Will AI Bring Out the Michael Phelps on Your Team?

In the world of competitive swimming, one doesn't need to look far to grasp the significance of names like Michael Phelps. They represent more than just skill; they symbolize determination, consistent effort, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Similarly, in the corporate realm, these qualities separate an ordinary team from an extraordinary one.

But what if there was a catalyst, something that could propel even the average performer towards that Phelps-like brilliance? The answer might just lie with Artificial Intelligence (AI)—a floatie for your average performers.

Recent findings from Harvard Business School, beautifully summarized by Ethan Mollick in his paper "Centaurs and Cyborgs on the Jagged Frontier", revealed that AI acts as a "skill leveler". The study found that consultants who initially underperformed experienced a 43% improvement in their performance with AI's assistance. Although top-tier consultants also saw gains, the increase was not as pronounced. This indicates that AI can effectively bridge the skill disparity among professionals.

So, what does this all mean for your organization?

Think of it this way: every pool has its variety of swimmers. Some glide effortlessly, setting the pace, while others may struggle to keep up, often gasping for breath or veering off course. Translating this to the corporate landscape, every organization has its star performers—the Michael Phelpses of the business world—and those who, despite earnest efforts, find it challenging to match that gold-standard.

But here's the game-changer: By providing a floatie—AI in this context—those who once lagged can navigate the waters with greater confidence. It's not just about staying afloat, but also swimming with direction, precision, and speed. AI doesn't negate the need for training, persistence, or determination. Rather, it serves as a force multiplier, amplifying innate abilities and offering real-time feedback to steer decisions, enhance workflows, and optimize outputs.

For organizations, this translates to a more consistent workforce in terms of efficiency. No longer are teams dragged down by the weight of underperformance. Instead, with AI as a skill leveler, everyone has a chance to swim in the same direction, with synchronized strokes and an aligned pace.

As a consequence, organizational benchmarks might need reevaluation. If everyone is now swimming faster and more efficiently with their AI floaties, then the benchmarks for what constitutes "good performance" might need to be elevated. What implications does this hold for performance reviews and calibrations?

However, this revelation also serves as a wake-up call. Organizations must invest in training and resources to ensure their teams understand how to utilize AI effectively. Ever tried putting a floatie on a toddler for the first time? A simple 2-minute task can escalate into a 10-minute battle, adjusting its fit and keeping the toddler engaged. It’s one thing to have a floatie, but another to know how to use it optimally.

Having AI is one part of the equation; mastering its use is another. And while AI can be that boost, that guiding force, it is imperative to remember that the fundamental drive to swim—the passion, ambition, and desire to excel—still lies inherently within each individual.

AI won’t swim for you (at least not for now), but with it, every swimmer, regardless of their initial skill level, has the potential to touch greatness.