Cross-Functional AI Teams
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Cross-Functional AI Teams

As a LinkedIn Editorial Top Voice, thought leader, author, educator, strategy facilitator, and training practitioner, I write a weekly article that benefits existing and emerging leaders who want to improve their organizations significantly.

Developing an AI Implementation Team

Two weeks ago, we began with an overview of a framework for human-artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration. This week, we shift from last week’s focus on the first element of the AI continuous learning and upskilling framework to the topic of cross-functional AI teams. The integration of AI should be guided by a group that represents those impacted by its implementation. It’s essential to combine technical and human-centered expertise in AI development. The primary goal is to ensure that decisions are made with, not for, workers.

Cross-functional leaders play a pivotal role in breaking down silos and fostering collaboration among diverse teams. AI acts as a unifying force by automating routine tasks and reducing communication barriers, allowing teams to focus on high-value work. – Agile Business Consortium

Avoid the Mistakes of Others

When I read the quote, I am reminded of many failures in technology implementation. I witnessed an instance where there was little to no guidance, resulting in each department working to replicate the old system, often at the expense of the needs of other departments. Another example involved the purchase of software used by medical personnel that could not spell-check medical terms—one of many issues highlighting that the software developers never included potential end users in the development process. They requested users to share suggestions for improvements, and one person responded that they should first address the feedback to ensure it was actually functional. Both examples illustrate a lack of cross-functional teams leading the implementation.

AI Team Development Guidelines

These examples illustrate the rationale for building a cross-functional AI team that effectively combines technical and human-centered expertise and includes several essential elements:

  1. Develop a Team Charter - The team must set guidelines to follow as members of a human-centered, cross-functional AI team. Leadership should communicate how their work aligns with the organization's vision and goals, primarily aiming to use AI as a tool to empower workers rather than replace them.
  2. Ethical Considerations – The ethical guidelines should be clearly defined as they pertain to AI to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in all of their work.
  3. Leadership Commitment to Employees - Company executives must agree and convey that workforce reductions will not take place as a result of implementing AI.
  4. Diverse Skill Sets - The team should comprise individuals with diverse work backgrounds, as diversity fosters creativity and innovation. The main goal is to integrate user-centered design methodologies into the AI development process.
  5. Agile Methodologies - Embrace agile methodologies to enable iterative development and rapid adjustments based on user feedback. This flexibility is essential in responding to evolving needs.
  6. Stakeholder Engagement – The team should regularly engage with end users to gain valuable insights and ensure that the AI solutions developed are practical and beneficial. The team should adopt a 'fail-fast' perspective, using pilot tests to evaluate the feasibility of proposed solutions.
  7. Continuous Learning - Promote ongoing learning and adaptability. You should offer team members opportunities to stay informed about the latest advancements in AI and practices in human-centered design.
  8. Measuring Impact - Develop metrics to evaluate the impact of AI solutions on workers. This can aid in making informed decisions and refining the approach based on real-world outcomes.

By focusing on these elements, you can create a cross-functional AI team that not only develops advanced technologies but also values the well-being and input of the workers they aim to support.

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Yan Krukau on Pexels

Key Takeaways

The integration of AI should be guided by a group that represents those affected by its implementation. Leadership must assemble a cross-functional AI team that effectively combines technical and human-centered expertise, one that values the well-being and input of the workers it aims to support.

First Step

Effective leadership begins with assessing the current internal ability to build a cross-functional team equipped to develop a plan that embraces a human-centered approach. It's essential to establish a strong AI implementation team, which may include internal training or upskilling, or acquiring external support to enhance internal capabilities.

My Gratitude

In writing this article, I was reminded of the exemplars in change management. What I have recommended as elements necessary to build a successful AI implementation team is a compilation of what I have learned from other initiatives, such as becoming a lean manufacturing organization. The change principles remain largely the same. The primary difference is what is being implemented.

How I Can Help

Do you need help crafting strategies that empower your team, transform your operations, and build a sustainable future for your business? If so, please contact me to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward purposeful growth. Feel free to book an appointment, email me at JoeSprangel.ESS@gmail.com, or call me at 734-664-9076 if you need help with my manufacturing support services, such as strategy training and facilitation.

Invite Others

If you find this newsletter helpful, please share it with those in your network who would benefit from subscribing. They can access it at Humanist Manufacturing. Thank you in advance for your continued support, which I greatly appreciate.

Additional Information

To learn more about our work or read more blog posts, visit emmanuelstratgicsustainability.com.

I encourage you to read my book Humanist Manufacturing: A Humanitarian Approach to Excellence in High-Impact Plant Operations. The paperback and eBook versions are now available at Amazon and many other booksellers. You can also watch the Humanist Manufacturing Book Launch video to gain additional insight into the humanist manufacturing framework.

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Sign up for Strategy, Change Management, & Tactical Planning (Regularly $149 but $99 for a limited time). The course assists in the strategy development and planning necessary to move the company from the current state to a more human-centered future state operation. The course participant learns how to shift conversations from a deficit to a strengths-based approach, essential to drive the beneficial change required to achieve transformational organizational results. The content provides guidance to utilize the SOAR framework for strategy development, the work to develop tactical plans, and the elements of a successful change management initiative.

If you like what you have read, I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn. I am honored and humbled for this recognition as a LinkedIn Editorial Top Voice, an invitation-only group featuring senior-level experts and leaders. Less than 0.5% of LinkedIn members receive this invitation, which is 1 billion LinkedIn members.

See my virtual TEDx videos at Reinventing the Prison Industrial Complex and Humanist Manufacturing.

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