Artificial intelligence (AI) has developed more than just a fun or entertaining tool in recent years. It has proven to be a productive technology that increases productivity, improves customer service, enhances creativity, and ultimately contributes to organizational success and competition. Some may argue that AI is the latest industrial revolution. Either way, it is our new reality, so organizations and leaders must prepare for the challenges of AI implementation.
Successful AI integration requires a multi-faceted approach. Three support methods:
- Change leadership
- Strategic thinking
- AI technology resources
They are essential to ensure the effective integration and execution of AI business initiatives. Think of it as a three-legged stool: it’s hard to maintain balance without it.
Let’s look at how these methods contribute to success.
Using Change Leadership to Guide a Team
According to author Sarah Elk in the Forbes article “Generative AI: To Create Real Value, Organizations Must Adapt” (March 26, 2024), embracing the changes of generational AI will give companies a competitive advantage.
The rapid development and integration of AI into business can cause uncertainty and fear among team members. Leaders today play an important role in guiding teams in these four areas.
- Complexities
- Facilitating an effective transition
- Supporting individual growth
- Managing any resistance
Strong change leadership brings clarity and understanding of how it impacts existing workflows and processes. It provides buy-in and builds trust, enabling people to buy into the development and accelerate implementation. Clear communication is essential – leaders must articulate how various AI initiatives support broader plans and strategies and confirm that team members understand their role in the implementation and the organization’s future.
Leading others through change is a critical leadership skill becoming increasingly important as the pace of change continues to accelerate.
Ask us about CMOE’s Change Leadership and Change Management workshops to support building change leadership capabilities in your organization.
The Role of Strategic Thinking in AI Integration
Snowflake’s AI and Data Predictions 2024 report states, “While business leaders have expressed real concerns about cost and technical challenges that are slowing AI and LLM adoption, the technology is not a bubble that will burst.” The reality is that implementing AI in business will require leaders and stakeholders to think strategically about how they manage their work, look for opportunities, and mitigate risks.
For organizations to succeed long-term, team members and leaders must be proactive, forward-thinking, and entrepreneurial, especially regarding AI. Strategic thinkers anticipate and seize tomorrow’s opportunities now. They think about how to be AI-ready, create significant value, and stay ahead by adapting to the evolving AI landscape. If organizations want to stay ahead of aging and become leaders, they need to take a more strategic view of how to position themselves for the future.
Need to strengthen your organization’s strategic thinking skills? Ask us about CMOE’s Applied Strategic Thinking Workshop, or take our digital course to develop your skills.
How to Choose the Right AI Technology
AI technology can seem complex, so organizations must identify the right AI tools and capabilities that fit their strategy, operations, and culture. Without a focused technology solution, implementation and results can be difficult. “Now think evolution, don’t think change.” That’s the advice Snowflake AI and Data Prediction 2024 gives organizations. Whether AI is new to your business or you’re looking to expand its use, you should prioritize solutions that can improve productivity, enable data-driven decision-making, enhance customer service, improve accuracy, or create a unique competitive advantage.
If your organization is ready to explore or expand the capabilities of AI and help executives understand its impact, contact CMOE to learn more from our keynote speaker and AI integration consultant, William Gillispie.
To assess whether your business is ready for AI, you must evaluate technology and resources, leadership, strategic capabilities, and willingness to lead and embrace change. “Is your organization AI ready?” That’s an important question, but the most important question is that you may not be.