Purpose First, AI Second

Steering your AI Revolution

AI is everywhere, promising to revolutionise business. But are we so focused on the technology that we’re forgetting the why? Recently, I was with a group of insightful people (Chatham House rules), and the conversation kept returning to one crucial element: purpose. It's not about the algorithms; it’s about what we, as humans and as businesses, want to achieve.

Why Purpose Matters

Too many businesses leap onto the AI bandwagon without a clear destination. Armed with "solutions," they hunt for problems, resulting in wasted resources and misaligned projects. It’s like buying a grand piano when you can’t even play Chopsticks. Data is the fuel of the AI revolution, but without a clear purpose, it’s just raw material going to waste.

One insightful participant put it perfectly: "Purpose is a human decision. We decide what we want to achieve; then we determine how technology – such as AI – can help us get there."

This flips the script on the typical AI narrative. It’s not about letting technology lead; it’s about using it strategically to fulfil our human-defined purpose.

Beyond Productivity

Of course, AI can automate tasks and boost productivity. But there’s more to business – and to being human – than churning out widgets at warp speed. Another participant made a crucial point: “We’re obsessed with efficiency, but what about real-world impact? What if we used AI to enhance our creativity, amplify our insights, and make us more powerful? Not just faster, but more effective, more innovative, more human.” A clear purpose empowers employees, improves decision-making, and fosters a culture of innovation. A shared understanding of purpose builds trust, both within the organisation and with customers. When everyone knows why you’re using AI, they’re more likely to embrace it.

AI can handle the repetitive tasks, freeing us to focus on what truly matters: solving complex problems, forging meaningful connections, and creating something new. It's about augmenting our human capabilities, not becoming redundant.

The Long Game

A wise voice at the gathering offered this: "A six-month plan is about productivity and ROI. A five-year plan? That’s about purpose. But in a rapidly changing world, we need to take short-term steps with a long-term vision."

Precisely. The AI landscape is in constant flux, so we work in iterative cycles, testing, learning, and adapting as needed. These short-term wins aren't just about immediate results; they're about building experience and informing our long-term, purpose-driven strategy.

The Danger of Tech-Driven Myopia

Remember the early days of social media? "Attention is everything!" they proclaimed. We’re still grappling with the fallout: toxic online environments, polarization, misinformation. Not exactly a glowing endorsement for tech-driven "progress."

This is a cautionary tale for the AI gold rush. Without purpose as our compass, we risk losing our way – both individually and collectively.

The Human Touch: Why It Still Matters

As AI takes on more technical tasks, uniquely human soft skills and critical thinking become even more vital. AI may excel in IQ, but it’s EQ that fuels real progress. I recently spoke with a marketing director whose entire team’s work could theoretically be automated. But her role is secure because she brings empathy, nuance, and an ability to read between the lines – qualities a robot can’t replicate. As AI transforms industries, it's not about replacing humans; it’s about redefining our roles and focusing on what we do best: critical thinking, creativity, and connection.

This goes beyond commercial drivers; it’s about the human condition. We are meaning-making creatures. We define our own purpose. AI is a powerful tool, but we decide how to use it. We determine the "why." That's our superpower.

Putting Purpose into Practice

1. Define your "why". What is your company’s reason for being? What are you really trying to achieve? What’s your North Star?
2. Get everyone on board. Ensure your entire organisation understands and embraces your purpose.
3. Evaluate tech with a purpose-driven lens. Don’t adopt AI just because it’s trendy. Ask: "Does this serve our purpose? Our values? Our humanity?"
4. Play the long game (but be adaptable). Have a long-term vision, but remain flexible. The AI landscape is ever-changing.
5. Connect AI to your long-term vision. How can AI help you achieve your North Star, not just next quarter’s targets?
6. Cultivate a purpose-driven culture. Encourage your team to connect their work to the bigger picture. How does what they do contribute to your mission? To something larger than themselves?
7. Stay flexible and keep questioning. The only constant is change. Regularly revisit your purpose and adapt your strategies. Keep asking “why?”

Need a Guide for the AI Revolution?

In the age of AI, purpose isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a competitive advantage.

Obsolete helps organisations like yours adopt AI responsibly and effectively. We focus on augmenting human capabilities – not replacing them. We understand the importance of purpose and can help you define yours, integrate it into your strategy, and make it a reality. Get in touch to learn more. Let's build a future where technology serves humanity – and our individual and collective purposes.

Outline: Jon Bains

First Draft: Claude

2nd Draft: Gemini Pro (via API using the Obsolete Helper)

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