5 ways to use Artificial intelligence in Change Management

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - everyone is talking about it. I recently recorded an Episode in Next Level Success covering this very topic, providing ways in which you can leverage AI. But let's bridge the gap between talking about it conceptually and how it can be used in a practical sense.  And the first major insight is that the more you use it, the more you will work on asking quality questions. The better the questions you ask, the better the output. The second main consideration is that the combination of your input and the AI generated output will always mean you will end up with better information.

Also I will allay your fears which may have been created by watching War Games, Terminator or the Matrix (does that age me?), the machines will not replace us! We are simply challenged to advance ourselves in line with the technology available to us. Let's face it, if my parents can text, Facetime and use What's app, then anyone can at least have a play with ChatGPT. 

But let's cover off how it can be a valuable tool for Change Managers in enhancing the planning and delivery of change management activities. Here are five ways AI can be leveraged:

1. Provide you with research into similar changes

   • Provide insights into failures and successes: AI is great for research as it can bring together multiple data sources into a cohesive story. If you don't have experience in a certain type of change, AI such as ChatGPT can provide insights into areas to focus on and tips for you. Ask ChatGPT about the specific type of change you are introducing, and any insights or learnings as well as tangible examples of organisations who have introduced the change.

2. Sentiment questions and analysis for Feedback Collection:

   • AI can analyse employee feedback from various channels (e.g., surveys, forums, emails) to gauge the overall sentiment towards the proposed change.
   • Ask questions to identify feedback channels that could be used for change. Discover what tools could be used that you may not have considered yet.
   • You can ask CHAT GPT to create a 7 question survey to capture a baseline sentiment for an upcoming change related to the one you are working on. When it comes back with the response, take the time to change words and edit away. At least you won't be starting with a blank piece of paper.

3. Improved quality Communication and Training:

   • Tailored Messaging: Using AI, communication can be personalised to the recipient's role, past behavior, and predicted reactions. This ensures that the message is relevant, which can lead to better engagement and understanding.

   • Adaptive Training: For changes that require new skills or knowledge, AI-driven training platforms can adapt content based on the learner's progress, ensuring that they receive the right level of instruction and support. You could also use AI to review your training to get a better quality product. Not to mention Chatbot functionality can provide real time support for common challenges that learners may have.

4. Change Impact Analysis:

   • AI can help model and predict the ripple effects of a change initiative on various aspects of an organisation – from workflows and processes to roles and responsibilities. Investment into databanks and predictive analysis is underway and this will improve over time. Over time this could be an area of great opportunity and leverage for change practitioners as it matures. It can help with dashboard creation of impacts after the introduction of change and further evidence the need for change resources.

5. Creative cut through

   • Graphics : AI tools are integrated into design applications such a Canva. This was always a great app but now it is taken to another level. It now provides you with an option for you to input text to generate an image. The results are ok, there are potentially better AI design tools for image creation, but it will only ever improve. This is helpful for anyone who doesn't have Adobe Design or Graphic Design skills, but who have image ideas that have had no avenue to come to life.

   • Storytelling: we all know that storytelling is powerful when it comes to engaging and inspiring others about a change. But sometimes you just don't know where to start right? Well now there are tools you can use to generate a story which once again, you can edit, change and tailor as you need. OR you can put your thoughts around a story into an AI tool such as ChatGPT and have it create some thoughts that you can edit and tailor to your audience (which you specify details of, in your instructions).

These were just five ways that AI can be used. Remember this evolution in technology will still need human intervention to validate, moderate, and to add the inevitable tailoring required to organisation's language and look and feel. That never goes away. But to ignore or resist this evolution in technology would be folly and can result in a STEEP learning curve if you aren't already exploring its potential now.