Embracing the Future: Why Senior Executives Should Dedicate Time to Understand and Apply New Technologies

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As senior executives, your time is one of your most valuable assets. Balancing the demands of leadership, strategy, innovation, and the day to day running your business can be a difficult task. However, it’s essential to recognize the impact that emerging technologies can have on your industry, your competitors and your organization’s success. An example we will use for today’s discussion is ChatGPT, a powerful conversational AI model. This technology can be leveraged by your team to save time, improve communications and provide a lens into the impact that new technologies have on your businesses. By dedicating just 30 minutes per week to understand how to apply such technologies, you can better interact with your organization and provide them license to explore how best to use them. Here’s why and how you should do it:

Staying Competitive in the Digital Age

The business landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technological advancements such as Robotics Process Automation, Conversational AI, Advanced Data Analytics, etc.. Staying competitive in today’s world means being agile and adaptable. By dedicating a small portion of your schedule each week to learn about these innovations, you can ensure your company remains relevant and competitive.

Enhancing Customer Experiences

In the age of the customer, delivering exceptional experiences is paramount. ChatGPT and similar AI models have the potential to transform customer interactions. They can provide personalized support around the clock, answer common inquiries, and offer instant solutions. By understanding how to apply these technologies, you can enhance customer experiences and build stronger relationships with your audience.

Boosting Efficiency and Productivity

Efficiency and productivity are essential to a company’s bottom line. ChatGPT can streamline various business processes, from answering routine customer queries to automating data analysis. Learning how to harness these capabilities can significantly boost your organization’s efficiency, allowing you to do more with less.

Driving Innovation

Dedicated learning about new technologies doesn’t just stop at understanding their current capabilities. It involves envisioning their potential applications within your industry and organization. By spending a few minutes each week thinking about how ChatGPT and other technologies could innovate your products, services, or operations, you become a catalyst for change and progress.

Work These Steps into Your Routine:

Making these easy steps part of your weekly routine will pay dividends over time.  View it as part of a self-guided learning program:

  1. Put in On Calendar: Dedicate a specific time slot each week for focused exploration. Build a list of topics from your external reading and interactions. Consistency is key.
  2. Seek Resources: Utilize readily available resources like online articles, webinars, and educational platforms to learn about these technologies. There are numerous tutorials and courses that can provide insights.
  3. Ask Questions and Seek Perspective: Don’t be afraid to get advice and ask questions. Engage with your internal thought leaders, technology partners, or trusted advisors to gain a deeper understanding. Additionally, understanding external perspectives from leadership at peer companies is equally important.
  4. Experiment: Experimentation is a powerful teacher. Try using chatbots or AI models in a controlled environment to see how they work and the value they can bring to your business.
  5. Encourage Your Team: Promote a culture of curiosity, learning, and experimentation within your organization. Support your team members in finding opportunities for use with existing business challenges.

By dedicating a small portion of your time each week to understanding and applying new technologies, you can lead by example to foster critical thinking and innovation in your organization. The benefits of staying competitive, enhancing customer experiences, boosting efficiency, driving innovation, and being a leader in your industry make this investment of your time truly invaluable. It’s a commitment to your organization’s success and a testament to your forward-thinking leadership.

By Richard Pierle Managing Partner Valenta