Google Co-Founder Sergey Brin Uses AI for Team Management and Identifies Top Performers

Google cofounder Sergey Brin recently shared his insights on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in management during an episode of the "All In" podcast. Brin, who initially stepped down from his role as president of Google in 2019, returned to the company in 2023 to help develop AI products amidst intense competition from startups like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity. This move underscores the significant role AI is playing in shaping the tech landscape. Brin highlighted two primary ways he has been using AI to manage teams at Gemini, Google’s large language model team. One method involves delegating tasks, where Brin uses an AI to condense and summarize group chat messages and then assigns specific tasks to team members. "It could suck down a whole chat space and then answer pretty complicated questions," Brin explained. "I was like: 'OK, summarize this for me. OK, now assign something for everyone to work on.'" Though there were some telltale signs that he was using AI, such as the way it phrased responses, Brin noted that it "worked remarkably well." The second method Brin discussed is using AI to identify top performers within the team. Brin recounted an instance where he asked the AI tool who should receive a promotion. The AI recommended a young female engineer who had not been particularly vocal during meetings. "She's been working really hard, did all these things," confirmed her manager after Brin's inquiry. This example illustrates how AI can uncover talent that might otherwise go unnoticed, offering a more nuanced and data-driven approach to performance evaluations and promotions. Brin also acknowledged that AI can perform certain tasks "much better" than humans, especially in areas requiring high precision and efficiency, such as math and coding. His comments reflect not only his personal use of AI but also the broader trend of tech executives integrating these tools into their daily workflows. Notably, Brin’s usage of AI in management is part of a growing practice among tech leaders. Earlier this month, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang revealed that he uses AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini as "tutors" each day, particularly for understanding complex subjects. "In areas that are fairly new to me, I might say, 'Start by explaining it to me like I'm a 12-year-old,' and then work your way up into a doctorate-level over time," Huang said. This approach highlights how AI can facilitate continuous learning and skill development, essential qualities in the fast-paced tech industry. Duolingo’s chief technology officer (CTO) also emphasized the role of AI in his leadership strategy, integrating it into a three-step process. After deciding a task must be done, he explores whether it can be automated using AI tools like ChatGPT. This ensures that mundane tasks are handled efficiently, allowing the CTO to focus on higher-level strategic decisions. However, not all tech executives share the enthusiasm for AI in management. LinkedIn’s chief operating officer (COO), Dan Shapero, confessed to Business Insider that he prefers retaining the "human parts" of his job. While recognizing AI’s ability to synthesize information, Shapero remains skeptical about its capability to inspire teams or connect with people on a deeper emotional level. "While AI has shown that it can synthesize information, I'm not sure that it's shown that it can inspire a team or that it can connect with people at a deeper level," he stated. The varying perspectives on AI in management highlight the ongoing debate within the tech community about the balance between AI efficiency and human empathy. Brin’s experiences at Google suggest that AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing productivity and identifying talent, while Shapero’s reservations raise important questions about the limitations and ethical considerations of relying too heavily on AI for interpersonal and motivational tasks. Industry insiders generally agree that AI has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of management, but caution that it should be used judiciously. Companies like Google and Nvidia are pioneering the integration of AI into leadership roles, demonstrating that these technologies can handle complex tasks and streamline decision-making processes. However, maintaining a human touch remains crucial for fostering a positive and motivated workforce, ensuring that AI augment, rather than replace, human interaction and judgment. Google, founded in 1998 by Brin and Larry Page, has long been at the forefront of technological innovation. Brin's return to the company to focus on AI development reaffirms Google’s commitment to staying competitive in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. With the rise of AI in management, Google and other leading tech firms are exploring new paradigms that could shape the future of corporate leadership and organizational effectiveness.