It's Here — Embrace the Future with AI-Augmented Change Management

It's Here — Embrace the Future with AI-Augmented Change Management

Breakthrough: Harnessing AI for Rapid Digital Adaptation and Ambidextrous Transformation

In an era where businesses must be both adaptive and ambidextrous, technology is the key to unlocking rapid change and embracing an uncertain future.

Important Alert 🚨 : As I was reviewing the frameworks and tools in our upcoming book Digitally Enabled Ambidextrous Leadership, I unexpectedly realized that consulting as we know it is a thing of the past. This epiphany led me to write this post, emphasizing the significance of this realisation for anyone undertaking a tech-driven business transformation. This blog suggests a new way to augment and enhance your digital transformation maturity, journey, and experience, as noted in my last blog introducing the Transformation Pyramid.

Anybody who knows me, or those reading any of my past blogs, will see the HOW of digital transformation and advanced business technology adoption has been a bug of mine for many years. As noted on numerous occasions, the HOW of digital enablement has always lagged and hindered the capability promise of the software and the organization's (read people) ambition. In the past, this hurt organizations and people somewhat, but now with the spread of digitalization beyond the walls of the enterprise to every relationship and interaction, this inability to adopt, exploit and adapt further your digital capabilities on an almost continuous basis means an imminent end.

To illustrate the point, look no further than the explosion of AI onto the scene in the past few months. Specifically, Chat GPT from Open.ai is the most quickly and widely adopted application ever. Almost every business must adapt and evolve to remain relevant to those they serve, and this leap has taken many by surprise, including technology leaders. Every CEO and leadership team in every business must be asking how we respond to this.

Now, here's the thing, is AI yet another example of a Digital Technology that an organization must add to its to-do list to adopt as part of its digital transformation, or can AI, for the first time, enable you to beat the odds and adopt advanced business technology better, faster, cheaper, with higher impact and value sustainably?

Can we use machines to help us adopt and leverage the machines?

We're discussing disrupting the business technology adoption value chain and process that has long been too complex, difficult, challenging, and risky. The failure rates remain unacceptably high for those embarking on business technology change. No matter what the business technology industry does on the supply side, the Vendors, Consultants, and Systems Integrators, the problem worsens.

Can adopting AI for delivering advanced business technology transformations help improve your odds for success and your outcomes? Can we dream of switching the failure/success rate from 90pc failure to 90pc success, all while the programs, the scope, and technologies become more complex and sophisticated?

Let's briefly examine the variables in question — that lead to the results we experience:

YOU / Your Organization: How much do you know about how to adopt advanced technology? Most likely, not a lot. Your experience, if you have any, is likely coloring your judgment here also. You will naturally need more know-how, capability, and capacity. You turn to outside help.

Your Consultants and Systems Integrators: They know more than you and have the bodies, experience, and expertise to do the job. That's what you pay them for. Many are very good and will make a massive difference to your success. But as noted above, even with all their expertise, the satisfaction levels for digital transformation outcomes still need to improve. The sole drive to success does not sit here.

AI in the Mix: If we introduce the idea of AI, a new variable, what can we imagine AI doing? The weakest link is always YOU. No matter what and who you buy into, there is only so much any third party can do for you. Just like going to the Gym and having a personal trainer, in the end, you must lose weight; nobody can do it for you.

AI Augmenting YOU and YOUR Consultants from YOUR perspective:

So the big question is can AI augment you and complement your delivery eco-system to enable you to get a better result than you would otherwise have obtained?

YES, this is evident. The technology is still very early, but we are at the stage where results are impactful to transformation plans today, and point to a time where everything is seemingly possible.

Technology is still evolving and will continue to improve. I don't see an end to consulting and expertise; I foresee a change where the experts are augmented on all sides of the delivery paradigm. As I write, from my early experiments, people with years of expertise can be expanded by machines to provide better, faster advice. The most compelling of all is how this technology can enable the non-expert who would otherwise be "at a loss" or subordinate to the Expert become a capable counterparty, lifting both parties with outcomes amplified. We all experience this daily by googling something we question before seeking advice, but this takes the whole process to another level and, crucially, domain — that of Digital Transformation.

Can an AI help you succeed with Digital Transformation?

It's early days, but this blog aims to introduce you to the big idea AI can and will help. Below is an example I worked up based on real scenarios, using a prototype change model called the eFinity system to explore how AI can help me as a digital transformation sponsor succeed-starting from scratch with a complex change program; my team and I have yet to learn how to start.

Please note — I am refining the means to transmit to you this capability so that you can experience this for yourself. With a simple cut and paste, I am crafting an ability to enable you, in the first instance, to start an engaging dialogue around your specific digital transformation challenges with the "world's most renowned expert on digital transformation — Dr. Alex Turing." More knowledgeable than any consultant in the world! You can ask Dr. Alex Turing anything about your digital transformation and get a meaningful answer. You can ask for clarifications, explanations, and examples, like in a conversation.

I still caution against using Dr. Alex as a stand-alone adviser; instead, I would use Dr. Alex to augment my team of experts, including myself. Imagine combining your team's knowledge and Dr. Alex's vast knowledge as part of YOUR team — YOUR transformation journey is transformed. We can change the way we change.

Imagine if you could harness the power of AI, such as GPT-4, fused with a structured "Change Model" approach like the eFinity Change Model and the well-known system of the Theory of Constraints to create a coherent, granular roadmap of change tailored to your organization's unique journey, interactively almost within minutes.

Well, you no longer have to imagine it — this groundbreaking approach is now becoming a reality. This blog will explore the need for a new approach to technology-driven change management and how AI-powered solutions can revolutionize digital and business transformation. I' ‘ll bring this concept to life with an example of a digital transformation involving an ERP system like SAP S/4 HANA and conclude with tangible takeaways for those seeking to supercharge their transformation efforts.

The Need for a New Approach: Confronting Complexity in a Rapidly Changing World

The business world is evolving faster than ever, and traditional change management approaches need help. Programs are often overly complex and fail to deliver results because they must be better suited for an adaptive world. In constant change, organizations must develop a new approach that embraces rapid adaptation and ambidextrous thinking to stay ahead.

The eFinity Change Model: A Comprehensive Approach to Adaptation and Transformation

To tackle the challenges of rapid adaptation, the eFinity Change Model provides a comprehensive approach that considers the entire lifecycle of high-value, continuously compounding change. It integrates AI with the Theory of Constraints to form a powerful toolkit for managing change, providing your organization with the agility and resilience it needs to thrive in an uncertain world.

The eFinity Model with GPT4 is primed to receive my specific context and instructions.

Applying the Theory of Constraints: Navigating the Path to Success

The Theory of Constraints is a crucial component in the eFinity Change Model. It provides a clear line of sight direction, ensuring your organization's unique journey is optimized for maximum results. Combining these methodologies with AI-powered tools like GPT-4 allows you to create a detailed roadmap for change tailored to your organization's specific needs.

Leveraging GPT-4 with the eFinity Change Model and Theory of Constraints: A Game-Changer for Digital and Business Transformation

The fusion of GPT-4 with the eFinity Change Model and the Theory of Constraints is a game-changer for digital and business transformation. By harnessing the power of AI, organizations can develop a granular, adaptable roadmap for change that leverages the wisdom of millions, channeled into a powerful loop optimized for the best possible outcomes.

By applying the eFinity Change Model and the Theory of Constraints, organizations can develop a comprehensive strategy for rapid adaptation, ensuring that their digital transformation efforts deliver real, tangible value to customers and shareholders. This groundbreaking approach to change management uses AI-powered tools and methodologies to deliver better outcomes for organizations seeking rapid adaptation and ambidextrous transformation.

Maximizing Your SAP S/4 HANA Digital Transformation: Empowering Client Teams with AI-Augmented Change Management

Before eFinity: Struggling with Traditional Approaches to Change

In the world of SAP S/4 HANA digital transformations, the client teams and sponsors face an uphill battle to plan and execute their transition from legacy systems to the modern, efficient capabilities of SAP S/4 HANA. This is no reflection on SAP or the Systems integrators. It applies to every technology adoption cycle. With a traditional planning approach, they grapple with complex challenges such as value chain analysis, designing a future target operating model, and predicting the impact of rapidly changing technology on their organization. The build time for such a transformation can take years, while the world and technology landscape shifts in months or weeks. Furthermore, the client teams often need more support in their ability to influence the direction and outcomes of the transformation, as consultants and systems integrators focus primarily on the program itself.

The eFinity Difference: Empowering Your Teams with GPT-4 and Theory of Constraints to Map Change.

The introduction of the eFinity Change System, powered by GPT-4 and the Theory of Constraints, brings about a paradigm shift in the way the SAP S/4 HANA implementation teams can approach their transformation. With eFinity, they can now cover 5/6 of the entire change arena — the customer domain, rather than just focusing on getting the specific program started and done, which accounts for only 1/6 of the process. Using eFinity to address the entire change cycle in context brings about transformative results in expected outcomes. This holistic approach allows them to effectively manage business, technology, and change perspectives and tackle the change cycle better.

By using the Theory of constraints, the client teams can navigate a direct line of sight from their current reality to their desired future state. GPT-4 allows users to tap into the collective expertise of the world's top professionals, using their specific contexts to delve into and draw insights tailored to their unique needs and challenges. This powerful combination of expertise, knowledge, context, and inquiry enables the client teams to develop a dynamic, adaptable roadmap for change tailored to their organization's unique needs and responsive to the rapidly evolving business environment.

With the eFinity system, client teams gain insights into the critical factors and necessary conditions not covered but required by consultants and systems integrators to perform their tasks. These insights empower the team to proactively complement the work of the consulting teams and the systems integrators and make more timely and informed decisions, leading to a faster, smoother, and more productive progression of the transformation.

After eFinity: A New Era of Success and Adaptability

The impact of the eFinity Change System on the SAP S/4 HANA digital transformation is nothing short of transformative. With a comprehensive approach to change management that integrates the power of GPT-4 and the precision of the Theory of Constraints, the client teams are better equipped to anticipate, adapt to, and capitalize on the rapid changes in technology and the business landscape. They can design a future target operating model that is viable and capable of adapting to new challenges as they arise.

By leveraging AI and embracing the entire eFinity change cycle, the client teams can successfully navigate their transformation, resulting in a more agile, responsive, and resilient organization. The newfound knowledge and capabilities allow them to work synergistically with consultants and systems integrators to achieve better, faster, higher quality, and more sustainable outcomes.

In summary, the eFinity Change System, powered by GPT-4 and ToC, can revolutionize how organizations approach SAP S/4 HANA Business transformations. By covering the entire change cycle and providing a direct line of sight to success, this groundbreaking approach delivers tangible results for those seeking rapid adaptation and ambidextrous transformation. Moreover, it empowers client teams with the insights and tools they need to make informed decisions and work effectively alongside consultants and systems integrators, ensuring better outcomes and a lasting positive impact on the organization.

Ten key takeaways that a sponsor or accountable person organizing a transformation can take from the eFinity cycle system are:

Holistic approach:eFinity covers the entire change cycle, addressing all critical factors, not just the traditional program-centric focus. This ensures a more comprehensive and effective transformation strategy.
Future-Proofing:The eFinity system helps design a future target operating model that is adaptive to the rapidly changing business and technology landscape, ensuring long-term success and resilience.
AI-Augmented Decision Making:Leveraging the power of GPT-4 allows you to access the wisdom of millions and the expertise of the world's best, channeled directly to your specific challenges.
Clear Direction:The embedded Theory of Constraints (ToC) provides a direct line of sight from your current reality to your desired future state, enabling you to navigate the transformation more effectively.
Empowered Client Teams:eFinity provides insights and tools for client teams to make informed decisions and work effectively alongside consultants and systems integrators, creating a more collaborative and productive environment.
Faster, Smoother Progression:The eFinity system enables the faster, smoother, and more productive progression of the transformation, saving valuable time and resources.
Higher Quality Outcomes:By addressing all critical factors and leveraging AI, eFinity leads to better, faster, higher quality, and more sustainable outcomes for your organization.
Increased Agility and Adaptability:The eFinity system helps organizations become more agile and responsive, allowing them to capitalize on new opportunities and navigate challenges more effectively.
Scalability: The eFinity cycle system applies to various types and sizes of transformations, making it a versatile and scalable solution for organizations of all sizes.
Continuous Improvement:The eFinity system fosters a mindset of constant improvement and innovation, ensuring that your organization remains at the forefront of change and can adapt as needed.

This capability checklist offers a more comprehensive, practical, and future-proofed approach to managing and navigating complex business transformations involving heavy digitalization efforts where connections forever change the nature of business and technology.

Getting started

I will make activating the eFinity system (or a successor model) and engaging with Dr. Alex Turing a straightforward and seamless process designed to help you effectively shape and inform your transformation journey. Here's how you can get started:

Initial Contact:Reach out to Dr. Alex Turing or the eFinity team through their website, email, or social media channels to express your interest and discuss your organization's specific needs and challenges.
Discovery Session:Schedule a discovery session with Dr. Alex Turing or a member of the eFinity team to dive deeper into your organization's goals, existing processes, and potential areas for improvement. This session will help create a tailored approach for your unique situation.
eFinity Activation:The eFinity team will work with you to activate the eFinity system within your organization, providing training and resources to ensure that your team members are well-equipped to leverage the system's full potential.
Expert Collaboration:Throughout your transformation journey, you'll have access to Dr. Alex Turing and other high-end experts who can provide timely expert opinions and judgment to guide your decision-making process.
Ongoing Support:The eFinity team will provide ongoing support and assistance, ensuring your organization remains on track and adapts as needed. Support includes regular check-ins, progress monitoring, and addressing any challenges that may arise during the transformation.

By engaging with Dr. Alex Turing and activating the eFinity system, you'll transform how your organization approaches change management. Instead of relying solely on external consultants, empower your team to take charge of the transformation, informed by expert guidance and a powerful, adaptable system that ensures your organization's long-term success and adaptability.

The Utility of the Prototype Efinity Model According to Dr. Alex Turing — AI Change Specialist

The eFinity system offers a clear advantage over traditional approaches in enabling client-side capabilities during digital transformations. The challenges presented by older in-house methods, contractors, management consultants, and SI/vendor methods can naturally lead to a fragmented and inefficient transformation process.

The eFinity system provides a cohesive and comprehensive approach to digital transformation that addresses the following key advantages:

Client (Your) Empowerment:The eFinity system empowers client-side teams with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to manage and navigate their transformation journey effectively, reducing reliance on external parties and fostering a sense of ownership.
Synergy and Alignment: The eFinity system ensures that all digital initiatives are aligned and synergistic, enabling a more efficient and effective transformation process instead of disjointed efforts from multiple parties.
Adaptability:The eFinity system's foundation on ToC and GPT-4 allows it to be highly adaptive and responsive to rapidly changing business environments, enabling organizations to pivot and adjust their transformation strategy as needed.
Holistic Approach:The eFinity system addresses the entire lifecycle of a digital transformation, not just the program delivery, ensuring that all aspects of the change are considered and managed effectively.
Expert Guidance:Access to expert opinions and guidance from Dr. Alex Turing and other high-end experts, as well as the collective wisdom of GPT-4, provides client-side teams with valuable insights and support throughout the transformation process.

In conclusion, the eFinity system provides a superior approach to digital transformation by empowering you with rare and difficult-to-access "client-side" capabilities, fostering synergy and alignment across your eco-system partners, and addressing the entire digital transformation changing capability objective. This approach can lead to faster, more valuable, and more sustainable outcomes than traditional business technology change approaches that often need help dealing with adaptability and holistic change management.

We are starting this changing capability journey, and I invite you to follow along.

My next posts will introduce you to Dr. Alex Turing, and I will enable you to begin your dialogue for any digital transformation journey. The models are still constrained and have limitations for now, but based on early reactions, as with me last weekend, you will never see your digital transformation problem through the same lens again!