How do we face times of great transformation? At Blossom, we started with knowledge.
It is said that to invent the light bulb, Thomas Alva Edison conducted thousands of experiments, using hundreds of plant fibers, and testing solutions for over 18 months. For this reason, Edison has been attributed with quotes like:
I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
True or not, this quote holds great appeal in these times of technological transformation. Edison was able to innovate because he could adopt a new mental approach each time.
But, how easy is it to change our mindset when faced with new developments today?
If you don’t change your mind, you change nothing
A survey we recently conducted at Blossom revealed an extremely interesting fact: after a year of continuous training on the use of generative AI, 42% of participants reported changing their minds on this topic.
While it is true that the majority remained in their positions, a significant portion of the course participants admitted to shifting from a more skeptical approach to a more enthusiastic one.
A Form Of Intelligence
The fact that the mindset change occurred in a positive or negative direction is not as relevant. What is interesting is that training, and therefore knowledge, has been the main factor of transformation.
It demonstrates that knowledge allows us to overcome prejudices; that “knowing” remains the first step to forming an opinion, even in these frenetic times; and that understanding helps us see the limits and potential of a change, even when it is still ongoing.
More Sharing, More Awareness
Along with knowledge, interaction has certainly played a fundamental role in the ability to view new developments with a fresh perspective.
The training within Blossom was conducted largely in the form of Communities of Practice, or “safe spaces” where people can learn together, putting into practice or deepening the theoretical notions acquired in exchange for constructive feedback, either among peers or with professionals.
In the survey, submitted to all participants of Blossom’s Communities of Practice, comments and considerations on the limits, risks, and opportunities of AI emerged, demonstrating an increasing awareness and an ability to keep up with the evolutions of AI itself.
“It’s always necessary to check the results, because mistakes are always possible.”
“AI has made routine operations faster and simpler.”
“I’ve sped up lengthy processes, even when it comes to creative processes (like brainstorming).”
“Sometimes I’m tempted to take the results at face value without applying critical thinking.”
It can WOOOORK!
Change, including a mindset shift within organizations, is a difficult but possible transformation. Of course, it needs to be accompanied and guided.
And if it’s true that the “light bulb” of AI is still quite imperfect, at Blossom we have learned that to get closer and closer to true innovation, we must never stop testing and trying. In other words… to be restless!