We are at the cusp of collaborative intelligence. Humans and machines are working more closely than ever, and AI has caught the attention of leaders, customers, and employees across the world. Like the transformative shift during the pandemic when businesses moved to remote and hybrid working, enterprises are now eager to take the AI plunge in 2023. Doing so will depend largely on how well the organisation’s culture is primed to embrace and leverage AI for successful business outcomes.

AI today is fundamental. It helps employees improve productivity, helps businesses generate new revenue streams, and provides enhanced experiences to employees and customers alike. Enterprises equipped with the talent and culture to leverage AI for actual positive business outcomes will clearly differentiate themselves in the future. 

Here’s a three-step guide to how leaders can create a culture that is future-ready:

Cultivate a culture of adaptability: According to McKinsey, generative AI’s impact on productivity could add trillions of dollars in value to the global economy. Enterprises keen on extracting maximum value from AI and converting abstract plans into tangible results must acknowledge the need for continuous learning, invest in a learning culture, and evolve with time. Young professionals are not threatened, but rather excited about AI. They understand the need for upskilling, and employers run the risk of losing valuable talent when this need is not acknowledged. 

Seek talent, not positions:  There’s no doubt about the impact of AI on jobs. On the one hand, while there are reports suggesting the displacement of jobs, on the other hand, there is growing interest in emerging new job profiles like prompt engineers, AI trainers, and AI auditors. AI has demonstrated the ability to help knowledge workers lift the weight of redundant work and drudgery, allowing them to focus on creativity, innovation, and value creation. Leaders keen on building an organisation that is fit for the future must start looking for skills and competencies and look beyond conventional job roles.  

Create a framework for responsible AI: Implementing rules and governance for the use of AI tools within organisations is essential in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. These rules act as a safeguard, ensuring that AI technologies are employed responsibly and ethically. They help mitigate the risk of biased decision-making, data breaches, and unintended consequences. Moreover, they foster transparency and accountability, allowing organizations to clearly define the boundaries and expectations surrounding AI use. By establishing a framework of rules and governance, organisations can harness the potential of AI while also ensuring that it aligns with their values, complies with regulations, and promotes responsible innovation.

India, according to a report by Microsoft, Bain & Company, and industry body Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), produces 16% of the world’s AI talent pool, which makes India the third highest in the world. Our youth have demonstrated growth and innovation and are increasingly seeking autonomy, purpose, and relevance in the new borderless workplace. Whether or not enterprises can make the best of AI depends ultimately on how invested leaders are in cultivating a culture that can help new talent thrive and drive new initiatives.