In this article in our Data Driven Organisation Series, we outline three key things you should embrace to prepare your organisation for the use of AI. 

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) is no longer a mere trend but a necessity for organisations seeking to stay competitive. As we navigate the uncharted waters of AI, one crucial aspect often overlooked is preparing your organisation's culture and data infrastructure for this transformative journey. In this article, we will explore how CIOs, CISOs, Data Analysts, and other data professionals can prepare their organisations (and data) for the effective use of AI.  

The Urgency of Embracing AI 

The AI revolution is well underway, and its potential to revolutionise the way we work is undeniable. According to the 2023 Work Trend Index by Microsoft, the demands of the modern workplace have created a digital debt – an overwhelming influx of data, emails, and chats that has outpaced our ability to manage. Employees now spend a staggering 60% of their time on repetitive tasks, leaving just 40% for innovation and value creation. 

AI promises to alleviate this digital debt by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing productivity, and improving employee well-being. It's crucial to understand that AI is not here to replace jobs but to augment human capabilities. In fact, 70% of employees are willing to delegate tasks to AI to lighten their workloads. To harness the full potential of AI, organisations must prepare their cultures and data infrastructure for this transformative shift. 

Organisations should have a formal policy on when AI can be used and by who to ensure that any risks are properly managed. Thought leaders within your organisation may already be utilising AI on a regular basis without any guidance on its appropriateness. 

1. Embrace Curiosity 

The first step in preparing your organisation for AI is to foster a culture of curiosity rather than fear. AI represents a new paradigm of human-computer interaction. Unlike traditional computing, where users input commands and receive predefined responses, AI acts as a co-pilot, requiring humans to learn how and when to ask questions and validate responses. 

Fear is a natural response to change, and many employees may feel uncertain about AI's impact on their roles. However, embracing curiosity can empower your workforce to understand AI's capabilities and limitations. Encourage employees to experiment safely with AI tools such as AI-powered search, intelligent writing assistance, or smart calendaring. Challenge them to reimagine how AI can enhance or transform their processes, understanding that each role will have unique opportunities to leverage AI. Include budget for AI subscriptions to allow staff to excrement and explore what AI can do for them. 

2. Embrace Failure 

AI will inevitably change the landscape of nearly every job and workflow. To prepare for this transformation, organisations must embrace a culture of experimentation and learning. While AI may not always get it right, even its failures can provide valuable insights and move us forward in our quest for improved efficiency and effectiveness.  

As a leader, it is essential to create an environment that encourages experimentation and knowledge sharing. Celebrate successes and openly discuss lessons learned to avoid repeating mistakes. Establish channels for employees to share their experiences and insights, such as including AI tips as a regular agenda item in meetings or hosting peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing sessions. Embracing agility and continuous learning is fundamental to successfully integrating AI into your organisation. 

3. Embrace Continuous Learning 

Instil a "learn-it-all" mentality within your organisation. AI's potential extends beyond offering shortcuts; it can serve as a powerful tool for innovation and engagement. To unlock AI's full potential, focus on asking thought-provoking questions in addition to just seeking simple answers. The true value of AI lies in its ability to respond to sophisticated inquiries, promoting analytical thinking and problem-solving. 

To foster a learn-it-all culture, establish clear guardrails for responsible AI experimentation, continuous learning opportunities, and change management strategies. Identify AI champions or pilot program leads to drive adoption across different functions and disciplines within your organisation. Recognise that AI is a continuously evolving field, and staying up-to-date with the latest resources and knowledge-sharing initiatives is vital to success. 

Agile has shown us the benefit in starting small. Rather than the first AI projects being yearlong endeavours that may fail entirely, organisations will benefit from utilising AI every day. For instance, this article was written with the assistance of AI allowing me to focus more time analysing user requirements and brainstorming with colleagues. 

In conclusion, the shift towards AI and ML is an undeniable reality for organisations seeking to thrive in the modern business landscape. However, preparing your organisation's culture and data infrastructure is equally crucial as adopting AI tools and technologies. By embracing curiosity, failure and continuous learning, you can set your organisation on the path to success in the AI-powered future.  

Need help preparing your organisation for AI? 

We have a proven approach to assessing an organisation’s data maturity and can provide practical recommendations on how to uplift the maturity of your data assets, enabling your business to embrace AI and realise the full potential of your data. Learn more here.