Artificial Intelligence or Natural Stupidity?

This might be a rhetorical question but an interesting one at that. How can an exciting evolving technology and a not so exciting human behaviour impact organisations? I thought the sarcasm in it was thought-provoking. Do they really have an impact or are there other factors that are more impactful. Let us explore. 

It cannot be Artificial Intelligence for sure

AI is the simulation of human intelligence by machines, developed to overcome some of the human limitations. Is it not? So how can it be a challenge? Hollywood embraced this technology earlier than the real world did. Maybe all those men vs machine movies are causing this paranoia. AI as a technology is evolving and the adaption is too nascent. So it’s not fair to call it a challenge even before it has made a significant impact. 

So we can safely eliminate AI from the suspect list. 

Or is it Natural Stupidity?

Well, let us admit that there are many out there with this special ability.  Stupidity naturally becomes a prime suspect for any detrimental impact.  And of course, it is a problem, for society at large. But is it one of the biggest challenges faced by companies today? I am not too sure. 


Stupidity is a lack of intelligence, understanding, reason or wit. So a question to organisations? Why hire those who display these signs in the first place or why keep them if we are intelligent enough to recognize these telltale signs of stupidity. So if Natural Stupidity is a reason we are whining about, then we need to reassess our own intelligence. This is more a case of Artificial Problems that companies impose on themselves. Yes, Natural Stupidity will have a damaging impact if we continue to breed this lot. Otherwise not.

So let us not blame natural stupidity to cover our own lack of intelligence.  

Can Natural Rebels be the issue?

Non-Conformists or as a modern marketing manager calls them ‘Disruptors’ are those who impact society and organizations. They are the change agents. They are usually considered mad because they are often ready to risk it all. But don’t we need these madmen to help us stay ahead in the race and make this world a more convenient place to live in? Our thoughts, our beliefs, our technology and everything else that we have are because of these few out of the box thinkers who dared to think differently, who chose to question the status quo. Having these mavericks in our mix is probably the sanest thing to do. After all, “In a mad world, only the mad are sane." So they can’t be a challenge. They are in fact a boon.

If Artificial Intelligence, Natural stupidity or Natural Rebels are not the real challenges then who or what is?

The real culprit: Artificial Stupidity

We search, hunt, hire and nurture natural intelligence. Why do we look for intelligent people? Natural Intelligence enables a better understanding of the environment and quick adaptability to it, among other things. 

But, when the adapted environment becomes a comfort zone complacency sets in. And complacency results in dumbing down of all the traits that made us intelligent in the first place. In other words, Natural Intelligence breeds conformists who thrive on the status quo. They learn to curb their instincts, their passion and most times their intellect thus creating this destructive human trait that I call Artificial Stupidity.

Capable and intelligent individuals who over a period of time, morph themselves into this unrecognizable version of themselves. They become so proficient at turning a blind eye to mistakes, are happy following a non-existent rule, they become risk-averse and their only interest becomes survival. Fear of failure is their primary instinct.

Should not the organizations be more worried about this dangerous lot that they breed and nurture?

Who is responsible for this slide? Is it the organisation or the employee himself? Well, that’s another topic for another day.

Transform and stay relevant

“Change is the only constant” - I bet, this has got to be one of the most boringly cliched quotes used over the last 30 years or so. With everything about us changing so fast, the only way to stay in the hunt is to learn and adapt quickly. The Prime Ministers' words are not just sage advice for individuals but a brutal truth for the organizations. No pasture is green enough, at least not long enough Transformation is the key.
The need for change is no more an option but a must-have strategy to stay in the race, if not win it. The rapidly changing technology, the equally fast-paced growth of adaption, evolving competition landscape, and several other dynamic factors have been constantly reshaping the business environment.  It is not a lake but a river, a rapid white water river that requires us to watch, learn and Change frequently to stay relevant.
Repackaging of service offerings, repositioning of the brand, exploring newer markets, content quality, Website visibility, social media interactions, etc are no longer onetime or once in a while activity but a perpetual work in progress. 
But this transformation is easier said than done.  This metamorphosis cannot happen without a contribution from every employee.  Here's a look at some of the common factors that can make or mar this transformation journey.  
Be the Squirrel if not monkeys: Ownership 
We tend to believe that the 'management' is machinery that is supposed to churn out innovative thoughts and this transformation process has nothing to do with us, the ordinary employee. It's their problem. While we are more than happy to pick holes about the organization's culture, lack of service offerings, lack of visibility, etc, how often have we tried to plug the gaps? We might not all be monkeys and be able to lift heavy stones to build the bridge but can’t we at least be like the squirrel from Ramayana, that helps fill the gaps? Feel a part of the change and chip in where ever or however you can. Even if it is by staying away from cynicism and negativity. 
The Mobile Phone Charge: Empowerment 
A mobile phone is put in charge when it does not have power. Humans are no different. If you want someone to take charge, give them the power. Responsibility without authority is a breeder of frustration and negativity. How often do we hear people in leadership roles complain about the lack of empowerment.  If you want productivity, then empower your managers. Trust them to make the right decisions. Cut out the red tapes. 
Two in a box: Adaptability 
To enable a rapid transformation sometimes people have to work in teams or in pairs to execute a common goal. In a Two-In-A- Box scenario, it is important that the individuals in the team adapt to each other quickly and complement one another.  There is no room for ego and one-upmanship. If these aspects are not handled properly then the Two in a box model are better left for a pair of shoes.
Girl’s skirt: Be interesting and be Agile 
Another source of frustration is when the ‘management’ turns down our ideas or does a U-turn after a few months. An idea should be like a girl’s skirt. Long enough to cover the essentials but short enough to be of any interest. Short term deliverable and positive results are just as important as the long term goals. Keep it agile. Keep it short and more importantly, keep it sexy. 
Lipstick to a pig: Content and Offerings 
No amount of go to market strategy or tweaking of the value proposition would help if they are not backed with the right content and service offerings.  A pig will still be a pig even if you paint it with expensive lipstick. Content is the king might be a stale marketing catchphrase but the content itself should never get stale. Keep it fresh. Keep it interesting. 
So go ahead and change. What's the worse that could happen? You can always change again because the world would have changed further anyway.