Tag Archives: OrganizationalChange

10.04.24
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Reflecting on AI and the Future of Work : Agile Thinking Matters

Lately, I’ve noticed a recurring theme in my conversations with friends, colleagues, and even organizations: the impact of AI on our jobs. It’s a question that keeps coming up: Should we be worried about AI taking over our jobs and careers?

Recently, during my experience at the XP 2024 Conference in Bolzano, where I presented one of my research papers (which, interestingly, wasn’t related to AI), I found myself in a very cool library-coworking space at Bolzano University. There, I came across two striking images that sparked thoughtful reflection.

The first image humorously depicts a robot teaching a younger robot about the original processor—a human brain. It made me think about how, just like the brain, AI is an incredible tool that can enhance our abilities rather than replace them.

The second image from the MIT Technology Review showcases a future where robots are integrated into our daily lives, helping us with everything from childcare to play. While AI may assist in many aspects of our lives, it’s essential to recognize that human interaction is critical for children’s growth in childcare. AI will take many years to approach the nuanced understanding and emotional support a human caregiver provides. Regarding play, I still remember my first archaic Tetris machine, a reminder that even before AI, machines have always played a role in our lives, often enhancing our play experiences rather than replacing the human touch.

One important point to note is that “AI” is a term that is often too vague. Perhaps we should start narrowing it down to facilitate discussions on how it can genuinely help us. Generative AI and Large Language models (LLMs) essentially identify patterns in language statistically without truly understanding the words they process, which, in some cases, is quite useful.

Additionally, the issue of accountability regarding these tools remains a significant concern. However, I won’t delve into that here, as it is a complex topic deserving of its own focused discussions in the future.

Here’s my take on it, I don’t believe AI is here to “steal” our jobs and careers. Like the Industrial Revolution before it, AI will undoubtedly bring changes. Some jobs may become obsolete, while new opportunities will emerge. Predicting exactly which jobs will be affected is tricky—I don’t have a crystal ball; if I did, I’d be playing the lottery!

I foresee AI enhancing our capabilities, allowing us and organizations to focus on tasks that require critical thinking, creativity, human interaction, craftsmanship, and more—areas where human touch and ingenuity are indispensable. AI isn’t just a replacement; it’s a knowledge multiplier, providing us with faster analyses, more information, and data to support innovative ideas and decisions.

However, it’s crucial not to blindly trust AI—at least not yet. We must review its outcomes to ensure accuracy and relevance. The future isn’t about humans versus machines; it’s about how we can collaborate effectively with AI to unlock new potential.

As we navigate this evolving landscape, embracing and maintaining Agile thinking is essential. We must keep cultivating a mindset of continuous inspection and adaptation to remain relevant in our fields. This approach will allow us to evolve alongside technological advancements, ensuring we leverage AI’s potential while staying true to our unique human skills and creativity.

Let’s embrace this journey with curiosity and readiness to adapt. Together, we can utilize AI’s potential to create a future where human creativity and technological advancement coexist.

09.19.24
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Thought of the day: Who Ya Gonna Call? Unlocking Adaptability and Success in a Rapidly Changing World

Much has been debated about Agility, from the statement that “Agile is Dead” to discussions on the pivotal roles of Agile Coaches and their significant value.

In navigating this landscape, it’s crucial to distinguish between roles like “Facilitators,” “Personal Coaches,” “Agile Coaches,” and “Digital Transformation specialists,” as each plays a distinct part in organisational evolution.

Many organisations face challenges in embracing change, often due to past implementation issues/barriers and a reluctance to adopt new methods or refine existing ones. Yet, the potential benefits of these changes can be profound but are sometimes overlooked.

In moments of organisational challenge, who do you turn to for guidance? Consider this analogy:

“If there’s somethin’ strange in your neighbourhood (organisation),
Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters
If it’s somethin’ weird an it won’t look good,
Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters”

It’s essential to recall the Agile Manifesto and its core values and principles (https://lnkd.in/dTJHbd8g). Agility is a mindset that resonates with Darwin’s insight: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, adaptability and customer focus are crucial. This underscores the need to challenge every facet of an organisation—from its direction and culture to its processes and tools. Organisations should be viewed not as static machines but as dynamic entities where improvements impact all aspects, highlighting the importance of impartiality and autonomy.

In essence, organisations require more than just facilitators—they need individuals with diverse industry knowledge and agile expertise. Optimisation, including automation, is critical, leveraging integrated tools to shift human effort towards analytical, creative, and intellectual pursuits rather than routine tasks. Moreover, measuring the impact of Agile changes through KPIs such as revenue growth, profit increase, and enhanced customer and employee satisfaction is vital.

Adaptability emerges as the cornerstone concept. Once organisations grasp its significance, they can seek the right tools to cultivate it. Whether an organisation needs adaptability in team dynamics, resource allocation, client engagement channels, or individual resilience and self-awareness, specialised professionals are available—Agile Coaches, Digital Transformation specialists, and Personal Coaches—each serving as essential tools in achieving business goals.

Ultimately, these roles are catalysts for building adaptability and flexibility within organisations, paving the way for sustained growth and success.

Note: Only the accompanying image was generated by DALL-E 😅

07.29.24
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Thought of the day: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of our daily challenges. Whether we are working on routine tasks, pursuing professional or personal goals, or tackling complex problems, the initial step is crucial.

We often become paralyzed by what can lie ahead, forgetting that meaningful progress starts with a single small action. Remember, the key is to start. No matter how daunting the task may seem, taking that first step sets the momentum in motion.

This principle also applies to any organizational change. Implementing change within an organization can seem overwhelming due to its complexity and potential resistance. However, initiating small, manageable actions can create a ripple effect that drives larger transformations. Each small step taken collectively by individuals contributes to the overall progress and success of the organization. We build the momentum needed to achieve significant and lasting change by starting with one step.

So today, let’s focus on making that first move towards our goals. Each subsequent step will bring us closer to success.