Embracing AI: Simple, but Not Easy
We humans are creatures of habit. We find satisfaction in work even when it’s tedious. We often take pride in the effort, regardless of whether the task itself is meaningful or effective. The reality is that AI and automation can handle many of our tasks faster and more efficiently, freeing us up to focus on work that truly matters. Yet despite knowing this, we hesitate. Why? Because change—especially when it challenges our deep-seated work habits—is simple in theory but not easy in practice.
The Work Addiction We Don’t Talk About
Work addiction isn’t just about long hours or stress. It’s also about familiarity. We’re used to how things are done, even if they’re inefficient. We enjoy the feeling of being “in the zone,” fully immersed in a task. That sense of productivity is gratifying, even if in hindsight we should have delegated the task to a colleague or an AI system.
This is why digital transformation isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. Businesses often struggle to automate not because the tools are inadequate but because teams resist changing their workflow. It’s a classic case of “if it isn’t broken, why fix it?” But the truth is, just because a process works doesn’t mean it’s the best use of our time.
The Hidden Cost of Routine
Consider a professional who spends hours each week compiling reports or searching for information across multiple systems. This person may take pride in their organizational skills and problem-solving abilities, but what if those hours were better spent on strategy, innovation, or client relationships? The cost of sticking to old habits is not just inefficiency—it’s lost potential.
Companies that embrace AI-driven solutions don’t just automate tasks; they empower employees to focus on high-value work that aligns with their strengths and motivations. AI isn’t here to replace people—it’s here to give people their time back.
Make AI Improvement Clearly Worthwhile and Seamlessly Integrated into Daily Operations
Implementing AI successfully isn’t just about technology—it’s about making continuous improvement a habit. The best way to do this?
Start with making sure that there is a lot to win by implementing a specific case. The results of the improvement should be clear and measurable. Describe it in the number of hours you’re going to save and the money you will earn because you can work on more important stuff.
To make this happen, give your team the structure and support they need. Set up a scrum team driven by people who are not caught up in day-to-day operations. This ensures they have the time and focus to push improvements forward. Plan standups to regularly discuss goals and activities, keeping momentum high.
You can even fine-tune the speed of implementation by adjusting key factors:
- Increase the number of standups per week
- Allocate more time per person for improvements
- Expand the number of people in the scrum team
And in order to keep things going: make sure that not only you, but everybody wants to improve. You can do that by setting clear, actionable goals for everyone. A simple yet effective target could be: implement at least one improvement per month with your colleagues.
And here’s the funny part—this process isn’t new. In fact, it’s been around for ages. But with the power of AI, it’s more relevant (and effective) than ever. So, why not make the most of it?
The Future is Not Just Automated—It’s Human
AI adoption isn’t just a technical challenge; it’s a cultural one. To succeed, organizations must help employees break free from outdated work habits and embrace a future where work is about impact, not just effort. The transition is simple but not easy—but then again, neither is growth.
And isn’t that the kind of challenge worth embracing?
