An AI Powered Organization

The behaviors and attributes of an organization, the things that drive their culture, are the building blocks that determine how they will survive and thrive through a constantly changing environment.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology, organizations constantly seek innovative ways to stay competitive. In July 2019, the Harvard Business Review published "Building the AI-Powered Organization." At that time AI held the promise of "reshaping business," and then the pandemic hit and we turned our attention elsewhere.

• 35% of companies surveyed in a Forbes study were using AI in 2022
• McKinsey estimates that generative AI could add $3+ trillion of value to the global economy

Now post pandemic, and nearly through 2023, we know that AI is not a plug-and-play opportunity. As with the adoption of any new practice or technology, this too will require purposeful change leadership. For AI to have lasting impact, there will need to be a shift in the organizations culture. Specifically the culture must be one the is open to experimentation and eliminate the fear of failure. Test and Learn MUST be the go to mindset that is lived and demonstrated by leaders at all levels.

The AI Transformation

The transformative potential of AI is real.

AI is a "foundational technology," according to the HBR article, rather than a fleeting trend. In the years following its publication, this assertion has proven accurate, as AI has permeated every industry and business function. It's no longer a question of whether companies should adopt AI, but rather how they can leverage it to drive success.

Consider your AI Transformation budget, include as much for managing the change as you do for technology. This will be required for changes in the ways of working, communication and training.

The Human Side of AI

What's in it for me? Beyond the "cool" factor of AI, employees must share in the vision that AI is here to enhance their work, not replace it. This will require clear and concise communiation at ll levels.

Humans and AI working collaboratively is the goal. While AI can automate routine tasks and provide data-driven insights, humans bring creativity, empathy, and critical thinking to the table. The real power of AI lies in its ability to augment human capabilities and enable employees to focus on higher-value tasks.

However, this shift towards collaboration prompts important questions about the future of work. How do we ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed equitably among workers? How can we address concerns about job displacement? These questions challenge us to rethink education and workforce development to prepare for an AI-augmented future.

Consider how you may employ a translator as a new role - helping to develop use cases and prompts for AI.

The Agility Imperative

Organizations that can adapt quickly to changing circumstances and integrate AI into their operations are more likely to thrive. But this agility also necessitates a cultural shift, fostering a mindset of experimentation and learning.

Organization that find the right balance of stability and flexibility in the face of rapid technological change will be the ones to shape it.

So What Now

The Harvard Business Review's article, "Building the AI-Powered Organization," published in July 2019, set the stage for a transformative journey. As we look back on its insights in 2023, we see that AI has indeed become foundational, reshaping industries and challenging us to rethink how we work, make decisions, and interact with technology.

The journey is far from over. The questions and challenges posed by AI are ongoing, urging us to think deeply about how we build a future where AI serves humanity rather than the other way around. It's a journey that requires constant reflection, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical, responsible AI development and deployment.