As the clamour intensifies to understand AI and usher it in to provide a utopian new dawn, I am left feeling that for many, this is simply clinging to yet another false prophet. Artificial intelligence without fundamental human intelligence (HI) will simply never work.

All good businesses and recruiters understand that the basic fundamental intelligence around the adoption and execution of the core pillars of our craft is the difference that make the difference: human intelligence. What has worked well in our industry will often continue to work well. Rather than try and disrupt the industry, we should be doing the basics properly instead. There are so many false prophets promising things for clients that they have never achieved for themselves.

Mapping and creating markets through talking to candidates and clients on a regular basis, and meeting with them to build trust and ongoing relationships, will never be replaced. AI can help, but it cannot replace. Many are in awe of AI, when they should instead be more in awe of tried and tested HI that has served the best within our industry so well.

At a time when relationship building and real human connection are more critical than ever, too many are looking to automation and AI to be the answer. Automation and AI need to be understood in terms of being a part of outbound strategy. They should serve as the precursor to enabling the subsequent human connection. AI may well help you get your foot in the door, but after that it’s all about you. Hand in hand, not in place of.

The quality of your CRM [customer relationship management] and how well you use it to build personal relationships is the far greater goal; yet even now, too many do not do this. This remains the foundation of both quantity and quality on which success starts. What good is AI if you have no people, or the wrong people to send it to?

CRM, automation and marketing are the Holy Trinity that need to be mastered before AI should even be considered. AI is the cherry on the cake. Too many people are focused on the cherry and not the cake.

Businesses need to embrace business transformation, where they get clarity and commitment around their strategy, leadership and target operating model. AI sits on top of this, not in place of it. As recruitment evolves and matures up the food chain, pivoting towards talent solutions through projects, consulting, retained services etc, the need for improved HI is essential.

The ability to meet clients face-to-face and forge relationships has never been more crucial – yet it is becoming a dying art, along with phoning people and client visits, in moving down the new pecking order. The less you take these human connection measures, the greater the chance you become obsolete to AI.

AI will drive knowledge and robotics will drive productivity. Our future depends on being able to do what AI and robotics cannot. Betting on the future means mastering the tried and tested human connection fundamentals of HI.

Sid Barnes is CEO, Mastermind Consulting and Managing Partner, Elite Leaders

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