The encyclical Magnifica Humanitas from Pope Leo XIV covers topics from the principle of the common good to the use of AI in warfare. One section, “The dignity of work at a time of digital transition,” stood out on first reading. A key excerpt:
Today, the convergence of automation, robotics and AI is rapidly transforming the very structure of work. It is said that this will bring great improvements for everyone. In reality, however, the “new ways” of working are not necessarily better, for “while AI promises to boost productivity by taking over mundane tasks, it frequently forces workers to adapt to the speed and demands of machines, rather than machines being designed to support those who work.
In The Engineer’s Guide to Authentic Leadership is a section on the responsibility of leaders to develop others. It talks about developing teams and understanding individuals’ perspectives and needs. Another section discusses the leader’s role in motivating workers and teams to innovate. Authentic leaders Dianne Chong and Katy Kolbeck speak specifically to the importance of emotional intelligence in responding to this responsibility.
Creating an environment where individual people’s goals and skills are considered, and their contributions encouraged and optimized, should be a leader’s top priority. As artificial intelligence applications increase, leaders need to ensure that jobs enhance workers’ dignity, inspire them to innovate and reinforce their sense of purpose.