In one of our most popular thought leadership articles ever on DoChangeRight.com, we looked at the link between building dynamic teams and business outcomes – and shared the importance of getting to know the whole person to maximize potential. If you implemented those recommendations – or already had them in place – you are likely on the way to having high-performing, effective teams driving your strategic objectives.
But what do you do when a new member of the team joins with endless capabilities and knowledge, but the rest of the team is unsure how to work with their skill set and get the most from them? Enter AI…
AI has taken the zeitgeist – and has moved from a lesser-known, very much ‘in the future’ thing, to becoming more and more embedded in what we do in our everyday lives. So much so that we often don’t even notice how it is informing or driving our decisions.
We can even go as far as to say that AI has been built to be human in nature – to effortlessly gel with our society, promising endless efficiencies and advancements in everything from spotting cures for disease to saving us the tedious task of writing up notes at the end of a meeting. Therefore, when introduced into the world at work, we must consider it as a new member of the team.
So, what does this mean exactly? Let’s look at what it’s solving for, what its strengths and weaknesses are, and the best ‘ways of working’ to get the most from it. We also know that integrating AI into a team may cause a stir with existing members – some may think this is the best thing since sliced bread, others may be unphased by it, but some may see it as a threat – an unknown entity with similar skills.
No matter what your team dynamic is, and regardless of whether the majority of the team is on board, there is a surefire way to make sure AI is used to its full potential and optimizes a team’s effectiveness: moving from reactive to proactive:
What steps can you take to embed AI mindfully into your team dynamic? As with any team member, there are multiple factors you will want to consider, ensuring effectiveness:
1. Start with the business objective: What are you trying to achieve and where would AI help? What are your current teams’ skills and capabilities, and can AI help plug any of those gaps, OR can AI free up valuable time to let your team make the most of their strengths? Think of it as a way to supercharge what each team member is bringing to the table.
2. Think about what you and the wider organization already use and challenge yourself to think outside the box: Do you know the extent to which technology or AI is currently driving decision-making? Is what you are already doing really enhancing your team and ensuring successful delivery? Are you just using it because it is there, or is it a considered decision? You will likely have a team in your digital function who are already looking at just this. Tap into them for information and intel that can help you shape the right solution.
3. Make the introductions to your team: Think through the best way to introduce and embed your AI once you’ve landed on the solution. It might be you’ve brought in team members already to help shape that decision, but either way, you need a clear ‘why’ for the solution. You also need clear guidance on when and how to use it to best effect.
4. Review and adjust as you go: Give your team time to get accustomed to the new kid on the block. There may be teething pains as well as successes, so it’s important to take stock and evaluate what’s working. This will help you shift support as needed to help everyone make the most of AI, but may also mean you need to revisit your initial objective – is it actually giving you and the team the right outcome?
In short, ensuring your teams are set up to use AI, critically evaluating its strengths and weaknesses, and challenging it, will take your team’s effectiveness to a new level. One which is outcomes-driven and focused. Like with individual team members, how you use AI should be mindfully considered in light of what you are trying to achieve and the team dynamics you have in place.
Daggerwing Group has extensive experience guiding teams through these steps. Please get in contact with us if you would like examples of how this can be brought to life for you.