In the program called “LIMBODA” that I watched on HBR Turkey Youtube channel, I witnessed a dialogue like this:
Dr. Ecmel Ayral: “Technology actually makes the hierarchy much easier to use. In other words, what we describe as that transparency, if you can see down when you look from above, then suddenly your need for the elements in that network may be decreasing. This is where AI comes in. In the decision-making mechanisms of institutions. I guess there, interestingly, narcissistic leaders can raise institutions again?”
Well, if we apply this perspective to project managers;
• Do AI technologies in project management strengthen the position of project managers in the company and make them indispensable, causing the project manager to turn into a pathological narcissist?
Recently, AI technologies have entered our lives rapidly. It is not possible for the project management not to be affected by this. It is a fact that if AI technologies are used efficiently and correctly, they facilitate and accelerate the work of project managers and lead to more successful results. This trend will continue even faster.
I think this trend will reduce the obligation of the project manager to project manager’s team in the future. Because AI technologies will provide the necessary service in many areas where human is required. At this point, the danger of falling into a pathological narcissistic personality may arise for project managers. Because the company management is likely to change its commitment to the entire project team to commitment to the project manager only. This can also make the project manager indispensable in the eyes of the company's senior management.
Do you think there is such a danger? If so, what kind of work should be done by both the project manager and the companies to prevent this? Saving Changes...
Senior Advisor to the CEO| PMISterling, Va, United States
My understanding is that Narcissism is born out of early childhood trauma, rather than opportunity. If it were all opportunity-based, every person in a position of power would be a Narcissist.
I also think there's a good chance that AI will not result in huge layoffs. I think it's more likely that management will raise the bar on productivity and quality in a way that may push some people out if they do not use technologies like AI effectively. They simply wont be able to compete.
So, one of the best ways to help all of your team members might be to make sure they are trained well and leverage the technology to do better work. That's something to work on today, rather than waiting until it's too late. Saving Changes...
I'd echo Dave's feedback that AI technologies are likely to help PMs and team members be more effective than wholly removing one or the other role. Once AI tools are able to replace the majority of team members on certain projects, I'd expect the role of the PM to also become redundant.
In the near term, I believe PMs will need to be more careful when it comes to verifying what they are hearing or receiving from their team members as there is a likelihood of folks taking the easy way out by having AI tools provide opinions or analysis which aren't always good quality.
PMI Team Member
