Innovation & Humanization: the Key to Grow in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

In a business world increasingly driven by data, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an essential tool for decision-making. However, for organizations to fully harness the potential of AI, it is crucial to develop a set of capabilities that not only enable the effective integration of AI into decision-making processes but also align it with the company's strategic objectives.

In this article, we will explore the key competencies that organizations must cultivate to transform artificial intelligence into a growth engine and a competitive advantage. From data comprehension to the adoption of a culture oriented towards analysis and innovation, these capabilities are fundamental in the new digital era.

The Drive of Technology: A Journey That Began Decades Ago

For those who are still skeptical, the world decided years ago—or even decades ago—that growth would come from aggressive technological development and its maximization within organizations. Here are some data that exemplify this effort in humanity:

• In 1969, man landed on the moon with a single computer (Apollo Guidance Computer – AGC) that had 64KB of read-only memory (ROM) and 4KB of writable memory (RAM). Today, the most basic iPhone Pro has 128GB of memory, and that amount of memory would have cost approximately 128 billion dollars in 1964.
• Investments in artificial intelligence systems grow year by year. In 2023, they reached 154 billion dollars, showing a significant increase compared to the 85.3 billion spent in 2021—over 80% growth in just two years!
• In 91% of organizations in the United States, technological transformation is a priority on their agendas, and more than 95% already have initiatives underway.

These are just some data that show technology is a priority. However, an even more relevant question arises: how prepared are we for this evolution to be successful across all organizations?

The Challenge of the Future: Innovation and Humanization

In this context, where many processes will be replaced by AI, the key to differentiation in organizations will lie in playing in another dimension, and it is essential to be prepared for this new challenge.

There are two capabilities that will be almost impossible to replace by a machine: the ability to innovate and the ability to be human. Although these definitions are broad, we will try to explain them more clearly.

Innovation Capabilities

From a philosophical perspective, innovation is the creative act that challenges the status quo and transforms reality by introducing something new into the world. It is a process in which the human mind, driven by curiosity and the desire to improve existing conditions, conceives and materializes ideas that did not previously exist. Innovation not only refers to the invention of objects or technologies but also to the reconfiguration of concepts, social structures, and ways of being, inviting constant reflection on the nature of progress and the meaning of human evolution.

If we apply this definition to our organizations, we could refer to:

• Maximizing creativity, experimentation, and calculated risk-taking.
• Creating an agile organization capable of responding quickly to market changes, and in some cases, anticipating and leading the change.
• Managing knowledge, learning from past lessons, fostering collaboration, and using those learnings for comprehensive development (products, people, processes).
• Establishing defined processes that allow ideas and projects to flow efficiently.
• Being visionary leaders capable of inspiring and guiding the organization towards new opportunities.

Human Capabilities in the Organization

Similarly, when we talk about Human Capabilities, we refer to the innate potential that allows human beings to develop fully, encompassing physical, intellectual, emotional, ethical, and spiritual abilities. These capabilities reflect the individual's freedom and creativity, enabling self-realization, world transformation, and the pursuit of the common good.

When we talk about more human capabilities in organizations, we refer to:

• Empathy and authenticity in interactions: actively listening to employees, understanding their concerns and needs, and acting with integrity.
• Open and transparent communication: in an increasingly connected world, it is crucial that information flows from the source, creating channels where real voices are heard.
• Valuing and respecting diversity in all its forms: promoting an environment where every individual feels valued.
• Offering development opportunities: personal growth is one of the main drivers for evolution within organizations.
• Empowerment and flexibility: developing these capabilities will allow the organization to be more participative and adaptable to challenges.
• Developing a common purpose: a purpose that transcends and is shared and lived by all, generating meaning in the work and aligning efforts.
• Maintaining high standards of ethics and social responsibility: these will be the pillars that ensure the organization's coherence in its social environment.

What We Should Stop Doing

In light of this prioritization of developments, it is equally important to review those practices we must stop doing to be consistent with what we seek, and not send contradictory messages or maintain approaches that, from the organization's perspective, are not priorities. Some suggestions in this regard:

• Avoid micromanagement: stop controlling every detail, which stifles creativity and autonomy in the organization.
• Eliminate excessive hierarchy: review organizational structures and move towards flatter structures that foster collaboration and communication.
• Deprioritize or eliminate projects that are not aligned with the core business, innovation, or human development.
• Stop ignoring internal feedback: it is vital to listen, prioritize, and act based on employee feedback.
• Eliminate destructive internal competition: reduce the emphasis on individual objectives over collective ones.
• Resist technological advancement: promote openness to new ideas and analyze how external factors can impact us, promoting networking.

Conclusion

The future is already here. Artificial intelligence is an important part of our daily lives, and we must focus on doing more to promote innovation and humanization in our organizations, leaving behind those practices that inhibit these goals. If we do so, we will be laying the foundation for sustainable growth and a work environment where people feel valued and motivated to contribute to the organization's success.