ChangeAI in 4 steps
Want some AI in your company but worried about the impacts? It's all in the right preparation.
The 4 steps outline what you need to know about understanding and preparing for organisational impacts. They focus on strategy, change management and people behaviours; and are interlinked with technology and the work of data scientists. They are flexible and adapt to your chosen AI initiatives.
Step 1
The aim is to have an initial view of purpose, strategy and potential impacts. It is also the initial checkpoint to ensure AI is worth a full assessment.
The initial preparation step is essential, the better planning and discovery, the more likely you are to get the solution you need and meet your business goals. It also increases the likelihood that the implementation will be realised on time and budget.
Reality check: Preparation is essential, but it is often overlooked. We are so excited about the future possibilities and the new technology, that spending time in a workshop talking about purpose, impacts and implications on the organisation and its people seems dull in comparison. It can be perceived as ‘wasting time’, however it will save you time and money.
Outcomes:
Clarity of desired outcomes, and clarity of what the company needs from AI. The conclusion may be that the proposition doesn’t stack up.
Outline of possible impacts.
Questions to ask both internally and to the provider.
Step 2
The aim is to assess the organisation readiness, culture and impact of the change of introducing one or more GenAI use cases. The organisational assessment is in parallel with the discussions with providers and data scientists.
This step is important to understand the starting point: organisations are at different maturity level, which may preclude some solutions. It is important to understand how AI will fit in the current structure and what may need to change. There will be impacts on people, and the need to measure the change as well as benefit realisation.
Reality check: these activities require a holistic strategic view. The mistake some companies make is to rely on the AI provider to provide this organisational perspective, it is not their area of expertise. It requires change and organisational capability
Outcomes:
Assessments of capability, readiness and maturity level.
Required changes to operating model, culture and behaviour assessment and learning & development needs.
Expected impacts and interventions to manage them.
Step 3
The aim is to prepare for and implement the change
This phase starts with the review of the outcomes from Assess and a decision of which recommendations and behavioural change interventions will support GenAI. The behavioural element is particularly relevant in AI solutions because it attracts uncertainty and even fear. The implementation of change actions is done in close collaboration with the AI team. If not yet started, it also starts taking measures.
Reality check: many companies consider this the most important phase from a change perspective, however with comprehensive planning and assessment, it often requires less external involvement.
Outcomes:
Regular report on progress of agreed recommendations and change interventions.
Initial measures of change and benefits.
Step 4
The aim is to ensure change is embedded and has the desired benefits.
This phase is about reviewing the change journey and measuring progress towards achieving the desired benefits. The full results and efficiencies from GenAI will take time to realise, that’s why is important to take regular measures, either monthly or quarterly. This phase can also be the springboard for future innovation.
Reality check: the temptation is to move to the next exciting project, however regular reviews and data analysis give reassurance and learnings for future programmes.
Outcomes:
Regular reviews and reports on the realised benefits, it often takes time for these to be realised. This is low-touch activity with monthly or quarterly reviews.
GenAI offers great opportunities, however it is complex and has wide ranging implications for organisational structure, ways of working and people. The 4 steps outline the preparation and implementation process, get in touch with giorgia@giorgiaprestento.com to discuss how it can be adapted to your AI journey.
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