In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Terence Mauri about Leadership, AI and Disruption. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Terence discussed the importance of leadership, AI, and disruption in business, with a focus on minimizing bureaucracy and maximizing agility. They emphasized the need for a 'return on intelligence' in organizations, and the potential benefits of AI in automating repetitive tasks. The conversation also touched on the challenges of leadership in times of disruption, the importance of cultivating a culture of courage, and the upcoming release of Terence's new book.
Leadership, AI, and Disruption Discussion
Jonathan and Terence discussed the topics of leadership, AI, and disruption. Terence, an expert on these subjects, emphasized that business leaders often overestimate the risks of new ventures and underestimate the risks of standing still. Jonathan, a university professor and consultant, shared his experiences with bureaucracy and the challenges it poses to transformation and change management. Both agreed on the need to minimize bureaucratic work to focus on more intelligent work.
Addressing Bureaucracy and Enhancing Productivity
Jonathan and Terence discussed the challenges of excessive bureaucracy and its impact on productivity and job satisfaction. They agreed that pruning back unnecessary policies and processes could lead to more focus on high-value work. Terence suggested the use of AI to automate repetitive tasks and simplify work, while Jonathan highlighted the need for leaders to disrupt bureaucratic systems. They both emphasized the importance of finding a balance between complexity and agility, and the need to strive for a 'return on intelligence' in their organizations.
Agility, Adaptability, and Unlearning in Organizations
Terence and Jonathan discussed the importance of agility and adaptability in large organizations. They highlighted the need for a 'beginner's mindset' that sees possibilities rather than problems, and emphasized the potential risks of not taking calculated risks. They also discussed the concept of 'unlearning', or the deliberate and collective effort to eliminate ineffective practices to free up more energy and focus for the future. Both agreed that organizations must continuously learn and adapt to stay competitive, and that a fear of making mistakes should not prevent them from taking necessary risks.
Leadership in Times of Disruption
Jonathan and Terence discussed the challenges and requirements of leadership in times of disruption. Jonathan emphasized that disruption requires courage, leadership, and a willingness to take risks, even if it meant causing short-term discomfort for long-term benefits. He also highlighted that such actions could be seen as troublemaking, but it's necessary to push back on existing norms and procedures to help the organization and team succeed. Terence agreed with Jonathan's points, acknowledging that such actions could lead to personal hits and resistance from others.
Cultivating Courage for Organizational Growth
Terence and Jonathan discussed the importance of cultivating a culture of courage in organizations to foster long-term thinking and innovation. They emphasized the need for a shift from a change management mindset to a constant culture of learning, growth, and experimentation. Terence shared an example of a luxury company that is leading from the future by committing to 50% of its revenue coming from mycelium-based leather by 2030. Jonathan stressed the importance of leaders leaning into discomfort and embracing evolution. Terence concluded by encouraging people to connect with him and his work, and to read his upcoming book, "The Upside of Disruption," for more insights.
Listen to the webinar here:
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