Organizations are adopting AI into their business operations at an unprecedented rate. This huge adoption must also be embraced as it enables organizations to boost their productivity, develop new and innovative products that resonate with their consumers, enhance their customer experience, and streamline business to minimize cost. With so many benefits, why would an organization not integrate AI? Well, the problem lies with the leadership. The lack of efficient AI leaders makes it difficult to properly plan and execute AI solutions for businesses.
It is evident from the fact that while 92% of organizations plan to integrate AI into their business operations, only 1% claim to be AI mature i.e., they have fully integrated AI across their organization’s various workflows (Source: McKinsey Digital).
This is where the AI-first leadership approach comes into play which can surely revolutionize how businesses operate. Let’s understand how leaders can adopt this and what advantage they can enjoy.
Importance of AI-First Leadership
AI won’t replace humans – but humans skilled in AI will replace humans without AI”
- Karim Lakhani, Harvard School Professor
Rightly put by professor Karim Lakhani, it is a fact that AI is the major cause of job displacement and those who fail to upgrade or update their AI skills might be in danger of losing their job. Several organizations have already integrated AI into their business operations, workflows, and strategies. AI leaders now don’t just look into building or choosing the right AI solution and overseeing AI implementation, but they need to lead the entire digital transformation process of their organization.
It is their responsibility to identify AI’s potential in streamlining their business operations and aligning them with their organizational goals for maximum efficiency and productivity with reduced cost and expertise. It is also their responsibility to develop a culture of AI within their employees to foster their creativity, decision-making, and innovations.
The Role of Mid-Senior Level Leaders in AI Transformation
Of course, the senior-level AI professionals and management have the most important role in designing the strategies and goals for AI implementation, it is the mid-senior level leaders like AI project managers and others who need to effectively execute those strategies and drive the digital transformation.
They hold a strong position between the strategic decision-makers and the operational workforce and bridge the gap between planning and action (execution). They are the first to implement AI into their work, their team’s workflows, or cross-functional processes.
They convert their organization’s and senior AI leaders’ high-level goals into smaller actionable tasks, execute them, train and support the frontline workers with necessary AI skills and education, and encourage them to greater AI adoption by making them realize AI’s potential.
These mid-level professionals are also in the best position to identify areas where AI can prove to be revolutionary which might go unnoticed by the senior-level professionals.
Do you know, that a recent survey found that only 48% of mid-level professionals believe their skills are properly utilized by their senior-level professionals for transformation efforts? (HBR)
Therefore, senior AI leaders need to recognize these mid-level professional’s skills and leverage their creativity and ingenuity in improving their business operations.
How to Develop AI-First Leadership Thinking
Preparing AI leaders for the future requires a fundamental shift, right from thinking in AI perspective to investing in AI leadership training.
Here are a few steps to follow:
1. Strong foundational AI knowledge is a must
Business leaders need to have a basic understanding of fundamental AI concepts like NLP, machine learning, GAN, computer vision, etc., and how they can be utilized for business operations like automation.
2. Nurturing AI-first mindset
Business leaders must also acknowledge AI isn’t just a tool or technology but an integral component of modern-day businesses to enhance productivity and efficiency. So, instead of fearing job displacement, they must empower their employees with AI and embrace AI’s potential.
- AI Skills training The next step is to empower the existing workforce with essential AI skills to build, execute, and implement AI projects. They can consider offering them the best AI certifications to upskill and contribute to the organization’s digital transformation.
4. AI Leadership Certifications
Not just employees, but even business leaders need sufficient training to improve their AI leadership skills. There are several AI certifications for CEOs, presidents, and other senior-level professionals that can help them learn how to hone their AI skills and lead AI transformation.
CAITL™ for AI Leaders
The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) is a global leading AI leadership certification provider. It also offers several other certifications for students and mid-senior level professionals. This particular Certified AI Transformation Leader (CAITL™) is a recognized AI leadership certification for business leaders that empowers them with strategic AI skills, how to implement AI, choose or build the best solutions, and more.
This is an online self-paced learning program and also consists of two live master classes led by renowned AI experts Dr. Cindy Gordon and Dr, Milton Mattox.
You will also get a world-class resource center consisting of eBooks, HQ lecture videos, and use cases to understand AI transformation knowledge and skills deeply.
Conclusion
AI transformation is happening really fast. It is not a one-man effort but requires a combined effort from business leaders, mid-level professionals, frontline workers, and all to achieve the desired result. Once successfully planned and implemented, AI can lead to transformative outcomes. However, organizations and AI leaders must foster an AI-first approach and culture within their organizations. Enroll in the best AI leadership certifications like CAITL™ and learn how you can fully leverage AI for your organization's growth systematically. Register now.
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