Alex Calder, Navigating the triple perspective on AI
There’s a question I ask everyone in the room during the AI Introduction sessions I run for marketing teams.
After we’ve covered the definitions of generative AI, the landscape & key players, and the concept of the jagged edge, I ask everyone to raise their hands if they feel:
🤩 Excited
😬 Nervous
🤔 Sceptical
It’s really a trick question because the reality is that most of us feel all three.
It’s thrilling to be a knowledge worker when the very nature of that role is being questioned. It’s nerve-wracking to ponder whether these tools can take our jobs. And, it’s only natural to be sceptical when we’ve heard so much hype but seen so little impact from similar, much-vaunted technology like the Metaverse or Blockchain.
The idea of being nervous about AI is the concept I’d like to explore today.
Fear as a catalyst for innovation
In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, fear isn’t just natural - it’s necessary. A little apprehension can be the catalyst that drives innovation and safeguards your organisation’s future.
At Jagged Edge, we believe that understanding the transformative power of AI begins with acknowledging its challenges.
AI isn’t a distant future - it’s here, reshaping industries at breakneck speed. While your team grapples with today’s AI challenges, tomorrow’s are already looming. The question isn’t whether to adapt, but how quickly you can adapt. A dose of fear keeps you vigilant, pushing you to stay ahead rather than playing catch-up.
This fear doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s intertwined with the limiting beliefs we hold about change and our ability to adapt.
Limiting beliefs are those internal narratives that convince us we’re not ready, that the risk is too great or that we’re better off sticking to what we know. They act as invisible barriers, preventing us from fully embracing new ideas and innovative solutions. By acknowledging and challenging these beliefs, we not only alleviate our fears but also unlock new possibilities for growth and transformation within our organisation.
Embracing artificial intelligence often evokes a natural sense of fear, especially when it comes to job security. According to a CNBC SurveyMonkey Workforce survey, 60% of employees who regularly use AI worry about its impact on their jobs, even as 72% acknowledge that automation significantly boosts productivity ( source ).
You can see here the duality of fear. It isn’t just a hurdle - it’s also a catalyst. It brings to light the limiting belief that change is something to dread. By confronting this fear head-on, we can dismantle the barriers that hold us back from embracing innovation.
Harnessing fear as a motivating force allows businesses to challenge and remove the limiting beliefs surrounding change.
According to a European Investment Bank report , periods of higher productivity in the US economy have been correlated with lower unemployment rates, countering fears that AI will lead to mass job losses.
This historical perspective helps alleviate some of the anxieties around AI adoption. Instead of viewing technological advancements as threats, organisations can see them as catalysts for growth and innovation. By recognising fear as a valuable indicator, businesses can proactively adapt, redefine roles and thrive amidst rapid evolution, turning apprehension into a driving force for positive transformation.
Stepping over the Jagged Edge with confidence
By transforming fear into a catalyst for action, your organisation can overcome limiting beliefs and fully embrace the potential of AI.
It’s about turning apprehension into opportunity - using that energy to drive innovation rather than hinder it. As you navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, remember that you don’t have to go it alone. With the support of Jagged Edge, you can confidently step into the future, leveraging AI not just to keep up but to lead the way in your industry.