Beyond the hype: Why culture could be the missing piece in the AI puzzle
AI continues to dominate tech conferences, but while many are concentrating on what metrics to track and who is "winning" or "losing," there's a crucial element we need to discuss more: organisational culture.
Currently there seem to be three main approaches to AI:
1. The Big Bang: Go all-in on AI, throwing resources, investment, consultants and more at the problem, sometimes with significant layoffs as part of the deal
2. The Measured Approach: Testing and learning with specific use cases and data-driven decision making
3. The Ostriches: Burying their heads in the sand, banning AI out of fear and being terrified of AI disruption as the world marches on.
The truth? Some are seeing significant success with AI. But others are getting no traction as AI isn’t the the silver bullet they hoped for. With a backdrop of tough economic times, many are seeing fatigue set in.
So why are some doing so much better than others and does culture play a part here?
Many companies benefitting from AI are those testing and learning rapidly, against specific use cases. The philosophy of testing early, collaborating and creating working software as quickly as possible is nothing new, it's all part of agile ways of working. But can these core practices also give organisations a leg-up when embracing technological change on the scale we are currently seeing?
It's not just about process and cash, to win, we need a mindset and culture that values:
• Data as the lifeblood: Is data readily available and prioritised across the organisation?
• T-shaped Talent: Data scientists with an understanding of business, UX, and digital engineering
• Breaking Down Silos: Collaboration, because data engineers rarely have all those skills, they need successful collaboration with those who do
The talent war for these skills is fierce, so investment in upskilling alongside attracting and retaining talent is key.
The takeaway? Culture is just as important as investment in this era of AI transformation. The right culture and talent combined with AI will be a formidable force.
#AI #DigitalTransformation #WomeninTech
You nailed it. I’m seeing the same evolution.