By: Joshua Finley

Distributed teams and artificial intelligence are transforming the landscape of modern business. As companies embrace flexible work models and advanced technologies, leaders must adapt their approach to manage a remote, global workforce in the age of AI. John Campbell Crighton, an experienced technology executive, emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between utilizing AI’s capabilities and preserving human originality and perspective.

Leveraging AI Without Losing Creativity

For John, AI should act as a tool to increase human productivity rather than a replacement for individual contributors. “I don’t think AI can replace us at the moment, but any person or company not leveraging it will get left behind,” he said. John emphasized that while AI delivers speed and automation, it lacks human creativity. “AI is not creative. It’s humans that are creative and have to harness that to make AI really work well.”

Leaders must encourage teams to use AI for enhanced efficiency while preserving space for innovative thinking. “It’s supportive. It’s a tool, not the end result,” said John. He believes today’s workers should see AI as an asset rather than a threat. “My goal is getting my team members to leverage AI to make themselves more efficient, not to eliminate them.” Fostering this mindset will be key as businesses implement more AI.

Driving Diversity to Mitigate AI Bias

However, John notes current AI limitations stem from lack of diversity in development. “AI is a middle-aged white guy,” he remarked. “All of the different AI models were trained on the same data, so responses can be quite repetitive, even across different models.” John believes diversity and global perspectives are vital to creating better AI that moves beyond biased “canned responses.”

“If 10 different global team members use AI on the same problem, I’ll get the same solution 10 times. That’s not helpful,” he said. “When I distribute problems, I want different perspectives and solutions.” By actively seeking diverse teams, he aims to enhance AI with a mix of viewpoints, not just replicated output. “My team can help enhance AI output by contributing diverse perspectives and approaches,” he explained. “That’s the human creative element still important in AI.”

Leading Distributed Teams Effectively

Effectively leading distributed teams in the age of AI introduces new complexities. With remote members operating in different time zones and cultures, John emphasizes inclusive leadership, strong communication, and emotional intelligence as critical skills. “It’s about appreciating different holidays, hierarchies, and ways of working,” he said.

John also highlighted the need for leaders to continually learn about emerging AI applications and ethical implications like data privacy. “It’s challenging to understand the new tools available,” he admitted. “But you’ve got to keep innovating to remain competitive.” This growth mindset allows teams to help boost leading-edge AI.

Aligning Local Leadership Globally

A distributed leadership model also requires alignment between executive leaders and on-the-ground team managers. John has seen an evolution from centralized leadership of offshore contributors to empowered local management. “We’re bringing on whole teams with local leaders, then managing those managers,” he explained. “ it’s very challenging just to understand all of the new tools that are available and figuring out how to leverage those to keep your company on track with all of the new things that are available.” John aims to foster a “big tent mentality” where all levels understand organizational goals and values.

“Employees who don’t understand the mission aren’t as motivated,” he said. “As leaders, we must push this to the lowest levels.” By including remote managers in the company’s purpose, he believes they can better engage and retain global talent.

Reflecting on the future, John is optimistic about AI’s potential while stressing the irreplaceable value of human team members. “AI is going to become a bigger part of our work lives,” he predicted. “But figuring out how to filter information and not become overwhelmed will be key.” By embracing AI systems while prioritizing diversity, inclusion, and interpersonal relationships, leaders can help enhance distributed teams to meet the challenges ahead. As John summarized, “The future is a blend of technological advancements and human-centric approaches.” With vision and compassion, leaders worldwide can prepare their teams to excel in the age of artificial intelligence.

To learn more about John Campbell Crighton and his approach, check out his LinkedIn profile.

Published by: Khy Talara