How Companies Can Succeed with Generative AI

Generative AI is like the new super employee at the office—always ready to take on new tasks, never tired, and with a knowledge base that extends far beyond human capabilities. This technology can revolutionize the way we work, create, and think. As a business owner, how can you ensure AI becomes your best employee? And why do so many fail in doing so?

AI assistants - The ultimate team members

Imagine generative AI as the ultimate team member. It can read large amounts of text quickly, write captivating content, manage bid writing, perform manual tasks, and even analyze data at lightning speed. For Norwegian companies for instance, this means a golden opportunity to automate tedious tasks and free up time to focus on what truly matters. After all, we have one of the highest wage levels in the world, so we should utilize humans for what they excel at and let AI handle everything else.

A solid AI strategy

Before you hand AI the office keycard, you need to determine where it can be most beneficial. Is it customer service that needs a boost? Or perhaps product development could use some AI magic? Take a closer look at your business areas and identify where AI can provide the most value for the money.

Once you have found your AI sweet spot, it is time to create a plan. A solid AI strategy is like a good onboarding process; it must align with the company's goals. Ensure you have the technological infrastructure in place so AI can operate efficiently without technical obstacles.

Reasons why AI implementations fail

There are several reasons why AI implementation can go wrong or never start:

1. Lack of strategy: many companies jump on the AI bandwagon without a clear plan. Without a distinct strategy, AI initiatives can become fragmented and ineffective.
2. Cultural resistance: AI can induce fear of change among employees. Without a culture that embraces technology and innovation, AI adoption can face resistance. If AI is perceived as a threat to the workplace, it may lead to reluctance in adopting it.
3. Lack of skills: AI requires specific skills, and it can be challenging to find or develop necessary expertise internally. But if you completely release it, you can use AI to ask what you can do with AI.
4. Limited access: If only It and leadership teams can test AI, it can be a poor strategy. AI should be integrated into the business areas, not just IT. IT can actually become an obstacle if costs increase dramatically and fall solely within the IT budget. Release it to all employees and work across business areas to create user adoption.

AI is here to stay

AI is here to stay, and this means we need to be ready to collaborate with it. Employees must be comfortable working with AI tools and understand how to use them to their advantage. Invest in training and foster a culture that encourages learning and innovation. Consider it learning new work methods; it can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding.

To truly benefit from AI, you must dare to experiment. Create a culture where there is room to test new ideas and learn from mistakes. Iterative development, where solutions are continuously improved and adapted, is the key to success. Think of it as having a team member always ready to try something new; sometimes you strike gold, other times you learn something new.

I have seen clients develop ambassador programs, allowing them to work cross-functionally as dedicated teams to exchange experiences. This has been a success for several businesses that have succeeded. Generative AI is here to become your new super employee. By focusing on the right areas, investing in skills, and ensuring ethical use, businesses can not only enhance their efficiency but also drive innovation and growth. AI is your new partner in this exciting journey, a catalyst for future success.