Most companies try to implement AI the same way they've always managed change – with rigid phases, predetermined milestones, and step-by-step plans. The problem? AI transformation is too complex and dynamic for such linear thinking.
At Softway, we've developed a different approach – one that embraces the messiness of real change while delivering results faster than traditional methods. Here's how our non-linear approach helps organizations get more from their AI investments, faster.
1. Do Things in Parallel, Not One After Another
Old Way: Most transformation approaches insist on completing each phase before moving to the next – first strategy, then technology selection, followed by implementation, and finally training.
Our Way: We run multiple workstreams at the same time. While leadership alignment is developing, we're already assessing data readiness. As we're building culture, we're creating early AI prototypes.
Real-World Impact: Siemens did exactly this during their digital transformation, as Harvard Business Review reported. By developing leadership capabilities alongside technical systems, they cut their implementation time by about 40% and avoided having technology ready before people were prepared to use it.
2. Create Feedback Loops That Drive Continuous Improvement
Old Way: Traditional approaches measure progress against the original plan, focusing more on following procedures than on actual results.
Our Way: We set up quick feedback mechanisms that capture both hard metrics and human experiences. These insights flow back into every part of the transformation, allowing continuous refinement.
Real-World Impact: Capital One's AI transformation, documented in Sloan Management Review, shows how powerful this approach can be. Their continuous feedback revealed that middle managers felt left out of the process. By quickly adjusting their approach to include these managers, they prevented months of passive resistance – exactly what our feedback-driven approach is designed to do.
3. Change the Culture First, Not Last
Old Way: Many approaches treat culture change as an afterthought or assume people will adapt once they see the technology working.
Our Way: We make cultural readiness the foundation for everything else. Through our "Love as a Strategy" framework, we build psychological safety, trust, and collaboration before technical implementation begins.
Real-World Impact: Cleveland Clinic struggled with several failed AI initiatives until they invested heavily in cultural transformation first, according to Healthcare IT News. By addressing hierarchical barriers and building cross-functional trust, they created an environment where their AI systems could actually deliver value.
4. Learn by Doing, Not Just Planning
Old Way: Traditional approaches emphasize extensive planning and controlled rollouts, often taking months or years before showing any value.
Our Way: We advocate for strategic experimentation – identifying opportunities for early wins through limited AI implementations that deliver quick value while building organizational confidence.
Real-World Impact: Walmart exemplifies this approach, as detailed in Forbes. They implemented AI-powered inventory management in a limited number of stores rather than attempting an immediate chain-wide rollout. This experiment created internal champions who had seen the benefits firsthand. Their subsequent organization-wide rollout achieved over 80% adoption within two months – far exceeding retail industry benchmarks.
The Power of Putting It All Together
While each of these approaches works well on its own, the real magic happens when you combine them. This overlapping, reinforcing approach creates a multiplier effect that accelerates transformation far beyond what traditional methods can achieve.
According to Deloitte's 2023 State of AI in the Enterprise report, organizations using non-linear approaches similar to ours consistently see:
- 30-45% faster time to value from AI investments
- 65-80% higher adoption rates among frontline employees
- 3-5x greater return on investment compared to traditional methods
- Capabilities that continue to grow beyond the initial implementation
As Harvard Business Review's research confirms, companies that successfully implement AI don't just use different technologies – they approach transformation differently. By embracing a non-linear, people-centered approach, you can accelerate adoption while building human capabilities that create lasting competitive advantage.
At Softway, we're committed to helping organizations navigate this journey with approaches that recognize the complexity of human systems while delivering the transformative potential of AI.
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