Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize work meetings, according to Jaime Teevan, chief scientist at Microsoft. Teevan had a transformative experience during a meeting with Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, and Sam Altman, founder of OpenAI, where they showcased the capabilities of OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot.
The meeting left Teevan elated and convinced that AI could significantly impact meetings by generating ideas and facilitating reflection. While traditional meetings are often seen as time-consuming and ineffective, Teevan believes that AI-powered assistants offered by platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet can enhance productivity.
Husayn Kassai, founder of Quench AI, predicts that AI coaches will accompany workers to meetings in the future, providing valuable insights and improving decision-making. These AI assistants could also act as moderators, offering feedback and ensuring equal participation among attendees.
Despite the potential benefits of AI in meetings, concerns remain about its reliability and the potential for misuse. Business psychologist Jess Barker warns that AI may not eliminate frustration entirely, as it could lead to new challenges such as colleagues using AI tools to avoid participation or accountability.
However, Teevan remains optimistic about the positive impact of AI on meetings, emphasizing its ability to reduce overwhelm, facilitate task management, and inspire creativity. As businesses continue to rely on virtual meetings, the integration of AI technology could reshape the way we collaborate and communicate in the workplace.
