Hi Dall-E I want to add a picture to my blog, with the titel: 7 smart strategies to prepare for an AI-driven future

7 smart strategies to prepare for an AI-driven future

How can businesses prepare themselves for a future with artificial intelligence (AI) without losing their strength of today?

The rate at which technology has developed is truly mind-blowing. Moore's Law has proven itself time and time again, with all its implications. As an indication: It took about 50 years for the telephone to reach a mass audience, the mobile phone about 7 years, and social media about 3 years. How long will it take before AI really takes hold? And how drastically will companies have to reform their processes to maintain their market position, considering the impact of previous 'new' technologies?

This blog explores how businesses can prepare for the future of AI through effective change management, without losing the strength of today.

AI will affect everybody

Did you know the World Economic Forum predicts that close to 1 billion people will need to be retrained by 2030?

It may not surprise you, but the transition from postal to email communication in the early '90s caused a significant shift in the way businesses operated. Only in the early 2000s was email considered a standard communication tool in the business world.

Count how many letters you would have sent last week if this technology didn't exist?

The rise of AI will once again fundamentally change the way we do business. Whether we like it or not. From automated customer service and internal chatbots to advanced data analysis and the development of entirely new product lines. AI offers businesses the opportunity to work more efficiently, effectively, and proactively across the entire business process.

However, integrating a new technology like AI requires strategic insight and careful planning from business leaders. Organizations must not only adjust their working methods but also learn to collaborate with and trust AI systems.

Hi DALL-E I want to add a picture to my blog so its not 'just text'. It has to be a picture that portraits: Build trust. Trust people, before you trust AI.

Trust people, before you trust AI

Building the software, acquiring the technology, or implementing it can be difficult hurdles when looking at the integration of AI solutions. Oddly enough, these are not the obstacles that need the most attention.

The employees who use the technology daily will eventually determine the quality and therefore the impact of the solution. So focus on the people, not the technology.

For example, BCG successfully uses a handy 10-20-70 principle when it comes to AI implementation at a client. About 70% (!) of the attention goes to change management and other processes related to people. Only 10% is for building and 20% for implementing AI. (BCG: Turning GenAI Magic Into Business Impact)

What's the use of a new system if it's too complex for employees to use? And how proficient are they after one training session? Will everything run smoothly after a year, or is it wise to keep learning constantly?

For AI it will be no different. Think of it as a muscle that needs to be trained. It will be just like at the gym: you make a plan, and it takes time. Technology will make more and more possible, and only with a trained muscle will you be able to make optimal use of it.

How do you ensure as a company that training this 'AI muscle' becomes a fun and educational, but above all sustainable, process for everyone within the organization?

7 strategies to bridge the AI gap

Innovation is the key to survival, and that will only increase. Successful companies have therefore cultivated the principle of continuous learning and adapting, while staying true to their principles and objectives. Next, some strategies and action points to bridge the gap between innovation and sustainable implementation. In other words, how do you ensure that everyone is as well prepared as possible for what's to come:

1. Set a clear and inspiring vision: AI will transform your organization and possibly the entire sector. Ask yourself: Where will our sector stand in a few years and how do we want to anticipate that? Early adopter, fast follower? This vision must align with the overall mission and objectives of the company AND clearly outline the intended results and benefits of AI integration.
2. Create awareness in the workplace: Ensure that all employees are aware of the AI developments by providing regular updates and educational sessions. Workshops, newsletters, or regular meetings discussing the latest AI developments can also contribute to this. This creates a culture where change is embraced and where employees feel involved and informed.
3. Make AI visible: Make AI an integral and visible part of the work environment to promote trust and acceptance. Making AI applications visible in daily work helps employees get used to the presence and potential of AI. This can be done through dashboards with real-time data analyses, chatbots for internal queries, or by showcasing success stories where AI had an impact.
4. Encourage Cross-pollination: Encourage collaboration between departments to discover and utilize innovative AI applications. Think of joint projects or 'cross-department' meetings where teams can share their experiences and ideas about AI.
5. Promote an AI Ambassador: Assign a passionate person to lead the AI initiative. This person can motivate employees and serve as a source of inspiration by celebrating successes, gathering resources, and serving as a point of contact for AI-related questions. Successful implementation of AI requires a change in mindset and work processes.
6. Facilitate AI Training: Naturally, invest in training to improve the knowledge and skills of employees in AI and promote quality use. Keep training that muscle. This ensures that the integration of AI is not only technically but also practically and strategically successful.
7. Setup a clear policy: This policy should cover aspects such as ethical use of AI, data protection, transparency in AI decision-making, and the role of employees in the new technology landscape.

Strengthening a muscle takes time, with one exercise you simply won't get the desired result. Make a plan, involve the right people, and keep monitoring developments to ensure you're on the right track.

Adopting the strategies early can soften the integration of AI and ensure a smooth transition when your company is ready for the actual leap.

The Future is Now

And someone who knows is Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X and author of 'Scary Smart'. In his book about the future of AI, he identifies three 'inevitables'. The first two of these inevitabilities, 'AI will happen' and 'AI will outsmart humans', subtly underline the urgency for companies to give AI a place within the organization. I tactically leave the third inevitability aside for now. Feel free to message me if you're curious, or try the book of course.

Why wait to prepare when the trend clearly indicates that AI will not leave the stage?

Thank you for reading!

Diederik Lankhof

At Waive, we understand the unique challenges every organization faces when integrating AI. We help companies jointly discover AI and successfully integrate it into their business processes. Only with AI will you be well-prepared for the future. And it's not just about technology; it's about transforming processes and seizing new opportunities as well

The future won't wait, and the development of AI doesn't stand still. Start exploring the possibilities today. Contact me for a free exploratory conversation and discover how Waive can guide you in taking this important step into the future.