Top 10 Articles this quarter

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McKinsey Top Ten

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Top Ten Newsletter | Second Quarter 2024

Our top ten articles this quarter look at generative AI, bad bosses, inflation, and more. At No. 1 is “What is generative AI?”, which draws on insights from articles by McKinsey’s Rodney W. Zemmel, Kate Smaje, Lareina Yee, Michael Chui, Ida Kristensen, and more.

An image linking to the web page “What is generative AI?” on McKinsey.com.

1. What is generative AI?

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms (such as ChatGPT) that can be used to create new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. Recent breakthroughs in the field have the potential to drastically change the way we approach content creation. Take a comprehensive view

Six simple white vases arranged in a row, each holding a single-stemmed flower. Five of the flowers are vibrant red, but one dull-seeded dandelion rises slightly taller than the rest.

2. Why so many bad bosses still rise to the top

Narcissism. Overconfidence. Low EQ. Why do we persist in selecting for leadership traits that hamper organizational progress—and leave the right potential leaders in the wrong roles? 3 steps forward

A dazzling burst of vivid blue light emanating from a focal point and stretching into slender strands with luminous tips.

3. The state of AI in early 2024: Gen AI adoption spikes and starts to generate value

As generative AI adoption accelerates, survey respondents report measurable benefits and increased mitigation of the risk of inaccuracy. A small group of high performers lead the way. See the data

4. What is AI (artificial intelligence)?

Artificial intelligence is a machine’s ability to perform some cognitive functions we usually associate with human minds. Get up to speed

5. What’s the future of AI?

AI is here to stay. To outcompete in the future, organizations and individuals alike need to get familiar fast. This series of McKinsey Explainers dives deep into the seven technologies that are already shaping the years to come. Machine learning, deep learning, and more

6. Moving past gen AI’s honeymoon phase: Seven hard truths for CIOs to get from pilot to scale

Getting to scale requires CIOs to focus on fewer things but do them better. Get to scale with gen AI

7. What is inflation?

Inflation is the gradual loss of purchasing power, reflected in a broad rise in prices for goods and services. Understand the current moment

8. How to prepare for the CFO role

Amid decade-high CFO turnover, former chief financial officers share advice on what matters most today for securing the top job in finance. Make big bets

9. A new future of work: The race to deploy AI and raise skills in Europe and beyond

To gain the full productivity benefits of generative AI and other technologies, Europe and the United States will need to focus both on improving human capital and accelerating technology adoption. Seize the moment

10. Increasing your return on talent: The moves and metrics that matter

Five actions can transform an organization’s talent system, establishing a culture of performance while boosting employee experience. 5 transformative actions

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