Written by: Mathieu Yuill on January 18, 2024

As a frequent visitor to the Ontario Science Centre in my youth, I was always drawn to the “Computer psychiatrists” exhibit. These early forays into artificial intelligence, albeit rudimentary, sparked a lifelong fascination with the field. Fast forward to today, where AI has evolved to an extent that it almost blurs the lines between human and machine intelligence. This thought-provoking journey from simple computer programs to complex AI systems parallels the themes explored in Eve Poole’s book, Robot Souls: Programming in Humanity.[1]

In her book, Poole delves into the intricacies of imbuing AI with human-like qualities such as emotions, free will, storytelling, and a sixth sense. This concept is particularly intriguing when we consider the parallels it draws with the dynamics of a corporate environment, where the goal is to make a company’s mission and vision resonate personally with each employee.

Emotions in AI and Organizational Culture
Just like the integration of emotions in AI makes these systems more relatable and human-like, understanding and valuing emotions in the workplace is crucial for creating a deep connection between employees and the company’s mission and vision[2]. It’s about fostering an environment where emotional intelligence is not just acknowledged but celebrated, thereby enhancing employee engagement and commitment to the company’s goals.

Autonomy and Empowerment
The notion of free will in AI can be compared to the autonomy granted to employees in a company. When team members are empowered to make decisions and contribute meaningfully, they feel more invested in the company’s objectives[3]. This parallels the flexibility and responsiveness we aim to achieve in AI, showcasing the importance of autonomy in both realms.

Storytelling as a Tool
In AI, storytelling is utilized to create more engaging and natural interactions. Similarly, in the corporate world, storytelling is a powerful tool for communicating the company’s mission and vision[4]. A compelling narrative can help employees see their roles within the larger story of the organization, promoting a deeper understanding and commitment to the company’s objectives.

Intuitive Leadership
The concept of a ‘sixth sense’ in AI translates to intuitive leadership in a corporate setting. Leaders who are attuned to their team’s needs and concerns, often unspoken, can more effectively align their employees with the company’s mission and vision. This intuitive aspect is vital in creating a responsive and adaptive workplace culture [5].

Poole’s Robot Souls is not just a treatise on the future of AI; it’s a reflection on what it means to be human in a world increasingly shaped by technology. It’s a must-read for anyone intrigued by the intersection of AI, ethics, and human experience, particularly leaders and organizational developers. The book provides insightful perspectives on integrating human-centric values into both technology and corporate culture.

The evolution from the “Computer psychiatrists” of my childhood to today’s advanced AI mirrors our quest to blend technology with human experience. Poole’s Robot Souls encapsulates this journey, urging us to embed humanity in all aspects of our technological and corporate endeavors. Her insights serve as a bridge between the past and a future where technology is infused with the richness of human qualities.

Reflecting further on Poole’s work, we see an intriguing exploration of the ethical implications of AI development. In a corporate context, this translates into the ethical considerations a company must make when ensuring its mission and vision are both inclusive and representative of its diverse workforce. Just as Poole advocates for a human-centric approach to AI development, in the business world, leaders must ensure that their corporate values and visions are inclusive, ethical, and resonate with the varied experiences and backgrounds of their employees.

In Robot Souls, Poole also addresses the challenges of adopting and adapting AI to human qualities, which mirrors the challenges faced by companies in getting every employee to understand and embrace the mission and vision. It’s not just about understanding these concepts intellectually; it’s about internalizing them, feeling connected to them, and seeing how they fit into each individual’s role within the company. Similarly, for AI to truly embody human-like qualities, it must go beyond mere programming – it needs to be able to interpret, adapt, and respond in ways that are intuitively human.

Moreover, Poole’s book serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous learning and adaptation – both in the realm of AI and corporate leadership. The world of business, much like the field of technology, is ever-evolving. Leaders must be willing to continuously adapt their strategies to ensure their mission and vision remain relevant and inspiring to their workforce. This constant evolution is akin to the ongoing development and refinement in AI, where learning and adaptation are continuous processes.

[1] Robot Souls

[2] Artificial intelligence and a new era of human resources

[3] Empowering Adaptive Human Autonomy Collaboration with Artificial Intelligence

[4] AI in storytelling: Machines as cocreatorrs

[5] Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Leadership in Complex Organizations: An Exploration of the Near Future

About the Author

Mathieu Yuill

While raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens may be a few of Julia Andrews' favourite things, here are a few of mine: Talking to strangers, Learning about what you do for fun, Conversation over coffee. I own a marketing and communications company in Toronto, Canada called Leading With Nice. There are a lot of names I could have given the company but a trusted friend encouraged me to name it that because I really value the humanness in us all. Bah - this is starting to sound like a horrible LinkedIn post. So whatever, let's have coffee. I'd love to hear about what you do for fun!

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