{"id":25761,"date":"2022-06-02T16:40:12","date_gmt":"2022-06-02T14:40:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/?p=25761"},"modified":"2022-11-03T15:35:47","modified_gmt":"2022-11-03T13:35:47","slug":"guide-to-artificial-intelligence-ai-for-managers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/guide-to-artificial-intelligence-ai-for-managers\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Managers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In an era of digital progression that\u2019s focused on big data and artificial intelligence (AI), there are five companies leading the charge. They are: Alphabet (Google\u2019s parent company), Amazon, Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft.<sup>1<\/sup> These industry giants collectively racked up a market capital of over $9 trillion in February 2022,<sup>2<\/sup> and part of their dominance lies in the technology utilized. With that in mind, it\u2019s not hard to see why there has been a laser-focus on AI technologies in recent years.<\/p>\n<p>According to research:<\/p>\n\n\n<div>\n            <!-- Responsive picture tag -->\n        <picture class=\"picture-block\">\n            <source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/new-managers-AI_gdp-desktop-1.png\" >\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/new-managers-AI_gdp-mobi-1.png\" alt=\"Bar graph showing upwards trend. According to research AI is expected to increase the global GDP up to 14% in 2030, which is equal to 15.7 trillion dollars.\">\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s becoming increasingly pertinent for managers to develop a deeper understanding of the technology behind this impetuous disruption. This will enable them to effortlessly include AI in their business management practices.<\/p>\n<h2>A guide to AI for managers<\/h2>\n<p>Before implementing AI, you\u2019ll need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>The Oxford Dictionary defines AI as, \u201cthe theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.\u201d <sup>4<\/sup><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Understand AI<\/strong><br>Since this technology is still developing, it will likely go beyond this definition. The potential for AI technology in redefining how we do business is enormous.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Assess your attitude towards AI<\/strong><br>A shift in mindset is necessary to allow your organization to embrace the potential of AI. This technology requires a dynamic environment, and successful enterprises use the concept of \u2018productive failure\u2019 to maneuver through AI implementation. Ordinary processes often cannot be applied to disruptive technology, and AI-based algorithms require tests, trials, and training. An agile approach will be essential as you learn alongside AI technology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Incorporate AI into your business management strategy<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Choose the right technology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>AI may be considered the future of the business world,<sup>5<\/sup> but how do you apply it to managerial functions on a practical level? The first rule is that AI must be easy to use \u2013 it may sound simple, but it\u2019s true.<sup>6<\/sup> The more difficult it is to learn to use, the harder it will be to incorporate AI into business processes.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Build the best strategy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After you\u2019ve identified the right technology for your business need, the next step is to ensure the company has a fully-fledged strategy for AI implementation.<\/p>\n<p>To bridge the gap between strategy and actual AI implementation means understanding the business <em>implications<\/em> of adopting AI technology. It\u2019s about recruiting the right talent to provide the necessary skills and insight, as well as equipping current employees with new skills to see the strategy through.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Drive holistic change<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>AI shouldn&#8217;t operate in a silo: its insights must be shared across the organization, creating a business-wide technology impact. Employees&#8217; resistance to change will need to be managed, and a culture that embraces technology must be established and nurtured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Consider the challenges<\/h3>\n<p><em>Harvard Business Review<\/em> has gone into an in-depth overview of AI and machine learning. A statement from this article that stands out,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>\u201cOne of machine learning\u2019s greatest legacies may well be the creation of a new generation of business leaders.\u201d <sup>7<\/sup><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of the challenges of AI adoption lies with leadership. As a manager you\u2019ll need to create and have:<sup>8<\/sup><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Long-term vision<\/li>\n<li>Openness to new ideas<\/li>\n<li>A flexible mindset<\/li>\n<li>Compatible technology<\/li>\n<li>Effective collaboration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Common barriers to AI adoption and tools to overcome them<\/h2>\n<p>While your strategy for introducing AI technologies into your organization may be sound, there could be potential resistance to new systems and operational changes.<\/p>\n<h3>Why do employees resist?<\/h3>\n<p>Digital transformation is generally synonymous with a change to job roles. For many people, change can amplify feelings of job insecurity and threaten their place in the organization.<sup>9<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>These feelings will be aggravated if management fails to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Communicate thoroughly with its staff and consult them on the changes<\/li>\n<li>Explain the personal and overall benefits for each employee in using the new technology<\/li>\n<li>Introduce a clear change management process with the required training<\/li>\n<li>Reassure employees that the new systems won\u2019t necessarily mean redundancy of staff<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Here\u2019s how to conquer the common barriers to AI adoption.<sup>10<\/sup><\/p>\n<h3>Communicate<\/h3>\n<p>The most important part of change management is communication. Don\u2019t leave your employees completely out of the loop. Take care to answer legitimate questions your employees pose and address their concerns. Conduct transparent communication from the moment you start the change management process.<\/p>\n<h3>Engage<\/h3>\n<p>Besides transparent communication, consciously engage your employees in the change process. Employees who are actively involved feel acknowledged, understood, appreciated, and inspired. Encourage your employees to speak up, and to highlight any concerns and questions.<\/p>\n<h3>Train<\/h3>\n<p>Introducing innovations often results in jobs and roles changing. It\u2019s important to help guide your employees through the change process and ensure they\u2019re ready for the future. Where you can, upskill and train your employees. This will make the transition easier, and employees will feel more positive and confident about the implementation of new technologies.<\/p>\n<h2>The success of AI in business will depend on leadership<\/h2>\n<p>As Erik Brynjolfsson, Director of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy and Co-faculty Director of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/mit-sloan-digital-business-strategy-harnessing-our-digital-future-online-short-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Digital Business Strategy: Harnessing Our Digital Future<\/a> online short course states: <strong>\u201cHarnessing machine learning can be transformational, but for it to be successful, enterprises need leadership from the top&#8221;<\/strong>. This means understanding that when machine learning changes one part of the business \u2013 the product mix, for example \u2013 then other parts must also change. This can include everything from marketing and production to supply chain, and even hiring and incentive systems.\u201d<sup>11<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Adopting AI means viewing it as a tool for effective innovation and productivity, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/products\/mit-sloan-managing-the-human-side-of-digital-disruption-online-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">managing the human side of disruption<\/a> is essential.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Embrace AI and elevate your understanding with an online short course<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/subject-matter\/artificial-intelligence\" style=\"background-color:#e51470\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Browse the portfolio<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<div id=\"accordion\">\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div id=\"headingOne\" class=\"card-header\">\n<h6 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn\" style=\"background-color: transparent;\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#sources\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"sources\"> <strong>Click here to view sources<\/strong> <\/button><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"sources\" class=\"collapse\" aria-labelledby=\"headingOne\" data-parent=\"#accordion\">\n<div class=\"card-body\">\n<ul class=\"mx-0\" style=\"list-style: none;\">\n\n<li class=\"mb-4\"><sup>1<\/sup> (Apr, 2022). \u2018The world\u2019s six most valuable companies\u2019. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theweek.co.uk\/business\/companies\/955282\/worlds-most-valuable-companies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> The Week<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n<li class=\"mb-4\"><sup>2<\/sup> (Apr, 2022). \u2018The world\u2019s six most valuable companies\u2019. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theweek.co.uk\/business\/companies\/955282\/worlds-most-valuable-companies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> The Week<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n<li class=\"mb-4\"><sup>3<\/sup> Rao, A., et al. (2017). \u2018Sizing the prize: What\u2019s the real value of AI for your business and can you capitalise?\u2019. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwc.com\/gx\/en\/issues\/analytics\/assets\/pwc-ai-analysis-sizing-the-prize-report.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> PwC<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n<li class=\"mb-4\"><sup>4<\/sup> (Nd). \u2018Artificial intelligence\u2019. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexico.com\/en\/definition\/artificial_intelligence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Lexico<\/a>. Accessed February 28, 2022. <\/li>\n\n<li class=\"mb-4\"><sup>5<\/sup> Brynjolfsson, E. &amp; McAfee, A. (Jul, 2017). \u2018The business of artificial intelligence\u2019. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2017\/07\/the-business-of-artificial-intelligence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Harvard Business Review<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n<li class=\"mb-4\"><sup>6<\/sup> D\u2019Silva, V. &amp; Lawler, B. (Feb, 2022). \u2018What makes a company successful at using AI?\u2019. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2022\/02\/what-makes-a-company-successful-at-using-ai\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Harvard Business Review<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n<li class=\"mb-4\"><sup>7<\/sup> Brynjolfsson, E. &amp; McAfee, A. (Nd). \u2018The business of artificial intelligence\u2019. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2017\/07\/the-business-of-artificial-intelligence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Harvard Business Review<\/a>. Accessed February 28, 2022.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"mb-4\"><sup>8<\/sup> Watters, A. (Jun, 2021). \u2018Using AI in business: Examples of artificial intelligence application in business\u2019. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.comptia.org\/blog\/using-ai-in-business\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> CompTIA<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n<li class=\"mb-4\"><sup>9<\/sup> Jeet Rai, S. (Aug, 2021). \u2018How to overcome user resistance to new technology\u2019. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.sogeti.com\/how-to-overcome-user-resistance-to-new-technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Sogeti Labs<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n<li class=\"mb-4\"><sup>10<\/sup> Schilperoort, L. (Dec, 2020). \u2018How to manage employee resistance to automation\u2019. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/smart-robotics.io\/en\/blog\/managing-employee-resistance-to-robots-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Smart Robotics<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n<li class=\"mb-4\"><sup>11<\/sup> Mercado, K. (Nov, 2021). \u201832 inspiring quotes about artificial intelligence\u2019. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/ai-quotes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Salesforce<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In an era of digital progression that\u2019s focused on big data and artificial intelligence (AI), there are five companies leading the charge. They are: Alphabet (Google\u2019s parent company), Amazon, Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft.1 These industry giants collectively racked up a market capital of over $9 trillion in February 2022,2 and part of their dominance lies [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":74,"featured_media":40285,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[122,120],"article-format":[],"class_list":["post-25761","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-advice","tag-business-management","tag-systems-technology"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.2 (Yoast SEO v26.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Guide to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Managers | GetSmarter Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" 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