Organisations are investing more and more in AI, redesigning workflows and rethinking their operating models. However, while organisational change can be planned and implemented, helping employees adapt is a different challenge. That difference explains why many transformation programmes fail to realise their full potential.
A lot of the conversations about AI focus on the technology. But many organisations are discovering that implementing AI is only part of the challenge. Realising its full potential and value requires getting the best out of people through change – or the Human Advantage.
We recently explored this in a joint webinar with Linda Essen-Möller from Public Digital. Linda explained that organisations often struggle to respond to change because of both the technology itself and the structures, decision-making processes and organisational norms that shape the way work gets done. And for us, the discussion highlighted a complementary challenge. One part of the picture is redesigning an organisation, the other is helping people adapt within it.
Organisations can introduce new technologies and restructure teams through well-planned transformation programmes. However, the people directly affected by those changes are experiencing something more personal.
They are learning new skills, building confidence, trying to make sense of changing expectations and discovering how they can contribute. As our Director Rosemary McLean puts it, people are far more likely to embrace change when they feel capable, have a sense of agency and are fully supported by those around them.
That’s why we see AI transformation as two connected challenges. The organisational hurdle is redesigning how work happens. The human challenge is to help really embrace new ways of working. Change can be implemented through programmes and technology, but confidence, capability and new habits are developed through learning, reflection, experimentation and experience.
Our View
Adaptable organisations do not happen by chance. They are intentionally designed.
The two questions for organisations are:
- How they redesign work for an AI enabled future, and
- How they help people adapt alongside it
If treated separately, organisations risk changing their systems faster than their people can change with them. But when addressed together, organisations are more likely to realise the full potential of both.
Get in touch to explore exactly how we enable adaptable people and organisations with Human Advantage.
