The AI debate in Market Research & Insights is sparking strong opinions. While some advocate for near term AI adoption for its potential to drive competitive advantage and revenue growth, others are proceeding more cautiously, mindful of its known risks (online panel quality being an especially hot topic). This divide fuels wide-ranging discussions, leaving many researchers unsure of when and how AI will most likely impact their work and careers.
Across organizations (and Market Research & Insights teams of various sizes), we see a range of AI adoption scenarios, spanning from cautious consideration to full-on, disruption-embracing deployment. We also see a range of team leadership approaches—from those not quite ready to commit major resources and change management processes, to those doing so aggressively.
For those teams that are preparing for AI adoption beyond individual employee productivity, executing a careful change management strategy is going to be critical. Navigating resistance to change, educating team members about AI, and aligning new and existing business processes will all be key to a smooth transition.
As leaders seeking to predict—and drive—how our work and careers will evolve with AI, a great first step is to conduct an honest assessment of our teams’ current AI adoption status (see model starting at [00:00:41]). How about your team? Are you on a team of Cautious Catalysts? Revolutionary Trailblazers? Or Task Enhancers or Efficiency Escalators?
Comparing a team’s current AI status with its vision of an AI-fueled future allows us to do the gap analysis needed to inform our AI adoption and change management strategies. Whether basic or bold, AI adoption success for all teams is all about leadership commitment; it’s going to take real investment, right-sized resource allocation, and carefully executed change management. Tune into this episode of Conversations for Research Rockstars to assess your team’s current AI adoption status! YouTube | Apple | Spotify
