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Everyone’s talking about AI. From digital media to project management, healthcare to finance, this emerging technology is disrupting all market sectors. Even the beloved Wimbledon tennis club controversially decided that AI technology will replace human line judges.
Is AI taking everyone’s jobs? Is the consulting sector next?
The answer to this last question is nuanced. AI can be harnessed to benefit consultancies, but to assume it will lead to the replacement of consultants would be to misunderstand the strengths and limitations of this technology.
Line judging at tennis matches is arguably one of the best examples of how AI can solve problems. At The Championships the problem being solved is one with a discrete answer – the ball is either in or out. All tennis fans know that the Hawk-Eye technology is more accurate than a human! In this context, the human is no longer needed.
AI can be harnessed by consultants too. Their role however is more complex, with far more variables, but for more repetitive tasks such as managing workflows (Monday.com and Asana), analysing data (Microsoft Power BIO and Tableau), and data research (Perplexity), AI tools are a fantastic way to increase efficiencies, particularly in this era of hybrid work.
Contrary to popular belief, though, AI isn’t always the be-all-end-all when it comes to getting work done.
Firstly, there’s the security aspect – many consultancies understandably wish to avoid putting proprietary data into a black box like ChatGPT, without the knowledge of where it is going and where this data will end up.
Secondly, AI is trained on existing data. For example, the latest built-in knowledge update of ChatGPT is from nearly two years ago. While it has the capabilities to browse the internet to find more recent information, the majority of the AI’s knowledge is out of date unless prompted otherwise.
Lastly, the technology isn’t currently at the level where AI can understand unique contexts and solve the problems consultants are solving, particularly when working with information and situations it hasn’t seen before. Don’t expect AI to understand the minutiae of a client, or why a certain solution might not work. Many consultants’ questions and problems are unique, and lateral thinking is required to develop bespoke solutions in a way AI just can’t do.
So, how can you use AI to your advantage without making the mistake of losing consultant input?
The key is figuring out what AI tools can be beneficial to the way your consultancy operates. Automating repetitive tasks, analysing data, filling out spreadsheets, and basic time management are all ways consultants can spend hours of their time instead of executing the high-value client work.
Once you have identified the AI tools most relevant to your work, standardise their usage and ensure training is provided across the consultancy to ensure adoption and long-term inefficiencies and inconsistencies are avoided. In our experience, consultants love using AI tools to boost efficiency.
Now AI is being employed to carry out the more mundane tasks, consultants are freed up to focus on the higher-value work. In our experience, consultants can sometimes need support to maximise their capability and effectiveness. This includes training in the 3Cs: critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and creativity.
AI is here to stay, and so are consultants and the investment you’ve placed in them. As consultancy leaders you should develop your understanding of AI but avoid buying into the hype. You don’t want to be left with no consultants and a room of computers!
Humans are unique. Our brains can create insights that no technology can replicate. You should be harnessing AI technology at its strongest – data and repetitive tasks – to deliver a competitive advantage while allowing your fantastic ‘human’ consultants to do what they do best.
At Elevation Learning we support clients to unlock their consultants’ potential and could do the same for you. If you think we can help you, feel free to get in touch at info@elevationlearning.co.uk or Contact Us.
