As we delve into the evolving landscape of career coaching, let's begin by shining a spotlight on Dr. Robin Hills, Director at Ei4Change and a leading expert in emotional intelligence coaching. With over four decades of business experience and an Honorary Doctorate in Advanced Studies in Psychology recognizing his contributions, Dr. Hills embodies the fusion of experience and innovation that characterizes the fascinating discussion ahead.
In a world increasingly enamored with the promises of Artificial Intelligence (AI), there arises a pivotal question: Can technology truly replicate the nuances of human interaction and emotional support? Read on to explore Dr. Hills's insightful perspective on the intersection of human empathy and technological advancement in career development.
Can AI Replace Human Experience and Emotional Support?
With the increasing popularity of Artificial Intelligence in many business areas, there is interest in AI-powered coaching. Leaders across learning and talent development are keen to help people and organisations rise to opportunity with speed and impact.
But is AI the answer? Reliance on AI in areas that need human experience, involvement and emotional support is deeply concerning.
In Linkedin Learning's 2024 Workplace Learning Report, 47% of companies are investing in career mentoring and coaching to boost employee retention. AI-powered coaching was mentioned as a resource that companies can use to personalise their employees' career development. The report suggests that AI answers the problem of providing personalised career development at scale. LinkedIn Learning believes that in the years ahead, AI will become more common as a coach, advisor, or problem-solving assistant.
As a people-focused networking site, LinkedIn should know better! The highly personal nature of career development is a journey of self-discovery that aligns work with who you are and what matters most to you.
Why Career Development Is More Than Just a Path; It's a Personal Journey
The Role of Personality Traits and Emotional Intelligence
Louwen, C., Reidlinger, D. & Milne, N. Profiling health professionals’ personality traits, behaviour styles and emotional intelligence: a systematic review. BMC Med Educ 23, 120 (2023) concluded that personality traits, behaviour styles and emotional intelligence are non-cognitive characteristics of health professionals. The characterisation of health professionals based on these traits assist health professionals to understand their own non-cognitive features and how these might be useful at all stages of a clinician’s career development.
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MBTI and DISC Assessments, and the Limitations of AI Tools
A well-established, scientifically validated instrument for career coaching is the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This global assessment can be a valuable tool for personal and professional development when used appropriately. The self-awareness acquired enables individuals to play to their strengths and identify areas for improvement. The MBTI can also help individuals understand their preferred work styles, communication preferences, and decision-making processes.
AI-driven tools, such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, are limited by the bias of their programming. An issue with the MBTI and other Type and behavioral psychometrics is that these systems are very quick to point out issues and criticisms of these assessments that are misleading and incorrect.
The MBTI is not a valid measure of personality traits nor is it a predictor of behavior. The MBTI measures clarity of preference, which is confirmed through coaching. So, the MBTI is a coaching assessment.
Our preferences are not static. They can change over time based on new experiences, evolving tastes, and life circumstances. Emotions also play a significant role in influencing our preferences.
Similarly, DISC can be used as a work-based behavioral inventory to support career development and coaching. DISC helps individuals understand their dominant behavioral style (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Compliance). It is a dynamic assessment influenced by emotional responses around current and preferred working environments and can be used to align preferences with specific job functions.
Like the MBTI assessment, DISC can provide a framework for coaching conversations by identifying areas for development based on a person's DISC style.
AI is very good at quickly producing well written reports based on calculating the responses from well researched, advanced psychometrics. However, AI struggles to work with and coach around preferences because they are subjective and nuanced. AI lacks the ability to understand the underlying reasons behind choices and the emotional or contextual factors that influence preferences. This makes it challenging for AI to accurately work to individual preferences and support career development.
Essential Human Skills for Future Careers
Skills for future career development in the dynamic business landscape include:
- strong leadership
- decision-making abilities
- creativity for innovative problem-solving
- effective communication
- interpersonal skills to build relationships
- resilience to navigate challenges
- a strategic mindset to envisage and pursue opportunities
Carefully read through that list once again. All of these capabilities are fundamentally skills that only human beings are capable of. They will never be replicated by Artificial Intelligence no matter how advanced or sophisticated it becomes.
This is why LinkedIn, a relationship building, networking platform focusing on human-to-human interactions and skill development should look beyond the results of its Workplace Learning Report and build some reality around the findings.
Harnessing the Power of AI for Scalability and Accessibility
AI certainly has its place in providing data-driven insights, self-assessment tools, and personalised learning resources. It also provides accessibility, scalability, and is cost-effective, offering 24/7 support and consistent information. These are the answers to some of the issues highlighted within the report.
However, AI lacks human connection and emotional intelligence. It may not be suitable for complex situations and relies on accurate user data input.
Why Emotional Intelligence Coaching Goes Beyond Basic Emotions
Human-driven coaching leads to a deep understanding of individual needs, personalised guidance, and emotional support.
Emotional intelligence career coaching goes beyond a basic understanding and application of emotions. It facilitates ways to understand how emotions and emotional data can support leadership development around influencing decision making, creative innovative problem solving, networking, relationship building and strategic planning. This approach offers tailored guidance based on in-depth conversations, an ability to read emotions and body language, and develops trust through human connection. Emotional Intelligence coaching also leverages emotional information to thrive in the complex social landscape of the professional world now and for the future.
As we ponder the allure of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its promises in revolutionizing career mentoring, Dr. Hills's narrative urges us to pause and reflect. Can technology truly replicate the intricate dance of human interaction and emotional support? In a world enamored with data-driven solutions, his insights remind us of the indispensable role of human empathy in guiding individuals through the labyrinth of career choices.
Looking for expertise in Emotional Intelligence?
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If you're inspired to deepen your understanding of emotional intelligence and coaching, consider exploring specialized courses that offer practical strategies for navigating the complexities of human connection in the digital age. Embrace the opportunity to enhance your skills and make a meaningful impact on the professional journeys of others.
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