Yeah, the “who decides” question is one of the biggest concerns I have right now. Today senior leaders are making a lot of decisions based on assumptions, which is problematic.
When people who don’t understand the details of the work decide what parts get automated and what parts don’t, mistakes will be made.
I’m encouraged by some of the orgs I’m working with who are taking the time and involving the right people to understand what’s needed and how to do it well.
Your analysis is interesting and I can’t argue with any of your points. The one thing you didn’t mention was management’s fascination with “magical thinking.” Too often the reaction is that if we just buy this new whiz bang technology our problems will go away. As you rightly pointed out the focus is too often on speed vs. clarity of thought on what should be done. The other issue you pointed out that was spot on was the pull between technology and people. Management will ask how many people can I replace with this technology. Worse yet, management makes assumptions about how many people can be let go and fires them to pay for new technology that either doesn’t work as expected or the remaining people don’t have the expertise or experience to obtain both the productivity or the savings. This is no different from what I saw to justify new business systems like SAP.
You’re right about nothing new under the sun. AI is just the latest expensive new technology that has everyone excited, scared, or both. Unfortunately, unless company managers can slow down and truly take advantage of this technology, the only thing that will happen is the old new technology disasters will happen faster and more catastrophically.
Your point about the magical thinking is spot on. Management is always looking for the “easy button.” How do we accomplish these impossible tasks without any of the work or risk? Ummm…..you don’t.
Love the summary and encouragement at the end here. Nothing new under the sun - entrepreneurs are always working with new tools and technologies to unleash their full potential. This is the same!
Yeah, overreliance doesn't end well for anyone. Unfortunately, we tend to lean towards comfort and complacency, so when AI offers it, we jump on without considering the long-term consequences.
Great article. I agree that using AI in the corporate world is inevitable but who decides what a "mundane" task is? The AI?
Yeah, the “who decides” question is one of the biggest concerns I have right now. Today senior leaders are making a lot of decisions based on assumptions, which is problematic.
When people who don’t understand the details of the work decide what parts get automated and what parts don’t, mistakes will be made.
I’m encouraged by some of the orgs I’m working with who are taking the time and involving the right people to understand what’s needed and how to do it well.
Your analysis is interesting and I can’t argue with any of your points. The one thing you didn’t mention was management’s fascination with “magical thinking.” Too often the reaction is that if we just buy this new whiz bang technology our problems will go away. As you rightly pointed out the focus is too often on speed vs. clarity of thought on what should be done. The other issue you pointed out that was spot on was the pull between technology and people. Management will ask how many people can I replace with this technology. Worse yet, management makes assumptions about how many people can be let go and fires them to pay for new technology that either doesn’t work as expected or the remaining people don’t have the expertise or experience to obtain both the productivity or the savings. This is no different from what I saw to justify new business systems like SAP.
You’re right about nothing new under the sun. AI is just the latest expensive new technology that has everyone excited, scared, or both. Unfortunately, unless company managers can slow down and truly take advantage of this technology, the only thing that will happen is the old new technology disasters will happen faster and more catastrophically.
Your point about the magical thinking is spot on. Management is always looking for the “easy button.” How do we accomplish these impossible tasks without any of the work or risk? Ummm…..you don’t.
Management's never ending quest for the Easy Button!
I'm retired now and don't miss that aspect of work at all.
Love the summary and encouragement at the end here. Nothing new under the sun - entrepreneurs are always working with new tools and technologies to unleash their full potential. This is the same!
Partnership definitely is the right angle, I'm with you on that. If we become too reliant, everybody loses.
Yeah, overreliance doesn't end well for anyone. Unfortunately, we tend to lean towards comfort and complacency, so when AI offers it, we jump on without considering the long-term consequences.