Our Journey to Harnessing Generative AI: How to Build and Empower an Effective AI Team

Are you curious about integrating generative AI into your business? Join us as we share insights from our journey in building a team to lead the way. Every Tuesday, I delve into a new chapter of our AI adoption story, hoping to provide you with valuable takeaways.

The Starting Point: Forming a Team

Last week, we discussed why we are embarking on this AI journey. This week, let's explore the first critical step: team formation.

Why Team Formation Comes First

Unlike some traditional approaches where ideation and strategy precede team formation, we started by assembling a team. A diverse group brings varied perspectives, essential for tackling the multifaceted challenges of generative AI. We appreciate the push and pull of different points of view. Our team includes technologists, business experts, strategists, web developers, communication specialists, and those adept at optimizing language use (think prompt engineers).

Key Attributes of Our Team Members:

1. Drive and Enthusiasm: A relentless focus on progress with urgency and purpose.
2. Innovative Thinking: An ability to explore solutions from multiple angles without getting fixated on a single approach.
3. Diligence and Helpfulness: A commitment to supporting each other and  the company wide industry professionals we aim to serve.

Learning and Adapting in a Fast-Paced Environment

We all know things are changing fast. With the rapid advancements in generative AI, staying agile is crucial. Our team, though not initially AI experts, possesses a genuine interest in the field. This passion drives continuous learning and adaptation as we navigate the evolving landscape of AI.

The Role of the Team:

• Experimentation: Engaging in testing and rapid prototyping of AI applications. There is an R and D function to the team but it has to yield usable results that are judged by whether others find them of value.
• Integration: Facilitating seamless adoption of AI tools across the company. We want to make it easy for all to try and be there to support them as they do.
• Communication: Maintaining open dialogue at individual, team, and company-wide levels to understand needs and deliver effective solutions.

Why AI Expertise Isn't Essential at the Start

We began with basic generative tools and large language models, learning as we go. While AI expertise is valuable, it's the shared enthusiasm and dedication of our team that propels us forward.

Attributes to Look for in Your AI Team:

• Genuine Interest: A natural curiosity that extends beyond the workplace. It’s the kind of enthusiasm that makes people immerse themselves in all aspects of the topic.
• Strategic and Critical Thinking: The ability to plan and assess effectively, even without formal AI training. Much of the work is experimental and exploratory but then effective results need to be worked out.

Looking Ahead

Our experience highlights the importance of building a team with diverse skills and a shared passion for AI. As we continue to integrate AI into our workflows, we learn and grow together.

Join me next Tuesday as I discuss the priorities for an AI team and how to set the stage for impactful AI initiatives.