Cyber Week sets records
Black Friday 2024 reached $10.8 billion in online sales according to Adobe Analytics, matching eMarketer’s June prediction of $10.76 billion. Cyber Monday hit $13.3 billion, also aligning with predictions. Brian noted that 57% of Cyber Monday online sales came through mobile devices. The hosts reflected on how buying behavior has changed from the days when people would not use credit cards online.
The disconnect between executives and employees
A Slack study found 99% of executives plan to invest in AI. Yet nearly 50% of employees are uncomfortable admitting they use AI at work because they fear being perceived as less competent or lazy. This creates a significant disconnect. If employees hide their use of AI, companies cannot learn from successful applications or identify risks. Innovation often starts at the bottom of organizations and works its way up, but secrecy prevents this knowledge sharing.
Companies invest in AI but employees hide that they use it. How are organizations going to take advantage of innovation if people do not talk about it?
Brian Beck, Master B2B
Why employees fear transparency
The top three reasons workers are uncomfortable sharing AI use are feeling like it is cheating, fearing being seen as less competent, and fearing being seen as lazy. If AI does the work, the question becomes why you need the person. The hosts argued this thinking will evolve. Managing and directing AI for outcomes may become more valued than doing the underlying work manually. But this shift has not yet entered the mindset of many managers.
What employees use AI for
The study found specific tasks where employees are uncomfortable sharing AI use. Writing messages to managers ranked highest at 34%. Evaluating performance of direct reports also appeared, meaning people use ChatGPT to help write job reviews. Brainstorming new ideas for projects ranked fifth, which the hosts found surprising since brainstorming with AI is similar to talking to colleagues. The issue is not whether AI helps but whether admitting it creates career risk.
Historical parallels
Andy drew parallels to previous technology adoption. Calculators were invented in 1773 but not demonstrated publicly for five years because inventors needed to prove they were trustworthy. Early users faced accusations of cheating by not doing math manually. Microwave ovens were similarly dismissed by traditional chefs as shortcuts. The pattern of skepticism toward labor-saving technology repeats, and AI will likely follow the same arc toward acceptance.
The calculator was invented in 1773 but was not demonstrated for five years because people thought it was cheating. Sound familiar?
Andy Hoar, Master B2B
Gen Z leads adoption
88% of Gen Z workers report using AI to do their jobs. The study introduced the concept of task paralysis, where workers do not know what to do next so they ask AI. Andy joked this is otherwise known as thinking. But the reality is that Gen Z grew up with technology assistance and sees no reason not to use available tools. This generation will normalize AI use as they move into leadership positions.
Side hustles and implications
More than one in three Americans earn money through side hustles, with rates higher among younger workers. The hosts questioned whether AI enables employees to efficiently work multiple jobs, potentially shortchanging employers. If someone generates results, does it matter how they generated them? The answer is unclear, but the question will become more pressing as AI capabilities expand.
Transparency wins in the poll
A Master B2B LinkedIn poll found 82% of respondents said they are being transparent about their AI use at work. The hosts theorized this reflects their more senior audience who face less job threat. Mark Vasquez commented that he puts AI updates in his monthly reports to the C-suite, demonstrating he is working smarter. The hosts concluded that companies need to actively encourage AI transparency to benefit from organizational learning.