The Irony of Human Leadership in the OpenAI Fiasco

What actually happened with Sam Altman of OpenAI is just a crazy story and a wild turn of events.

Obviously, none of us will know what really happened behind the scenes but Sam Altman is back as the CEO, the employees of OpenAI are happy again, and everyone else in the ecosystem is bewildered by what happened, and what the implications for the future of AI really are.

In the middle of all this chaos, one voice stood out above and beyond everything and everyone else, and that is the voice of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. As I was reading his official statement about the situation, and his reaction to the surprise reaction that Sam Altman was going back to his role as CEO, I was struck by the humanness of his statement and the reality that AI could never replicate it. How ironic…

“At the end of the day, the greatest privilege of my job is working with people who are driven by mission. These last 5 days, I saw people across OpenAI remaining calm and resolute in driving their mission despite all that was happening around them. And I saw people across Microsoft remain focused on our mission and serving our customers and partners, stepping up to help in every way. This is what I’m especially thankful for going into the Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you for your resolve and for the work you do each day to advance AI safely and responsibly and distribute its benefits to all of humanity.”

“The greatest privilege of my job is to work with people that are driven by mission.” It’s not about the money. It’s not about the prestige. It’s not about the politics. It’s about the mission.

In my opinion, Nadella has successfully shown the world how a true leader flourishes and grows in crisis. From turning chaos into opportunity to showing super quick presence of mind, he has set an exemplary example of leadership best practices.

In reading many stories about this situation it is clear that there are several great leadership best practices and take-aways about how human leaders lead in a crisis; something no AI will ever be able to do.

Here are 5 things to think about during this long weekend in terms of being an effective human leader in a crisis:

1. Open and Clear Communication: Being transparent is one of the most important things a leader can do. And something AI is probably incapable of. Keep everyone informed about the situation, the steps being taken, and what is expected from each team member.
2. Be Decisive and Make the Hard Decisions: When in crisis management mode, decisions often need to be made swiftly. Analyze the situation, trust your instincts, and make decisive choices to steer the team in the right direction.
3. Demonstrate Human Empathy: Understand the emotional impact of the crisis on your team and support them no matter what. Show empathy, listen to concerns, and provide support. A compassionate leader fosters a resilient team.
4. Versatility: Crises can be unpredictable. Be ready to adapt your plans as the situation evolves. Versatility is crucial for navigating uncertainties.
5. Lead by Example: AI will never be able to do this. Demonstrate the behavior and work ethic you expect from your others. Your actions speak louder than words, especially in challenging times.

In summary, the last few days have been a whirlwind for OpenAI. It’s been a great business leadership laboratory to watch how some leaders behave and build a legacy, and others have nothing to say and get swept away by the inertia of change.