Strategic Results

Having a great time at a Smithsonian Institution vendor fair! Were very proud to have been supporting Smithsonian for the past decade and look forward to bringing more great products to museums and centers! Check out SR’s Mary Gotschall in action! #smithsonian #strategicresults #graphicdesign #smallbusiness

Artificial Intelligence and Statistics: The perfect Pair!? ? In a recent MIT Sloan Management Review article, it is highlighted that despite the rapid advancement and deployment of AI and machine learning models, a significant challenge remains: the unpredictability of their effectiveness. Ali Rahimi, an AI researcher at Google, famously criticized the field by comparing much of AI development to "alchemy" at a 2017 conference, pointing out the foundational gaps in predicting which AI models will succeed. This uncertainty often leads to a lack of trust in AI technologies, a critical barrier since trust is essential for the full potential of AI to be realized. The article suggests a solution to this predicament lies in an unexpected area: classical statistics. Statistical methods and expertise provide a robust framework for inference, offering a way to enhance the reliability and predictability of AI models. For instance, utilizing techniques like holdout data for testing AI predictions can be flawed if not handled with a deep understanding of statistical principles. Businesses frequently stumble in deploying AI because they fail to align their models with the right data or clearly define the business problems they aim to solve, which are areas where statistics can play a pivotal role. To better integrate statistics with AI, the article recommends several strategies. These include employing statisticians to bring rigor to data analysis, using randomized trials to validate models, and incorporating statistical process control to monitor AI models post-deployment. It also advocates for developing statistical twins of AI models, which can validate machine learning predictions and add a layer of explainability. For business leaders, the call to action is clear: embrace statistical expertise to bridge the gap in AI inference, ensuring models are not only technically proficient but also robustly validated and aligned with business objectives. This approach not only mitigates risk but also enhances the credibility and effectiveness of AI deployments in business settings. #StrategicResults #SR #MITSloan #Management #AI #statistics #HBR #Technoloy #Research?

The App That Can Simplify Your Life Justin Pot highlights the practicality and versatility of the Apple Shortcuts app in an article that encourages users not to overlook this powerful tool. Pre-installed on iPhones since iOS 13 in 2019, the Shortcuts app allows users to automate a wide range of tasks through custom actions. For instance, these shortcuts can be used to send reminders, or even automatically reply to texts and emails. The app offers flexibility to customize actions extensively or use pre-built shortcuts from the app's Gallery, like getting directions to events from your calendar. Moreover, the Shortcuts app can integrate multiple actions into a single automation, simplifying complex tasks. Pot shares an example where he combines actions to translate text from photos into spoken English, a handy tool for travelers. Additionally, the app's Automations section can trigger shortcuts based on time or location, such as managing reminders for feeding pets, demonstrating its utility in daily life. Emphasizing ease of use and no need for programming knowledge, Pot's article positions the Shortcuts app as an essential, underappreciated tool that can make every day iPhone use more efficient and personalized.?

On April 8th, the Wall Street Journal published their study of the hottest job markets of 2023. Washington, D.C., and Oklahoma City showed positive trends in their tech job markets, reflecting robust economic resilience and growth. Oklahoma City stood out impressively, ranking fifth among major metropolitan areas, highlighting significant strengths in labor force size and wage improvements. Similarly, Washington D.C. also showed strong performance, securing the thirteenth spot with low unemployment rates and a stable labor force, further emphasizing its status as a competitive and appealing location for tech professionals.? ? Strategic Results holds offices in both cities, so we want to highlight our technical services team in OKC for their hard work and cutting-edge methods that helped to contribute to this top 5 ranking! Incredible work SR TSI Team! Thank you for everything you all do.? ? #SR #StrategicResults #WashingtonDC #OklahomaCity #EmploymentTrends #Shoutout #WSJ?

Transforming Governance and Innovation in AI: A New Era for Business and Government Collaboration? ? The White House, under the leadership of Vice President Harris, has taken the next step towards integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into federal operations with a vision that resonates deeply with the business world. The recent announcement by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) introduces the government's first-ever policy directive, M-24-10, to leverage AI's potential responsibly while addressing its inherent risks. This initiative, derived from President Biden's Executive Order on AI, sets a precedent for governance, innovation, and risk management in AI applications. It outlines a clear framework for federal agencies, emphasizing the need for robust AI governance, advancement in responsible AI innovation, and meticulous risk management, particularly for applications affecting public rights and safety. ?Key Highlights for the Business Community: AI Governance: The directive mandates the designation of Chief AI Officers (CAIOs) within federal agencies, ensuring high-level oversight and strategic planning for AI integration.? Responsible Innovation: Agencies are encouraged to remove barriers to AI adoption, fostering an environment where innovation can thrive in alignment with public interest and safety.? Risk Management: Detailed guidelines for managing AI-related risks ensure that the technologies deployed are safe, equitable, and transparent, setting a high standard for AI applications.? Public-Private Collaboration: The memorandum's focus on sharing AI resources, talent development, and collaboration opens new avenues for businesses to engage with federal agencies, sharing best practices and driving forward the nation's AI agenda.? ? ?Implications for Businesses: The federal government's commitment to AI excellence and responsible management mirrors the aspirations of the business community. This policy not only sets a benchmark for AI governance but also signals the growing importance of public-private partnerships in shaping the future of AI innovation.? ? For businesses, this presents a unique opportunity to align with federal initiatives, contributing to and benefiting from a shared ecosystem of AI innovation. It encourages businesses to adopt similar standards of governance and risk management, fostering a competitive edge in a global market increasingly driven by AI. ?Looking Forward: As we embark on this new era of AI governance and innovation, the collaboration between the federal government and the business sector will be pivotal. By embracing these principles, businesses can play a crucial role in advancing AI technologies that are not only transformative but also responsible and inclusive. Let us lead the way in building an AI-driven future that upholds the highest standards of safety, equity, and innovation. #AI #SR #StrategicResults #ChatGPT #ArtificialIntelligence #OMB ?

?Collaboration is Critical in Uncertain Times In today's volatile business environment, leaders face unprecedented challenges, from navigating economic downturns to driving growth amidst budget cuts and hiring freezes. The temptation for many is to revert to a protective stance, prioritizing stability over innovation, a trend underscored by research from McKinsey, which found only 21% of executives confident in capturing new growth opportunities during times of uncertainty. For leaders seeking to navigate turbulent times, consider the following strategies: 1. Experiment with Options: Leverage the diversity of your team's knowledge and experience by exploring multiple strategies simultaneously. This approach not only mitigates risks but also opens up unforeseen opportunities for innovation. 2. Flip the Script on Innovation: Rather than viewing innovation as a resource drain, recognize it as a crucial investment in your organization's future. Tools like the Business Model Canvas can facilitate this shift, encouraging a more collaborative and creative approach to business modeling and strategy development. 3. Coach Your Team Toward a Collaborative Mindset: Use targeted coaching questions to break down barriers and foster a culture of collaboration. Encouraging your team to view challenges as opportunities can transform the way they approach problem-solving and innovation. In conclusion, the current economic climate, characterized by uncertainty and limited resources, demands a reevaluation of traditional leadership approaches. By embracing collaboration, innovation, and a mindset of abundance, leaders can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Remember, collaboration isn't just a strategy for smoother sailing; it's a critical component of navigating through the storm and emerging stronger on the other side. #Collaboration #StrategicResults #SR #Teaming #Partnership #HBR # McKinsey #Scarcity #Mindset?

Elevate your leadership strategy with the SCARF method! The concept of the SCARF Model was introduced by David Rock in 2008 through his work "SCARF: A Brain-Based Model for Collaborating With and Influencing Others." The acronym SCARF encapsulates five crucial elements that impact our interactions and behavior in social contexts: Status: Our perceived importance in relation to others.? Certainty: Our capability to foresee future outcomes.? Autonomy: Our sense of control over our lives and decisions.? Relatedness: Our level of comfort and safety with other individuals.? Fairness: Our perception of equity in interactions and exchanges with others.? ? Rooted in the findings of neuroscience, this model suggests that these five aspects trigger the same neural responses associated with fundamental survival instincts. Such insights shed light on why social situations can provoke intense emotional reactions that are challenging to manage; these reactions stem from deeply ingrained, instinctual processes in our brains that are not easily switched off. For instance, being excluded can be interpreted as a threat to one's status and sense of belonging, activating brain regions similarly involved in experiencing physical pain. This signals to our brain that we are facing a threat. Moreover, experiencing a threat, whether physical or social, leads to a surge in cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. This surge can disrupt our ability to think clearly, diminishing our creativity and efficiency, and further enhancing the sense of threat. Conversely, positive experiences, such as receiving commendation, trigger the release of dopamine, known as the 'feel-good hormone.' This reward sensation motivates us to pursue actions that will lead to similar positive feedback, illustrating the profound influence these social domains have on our behaviors and emotional well-being. #SCARF #MIT #HBR #StrategicResults #BusinessDevelopment #Psychology #Collaboration?

?? Redefining Urban Space??? In an era where the landscape of office work is fundamentally changing, Strategic Results stands at the forefront of reimagining urban spaces. Their innovative approach to repurposing and consolidating office spaces in response to evolving work patterns and preferences is not just a solution but a revolution in how we think about and utilize urban environments. By aligning with GSA’s Lease Cost Avoidance plan, they offer a blueprint for a future where efficiency, worker satisfaction, and cost reduction go hand in hand, paving the way for sustainable urban development.? Washington D.C. is implementing a transformative "Downtown Action Plan" with a $400 million investment over five years to revitalize its downtown through the creation of culture, university, and green space districts. The plan, which has Mayor Bowser's support, seeks to balance downtown revitalization with broader city needs like housing and social services. Much of this plan hinges on the repurposing of office space which has gone unused since many left them when the COVID-19 Pandemic began. Because of this, many companies along with the government are paying for a lot of unused office space. In addition, Workers that do come back to the office are preferring more open concepts, further reducing the amount of space these businesses need.? Strategic Results studied trends like these in 2020. We found that massive repurposing and downsizing needed to happen in order for the government to keep leasing costs static. The government ending these leases allows them to consolidate office space, saving money and shedding deadweight. In keeping with GSA’s Lease Cost Avoidance plan, Strategic Results’ lease consolidation strategies offer creative and efficient ways to use office space that reflect new work patterns and promote worker satisfaction while reducing costs. You can find out more about Strategic Results’ research here: www.strategicresults.com #WorkplaceTransformation #ReturnToWork #LeaseConsolidation #HBR #DC #Downtown #SR?

“If I go off the runway I’m making international news!” That’s what I was told by Retired Air Force pilot, Dave Moore. He teaches Air National Guard pilots safety and mishap prevention, drawing on his extensive experience. He shares a memorable flight on a C-5 Galaxy from Germany to the US, where despite perfect conditions over the Atlantic, they encountered unexpected severe winter weather at their destination. Navigating a snow-covered runway with limited visibility, Dave's skill and a bit of luck ensured a safe landing. His key lesson to pilots: prioritize safety and caution, highlighting that taking extra time to avoid risks is always preferable to the alternative.? ? The same way Dave tells stories to advise safety measures to Air National Guardsmen, we can tell stories in our businesses. Storytelling has always been a cornerstone of effective communication, branding, and leadership. It's not just about the products or services; it's about the stories we tell around them. Changing the stories to engage with our audience and using them to underscore our larger points will make our pitch more effective. Doing this can help to expand our brand, improve engagement, and connect emotionally. In business development, good storytelling means more contracts, better recruiting, and better public engagement!? ? Reflect on the stories that have shaped your journey and consider how you can harness them to inspire, educate, and connect. Whether you're guiding a team, pitching to clients, or sharing lessons learned, your stories hold the key to unlocking potential and driving impact. Start today by identifying one story you believe can make a difference and share it where it matters most. How will you use storytelling to chart a course to success?? ? #Storytelling #Business #Leadership #DriveChange #Branding #HBR #FlightTalkPodcast #ANG??

?? Embracing New Traditions: Our First FIKA Experience! ??? ? I'm thrilled to share that here at Strategic Results we're delving into something wonderfully unique and culturally enriching – our very first FIKA experience! For those unfamiliar, FIKA is a cherished Swedish tradition that embodies the art of taking a break, savoring a cup of coffee, delicious pastries, and indulging in meaningful conversations with colleagues. It's not merely a coffee break; it's a moment of connection, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Today marks the beginning of our journey into this delightful tradition, as we gather to unwind, share stories, and foster stronger bonds within our team. It's an opportunity for us to step away from our desks, pause our tasks, and simply enjoy each other's company in a casual and inviting setting. As we embark on this new venture, we're not only embracing a beloved cultural practice but also prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a positive work environment. Research has shown that moments of relaxation and social interaction can significantly boost creativity, productivity, and overall job satisfaction – and what better way to achieve this than through the joy of FIKA? I'm incredibly proud to be part of a company that values its employees' happiness and recognizes the importance of creating moments of connection amidst our busy schedules. Together, let's raise our coffee cups to the beginning of a beautiful tradition and the strengthening of our team spirit! Want to learn more about FIKA? See what Forbes has to say about the benefits this tradition could have for your employees here: https://lnkd.in/eAUbRNXa #FIKA #CompanyCulture #EmployeeEngagement #TeamBonding #WorkplaceWellbeing?