting our minds and hearts to atrophy?
- Misuse—AI is being used by bad actors for fraud, misinformation, and worse. Are we helping our employees exercise care at home and work?
- Environmental impact—AI uses extraordinary amounts of energy to quickly power its results. Are we thinking about sustainability as we use AI?
- The Golden Rule—TRG Marketing has long said the Golden Rule applies here. As we use AI and consider its use, are we treating others, their jobs, their ideas, and more as we would like to be treated ourselves?
Ethical leadership in AI isn’t just about avoiding harm; it’s also about finding balance. We need to actively shape a future in which technology serves humanity. Let’s use AI and not be used by it.
What do you think? What did I miss? I welcome your thoughts at chad@TRG-Marketing.com
