Why AI is changing the way we lead and manage.

As we wind up another year Ive been giving some thought to some of the key challenges our leaders and managers will face in the next 12.

The biggest trend for me that will give us a competitive advantage, is how leaders and managers at every level can create the right culture to drive tech and digital transformation through AI.

The challenge is our people may be asking what has it got to do with me?

But now everyone’s role is equally important in creating a culture where we all take accountability around how new tech can give us the edge.

Because tech innovation is no longer just confined to IT departments, or driven through large digital change projects; tech has been democratised; and now whether we like it or not its a collective responsibility for all of us to be curious and learn by doing.

"It's not a faith in technology. It's faith in people." Steve Jobs

With innovation happening on a daily basis, innovation that is accessible to all of us, this seismic shift means that leaders and managers at every level must now step up, not by being tech experts, but by inspiring a culture of shared innovation and continuous learning.

As we embrace AI, our biggest challenge and opportunity isn't just about adopting new technologies. It's about how our leaders and managers foster an environment that encourages our people to seek out new ways of working. The real transformation lies in how our leaders and managers inspire their teams to leverage these technologies.

A winning organisational culture will be defined by how leaders and managers cultivate openness, accountability, and a willingness to experiment. It's about creating an environment that balances innovation with the structures the organisation can put in place to ensure we are compliant and fit for business.

In that world our people embrace the tech entrepreneur's mindset of 'fail fast, learn fast'. They play a critical role in shaping a culture where failure is viewed as a learning opportunity.

"A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." Albert Einstein

Take Microsoft Co-pilot as an example, for me this will revolutionise many workplaces in 24, a game changer. But it's not just about the technology itself, because before we can realise the full potential, with such a familiar set of programmes there will be a huge amount to unlearn.

What worked for us before might still today but we will be slower, less efficient and quickly we will fall behind the pack.

To conclude, the success of our organizations in 2024 hinges on our ability to create the right culture - and this adaptation is led by our leaders and managers at every level. They are the catalysts for change, driving us forward, and ensuring we don't freeze in the face of rapid change.

Tech it’s about software, code and systems it’s firstly about people so in effect nothing has changed when understanding what great looks like for them.

So to use an old cliche - let’s work smarter not harder!

If you're looking to empower your leadership and management teams in this era of digital transformation, get in touch and let’s Raise the bar together.

Steve Smith

(Director Raise the bar)