Getting Started with AI in organizations: A Practical Guide for People Teams.
Fundamental steps for integrating AI into your workflow.
Welcome to FullStack HR, and an extra welcome to the 48 people who have signed up since last week.
If you haven’t yet subscribed, join the 6200+ smart, curious HR folks by subscribing here:
Happy Friday 👋,
I’ll be hosting a free webinar in Swedish on the 21st of December.
Sign-up is free, and no need to drop your email.
The topic relates to today’s topic - working strategically with implementing AI in organizations.
Grab some glögg, invite your friends and I’ll see you on the 21st.
(If there’s enough interest, I’ll do one in English in January.)
Anyways.
I often receive two questions.
The first is, 'Shouldn’t you work full-time with AI?' and the second,
'How do we get started with AI in our people department?'
The answer to the first is straightforward: I won’t.
I'm passionate about working in HR, and as a Senior HR Manager, I plan to continue working in HR forever or until AI potentially changes that landscape.
(Whatever happens first.)
The response to the second question is also simple, albeit more challenging.
Here’s my take, which I’m basing on the countless discussions I’ve had with leaders across the globe during the last year.
Education
This is the first step.
Educate yourself and your team to gain a basic understanding of what AI is, its functions, and its capabilities.
Now, some of you might be thinking, 'Do I need to spend endless amounts of money on an expensive consultant for an "inspirational" session, only to revert to normal afterward?'
Sure, that's one approach.
Alternatively, you could identify a team member who has a deeper understanding of AI and is willing to share their knowledge.
Or perhaps someone in your wider organization has AI expertise.
You could also gather your team to watch a still-relevant webinar from a few months ago.
My course on AI and HR is available, and I offer significant discounts for teams. If you're curious, feel free to reach out (or use the code 'ImCurious' for a 20% discount valid until the 25th of Dec).
The key point here is whether you choose to invest financially or not is your decision, but investing time is non-negotiable.
Make a conscious effort to learn.
It will pay off.
Remove the Stigma
Having educated yourself and your team, you've taken the first step towards being more efficient with GenAI.
But then, a common hurdle often emerges the feeling of,
'Isn't this cheating? Can I really use this as my own work?'
This sentiment is ubiquitous among GenAI users (myself included).
Yes, creating a global benefits process in 45 minutes might feel like a shortcut, but that’s precisely why we use GenAI: not to cheat but to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Overcoming this stigma and accepting the use of GenAI tools is crucial.
How do we achieve this?
By talking about it. By being transparent. By allowing people to use it.
Organize sessions to learn together, create opportunities for sharing experiences, like 'What I accomplished with GenAI this week,' or hold regular working sessions on utilizing these tools best.
Collaboration is key. Transparency another one.
Start
Need inspiration on how to use, for example, ChatGPT?
I've been posting YouTube videos on this topic as well, and I have prompts to get you started.
Be Curious
Curiosity isn't just a trait; it's the driving force behind progress and innovation, especially in a field as dynamic as AI.
If you're here, diving into this topic, it means you've got that spark of curiosity.
And in the constantly shifting landscape of AI, that spark is crucial.
Think about it this way: Every significant technological advancement started with a simple 'What if?' or 'How can we improve this?'
From small tweaks to major breakthroughs, it's all about asking questions, exploring possibilities, and not being afraid to venture into uncharted territory.
It's the same with AI. Whether it's improving existing processes or pioneering new ways to integrate AI into our daily work, that inquisitive mindset leads the way.
No, we mustn’t be the Wright brothers or Marie Curies to make a difference.
But embracing their spirit?
That's something we can all do.
(Yes, even you in the back. I see you.)
So, let's harness this curiosity.
Let’s ask the hard questions about AI, play around with new ideas, and see where they take us.
Sure, there will be trial and error, but that's part of the journey.
In AI, curious minds will pave new paths and discover new horizons - be that curious mind.