How can artificial intelligence (AI) help transform the practice of strategy?
Strategy, in its essence, consists of making integrated choices that create value for customers. Therefore, it is relevant to examine how AI can facilitate thinking and the development of higher-performing options.
For leaders, improving the strategy process can lead to better decisions and accelerate the approach.
This week, I want to focus on the general framework for AI applications and the competencies to master. In the coming weeks, we will explore specific application areas to take advantage of these tools.
AI as a Powerful Ally, Not a Replacement
In his article "Will Artificial Intelligence Eradicate Practitioners of Strategy?", Roger Martin reflects on the impact of AI on strategy and the strategist's profession.
For him, AI can perform research, analysis, and synthesis tasks faster and more accurately. The need for top expertise to carry out these activities will certainly be questioned.
However, there is a specific context where the strategy practitioner has an essential role to play and where AI can significantly contribute through its multiplier effect.
It is the practice of strategic thinking.
AI can increase the richness of this reflection but requires the strategist to master specific skills:
- The ability to develop intelligent AI prompts appropriate to the strategy framework.
- The ability to contextualize commands to the company's specific framework.
- The ability to develop options and choices unique and specific to the business according to the AI's contribution in 1 and 2.
Combining Strategy and AI
Strategy is an art that requires mastery of various expertise, enabling a systemic vision. AI becomes a powerful assistant for those who know how to use it.
Two sets of competency are therefore paramount.
Mastery of Strategic Thinking and Execution
This requires:
- Knowing how to use strategy frameworks and understanding their appropriate context of use.
- Knowing how to interpret information to explore specific elements in depth.
- Recognizing the need for consistency of possible choices and their impacts on the organization.
- Having a global and integrative perspective to explore scenarios and the impact of assumptions.
- Creating a context of collaboration between different stakeholders.
- Directing team reflections and clarifying possible choices.
- Facilitating decision-making and implementation planning.
- Guiding strategic management to ensure progress monitoring and necessary adjustments.
- Knowing how to communicate and influence.
To explore strategic thinking and execution (episodes in French):
- Épisode 63: Comment développer sa pensée stratégique
- Épisode 158: 7 Moyens pour développer et pratiquer votre pensée stratégique
Mastery of AI Commands and AI Capabilities
This requires:
- Knowing how to create effective commands and improve responses.
- Knowing how to use different sources and types of information (modalities).
- Knowing how to use more complex prompts such as "Tree of Thoughts" and "Chain of Thoughts".
- Using the right AI tools according to the contexts.
- Using AI agents to explore more complex contexts as needed.
To explore the use of commands:
Combining the art of strategy with the contextualized use of AI is essential.
Tips
- Continue to develop your strategic thinking.
- Explore the use of AI tools in the context of strategy.
- Refine your prompts and use cases.
- Develop your prompts library.
- Validate sources to avoid hallucinations.
- Pay attention to biases and the use of confidential information.
To Go Further
In April, our community Innovation, Agility, and Excellence Pro will explore the use of AI in strategy, innovation, and problem-solving contexts. Contact us for more information.
Thank you for being with us, and have a good week.