Leadership by Algorithm Book Summary - Leadership by Algorithm Book explained in key points
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Leadership by Algorithm summary

David De Cremer

Who Leads and Who Follows in the AI Era?

4 (220 ratings)
17 mins

Brief summary

Leadership by Algorithm by David De Cremer explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern businesses. It argues that AI can enhance leadership by providing objective data-driven insights, but caution is needed to avoid unethical use.

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    Leadership by Algorithm
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    The AI revolution is coming, whether we like it or not.

    If you’re a fan of sci-fi movies, the notion of intelligent machines probably worries you. In film after film, we’ve seen humankind develop super-smart robots only for them to rebel against their creators, with disastrous consequences every time.

    Surely, you might think, these stories contain a lesson for us. But if they do, it’s not one that’s been heeded; a quick glance at the world of business will tell you that.

    Year after year, artificial intelligence has been growing smarter – and industry leaders, eager to maximize their profits, have been paying close attention to these new, intelligent machines.

    The key message here is: The AI revolution is coming, whether we like it or not.

    So how will artificial intelligence change the world? To answer that question, we first need to look at what exactly the term AI refers to.

    Put simply, AI describes a program that swallows data as its raw material and issues conclusions as its finished product. To do this, AI uses algorithms, a system of mathematical calculations that takes the data you enter, runs some computations on it, and produces useful findings as a result.

    So far, this all sounds fairly innocuous, right? Well, think again. In 2016, a computer program developed by Google beat the world champion at Go, a Chinese board game even more complex than chess. For many, this was a watershed moment. People used to think that excelling at Go required a human touch – but Google’s AlphaGo program proved them wrong.

    After this victory, many businesspeople began to wonder whether AI might outstrip human judgment in their own fields. It didn’t take long to find the answer. Just as AI was able to choose the most strategic moves in a game of Go, it’s also able to indicate the course that businesses should take to achieve optimal results.

    That’s why current estimates predict that AI will add $13 trillion to the global economy over the next decade, changing the way businesses are managed for good. 

    With money like that on the line, the adoption of AI seems inevitable. But what will its human impact be, besides enriching investors?

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    What is Leadership by Algorithm about?

    Leadership by Algorithm (2020) examines the opportunities and challenges artificial intelligence poses for twenty-first-century companies. From dealing with disgruntled employees to the gradual rise of soft skills, this book traces the various ways AI is set to change the structure of businesses.

    Leadership by Algorithm Review

    Leadership by Algorithm (2018) explores the intersection between leadership and technology, offering unique insights on how algorithms can enhance decision-making in organizations. Here's why this book is worth your time:

    • With its fascinating exploration of how algorithms can revolutionize leadership, it challenges traditional notions and opens up new possibilities.
    • The book provides practical examples and case studies of algorithmic leadership in action, making it relevant and applicable to real-world situations.
    • By questioning the ethics and implications of algorithmic decision-making, it stimulates critical thinking and sparks meaningful discussions.

    Best quote from Leadership by Algorithm

    It is no luxury but a requirement that leaders explain clearly the value and operation mode of algorithms to their employees.

    —David De Cremer
    example alt text

    Who should read Leadership by Algorithm?

    • Industry leaders who never want to be out of touch
    • Tech buffs interested in the real-world uses of AI
    • Employees concerned about AI’s role in the workplace

    About the Author

    David de Cremer is the founder and director of the Centre on AI Technology for Humankind at the National University of Singapore Business School. He was formerly professor in management studies at the University of Cambridge and is the co-author of Huawei.

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    Leadership by Algorithm FAQs 

    What is the main message of Leadership by Algorithm?

    Leadership by Algorithm explores how data-driven decision-making can enhance leadership effectiveness.

    How long does it take to read Leadership by Algorithm?

    The reading time for Leadership by Algorithm varies. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Leadership by Algorithm a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Leadership by Algorithm is a thought-provoking read that offers valuable insights on leveraging algorithms in leadership. It is definitely worth reading.

    Who is the author of Leadership by Algorithm?

    The author of Leadership by Algorithm is David De Cremer.

    What to read after Leadership by Algorithm?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Leadership by Algorithm, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • What To Do When Machines Do Everything by Malcolm Frank
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    • The AI Economy by Roger Bootle
    • Competing in the Age of AI by Marco Iansiti & Karim R. Lakhani
    • AI Superpowers by Kai-Fu Lee
    • The Economic Singularity by Calum Chace
    • AI for Business Leaders by Michael Ramsay
    • The Singularity Is Nearer by Ray Kurzweil
    • Superhuman Innovation by Chris Duffey