A big concern both publicly and privately surrounding AI is the notion of the machines taking over all of our jobs. In light of the current employment struggles over the last few weeks, it’s a topic hitting a little harder right now.
While this crisis is caused by a virus, it is worth discussing some of the concerns about AI with regard to the future. Currently, a big topic being discussed is AI’s role with COVID-19 and after. The aftermath of this crisis should motivate companies to speed up their journey to using AI.
Winning firms will reinvent themselves by putting data and AI at the heart of their organizations. Data must be a pillar in every aspect of an operation, providing critical input to a broad range of tasks while also allowing for a smaller-scale organization.
Firms will want to begin the AI Transformation, testing different projects, and eventually building an AI Strategy and internal team to execute it.
So, with this backdrop, let’s continue …
The Question
How Can AI Augment My Human Capital?
As mentioned above, a successful AI venture in an organization has to involve the human capital and subject-matter experts that “know” your business.
Let’s take a look at 5 ways we can augment our existing human experience in a company:
1. Build Buy-In With Executive Team
A true AI Transformation starts at the top. No project will get off the ground without complete investment from the leadership team.
Begin with a review of where the company is succeeding with AI right now. If the decision-makers can’t name any, provide some competitive comparisons of where certain companies are ahead in your industry.
This usually leads to dramatic change.
2. Vision of a Company with an AI Focus
Once you’ve got buy-in, start to envision what the new AI-based company will look like and how it will deliver even more value to customers.
You will be automating as many processes as possible fueled by your internal data, but only focus on AI projects that add value.
3. Human + AI Transformation
This is a true augmentation of your staff’s abilities. AI is not to replace all humans.
Your human capital will monitor the AI in all processes. Humans are the ones who provide the input and monitor against bias and bad judgement from algorithms.
You’ll re-purpose your staff to tasks that add the most value, such as programming, monitoring data, and overall decision-making that will then be fed into the algorithms.
Boston Consulting Group put it best this way:
“AI must be augmented by the imagination and interpretation of human beings.”
4. Get Rid of Old Processes
Try to start AI fresh as part of a new process and plan. Trying to “fit” AI into existing legacy structures is difficult.
Applying AI into a business requires consistent, organization-wide participation and buy-in.
5. Re-Skilling and Preparing Staff Now
A big item I’ve written about a lot is training you staff on AI now, re-skilling as many people as possible to not only learn new things, but to show them you’re committed to the Transformation, and committed to them to achieve it.
At a minimum, leaders, managers, and employees must understand what AI can and cannot do so they’re able to work in the new AI Journey.
Conclusion
These are 5 ways a company can begin to build a human and AI powerhouse right now, especially as they prepare for a post-crisis world.
The idea is to get as AI-ready as possible. Stay open-minded.
That way your team will be well-suited to the changing landscape of the future.
Keep all the questions coming!
Stay patient and enjoy the AI Journey..
