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Last week I wrote about our team’s attendance at Salesforce World Tour in Sydney. It was a truly world-class event, and the whole experience has given me a lot to reflect on. In particular, I have been mulling over the AI phenomenon, which was the topic of several of the panels and workshops that we attended. There is no doubt that AI, or artificial intelligence, is an extremely useful tool. There were a lot of compelling examples about how it can be used to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.
However, the thing that has been playing on my mind is how to make sure that emotional intelligence (otherwise known as emotional quotient or EQ), does not fall away. When you work in Whānau Ora, which is inherently people-centric, EQ definitely trumps AI. Of course there is a role for automation where appropriate, and for increasing efficiency for tasks that do not require that human touch, but beyond that, I simply have to believe that the human touch does make a difference.
I realise there is definitely some ego involved in this line of thinking. No one likes to think that they could be replaced by a machine. In saying that, I still genuinely believe that there is a balance to be found.
For example, I was recently out to dinner at a restaurant that used AI in place of waitstaff. There was a QR code at each table, and diners were expected to use it to navigate the menu, make selections and submit their order. It seemed straightforward enough, but we struggled to filter for the range of dietary requirements and preferences of our roopu and ultimately a staff member had to come over and answer our questions in person. The AI option simply was not able to respond to our unique requirements and tailor its response accordingly – and even if it was, I still believe it would fall short of a human interaction. We all know that the warmth and hospitality of a kaimahi can transform a dining experience, and that’s something that cannot be replicated by a QR code.
Now, I am not naive enough to think that AI is going to be stopped in its tracks just because I had a little difficulty ordering my dinner. It is definitely going to play a crucial role in the future of our workforce. However, I hope we can all see it for what it is: a tool, not a panacea, and certainly not a replacement for EQ or indeed for people.
Tamu Mausli displays the strength of Whānau Ora Navigator kaupapa!
The annual whakataetae of Te Tau Ihu, Te Ipukarea was hosted in Waikawa over the weekend. Te Ipukarea is the annual inter-iwi sports tournament held in Te Tauihu that sees the eight iwi play off against each other. Each year a different iwi hosts the event.
This year Te Ātiawa o te Waka-a-Māui held the rākau and hosted Te Ipukarea at Waikawa. There were many events including waka ama, basketball, tug of war and touch.
The wondrous energy of rangatahi!
Waka ama in the magnificence of Te Taiao.
The morning breakfast for those lucky ticketholders from Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu provided inspiring speakers including Kerryn Beaton – KC & Criminal Defence Lawyer; Maureen Taane – Owner of iconic design store HAPA; and Kate Senior – Artist, Jeweller and Interior designer.
The event celebrated the achievements of women globally and locally and continues the work towards making our world more diverse, equitable and inclusive.
Ngā mihi maioha ki a koutou,
Ivy.
