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Category: Artificial Intelligence & Automation

  • AI, Now What? Thought Starters for Your AI Strategy

    AI is changing how we solve problems, make decisions, and run our businesses. But as AI becomes more powerful, the key question isn’t just “What can AI do?”—it’s “What should people do?” What role do humans play in a workplace shaped by AI? And how do we prepare our organizations to use AI wisely?

    This article highlights key areas to strengthen your AI strategy—especially the human skills that make AI more effective. They may not be technical tools, but they’re just as essential. If you’re building or updating your AI strategy, these are the conversations to start now.

    1. Ask Better Questions

    AI is only as helpful as the questions we ask. Tools like the “5 Whys” help uncover root causes, but good questions also need context, judgment, and experience—things only people bring.
    Help your team ask sharper, more strategic questions. This leads to better answers from AI and stronger decisions overall.
    Want to go deeper? 

    2. Build Wisdom Through Diverse Perspectives

    AI delivers data. People bring wisdom. That wisdom grows through experience and by listening to different points of view.
    One way to build this into your culture is silent brainstorming. Give each person 5–15 minutes to write down ideas without discussion. Then, meet the next day to reflect and plan. Over time, your team will get better at turning ideas into action.
    For example, our team uses a structured creative problem-solving process. Each member is trained to work through challenges using this framework—often bringing in a colleague to gain a fresh perspective. At our most recent strategic retreat, this approach helped the team align department objectives with company goals in a focused, half-day session.

    3. Strengthen Community and Communication

    Strong teams challenge each other. Weak teams say, “Whatever you like.” While that kind of agreement may seem polite, it can block innovation and lead to poor decisions.
    Create a culture where people feel safe speaking up. Help your team understand different communication styles and their pros and cons. This will make the above problem-solving sessions more effective. If they gather answers from AI, they will have the tools to discuss and evaluate those responses for accuracy and effectiveness.

    A helpful resource: Being assertive: Reduce stress, communicate better – Mayo Clinic

    4. Don’t Confuse Confidence with Accuracy

    AI can sound confident—even when it’s wrong. That’s why human oversight is essential.
    Ask yourself:
    – What checks are in place to review AI-generated content?
    – Which tasks can run without human review—and which ones can’t?
    These are policy decisions, not just technical ones. Make those decisions intentionally.

    In our own work, we developed an AI agent to respond to customer inquiries using senior-level engineering knowledge. While many responses were accurate, some missed the mark—or worse, felt off-putting. We added a human review step, and the quality of responses improved significantly. So did our team’s confidence in using AI responsibly.

    Final Thought: Keep the Human in the Loop

    AI can boost your team’s abilities—but only if your team knows how to use it well. That means investing in human skills like questioning, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
    These skills aren’t just nice to have—they’re what make AI work in the real world.
    Need help building your AI strategy?
    We help small and mid-sized organizations design and implement AI strategies that work—both technically and culturally. From training and workshops to full implementation, we’re here to help.
    👉 Let’s talk about what’s next for your organization.

    TechHouse

    Innovative Solutions. Practical Software. Friendly Support.

    Schedule a call  |  View Upcoming Events  |  Access our TechHouse Library of Articles

  • AI, Now What? Good Questions for Good Answers

    Success depends on having the right tools and asking the right questions. AI is powerful, but it doesn’t replace human insight. To get the most from AI, leaders must focus on the human side: curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

    This article asks business leaders: What do I do about AI in my organization? The answer starts with better questions.

    Why Good Questions Matter

    Good questions drive better decisions. They help us:

    • Uncover root problems
    • Challenge assumptions
    • Generate new ideas

    But asking good questions isn’t just a skill—it’s a mindset. It comes from experience, diverse perspectives, and a willingness to think beyond the obvious.

    10 Question Types for Your Team

    Here are ten questions that can sharpen your thinking and improve your outcomes. Each has a time and place—knowing when to use them is as important as knowing what to ask.

    1. Clarifying Questions

    Use when: You need to understand a situation more clearly.

    Example: “Can you walk me through what success looks like for this project?”

    Avoid when: The answer is already clear or has been repeated.

    1. “Why” Questions (Root Cause)

    Use when: You’re digging into the cause of a problem.

    Example: “Why are customers dropping off after the first purchase?”

    Avoid when: It may sound accusatory—try “What’s contributing to…” instead.

    1. Open-Ended Questions

    Use when: You want to spark discussion or creativity.

    Example: “What other options could we consider?”

    Avoid when: You need a quick, specific answer.

    1. Strategic Questions

    Use when: You’re aligning actions with long-term goals.

    Example: “How does this initiative support our mission?”

    Avoid when: The team isn’t ready for big-picture thinking.

    1. “What If” Questions

    Use when: You’re exploring innovation or risk.

    Example: “What if we had to deliver this with half the budget?”

    Avoid when: The team needs clarity before brainstorming.

    1. Reflective Questions

    Use when: You’re reviewing a project or learning from experience.

    Example: “What would we do differently next time?”

    Avoid when: The team is in crisis mode.

    1. Prioritization Questions

    Use when: You’re making trade-offs.

    Example: “Which of these goals is most critical this quarter?”

    Avoid when: All options are still being explored.

    1. Stakeholder Questions

    Use when: You’re considering impact or buy-in.

    Example: “How will this change affect our frontline staff?”

    Avoid when: The internal plan isn’t clear yet.

    1. Risk and Obstacle Questions

    Use when: You’re planning or troubleshooting.

    Example: “What could prevent us from hitting this milestone?”

    Avoid when: The team is in a creative phase.

    1. Vision and Purpose Questions

    Use when: You want to reconnect with the “why.”

    Example: “What impact do we want on our customers?”

    Avoid when: The team needs tactical direction.

    AI’s Confidence Isn’t Always Accuracy

    AI can sound sure of itself—even when it’s wrong. That’s why:

    • Human oversight is essential
    • Critical thinking is non-negotiable
    • Verifying sources is a must

    Final Thought

    AI is a tool. The real power lies in how we use it, which starts with the questions we ask. The future belongs to organizations that combine innovative technology with wise leadership.

    Let’s keep asking better questions—together.

    Let’s Talk Strategy

    If you’re thinking about bringing AI into your organization—or how to rethink your tech strategy—we’re here to help. From planning to implementation to support, we partner with leaders to build smarter, more resilient organizations.

    Reach out to start the conversation.

    TechHouse

    Innovative Solutions. Practical Software. Friendly Support.

    Schedule a call  |  View Upcoming Events  |  Access our TechHouse Library of Articles

  • Top 5 Copilot Prompts for Beginners: Get More Done with Less Effort

    If you’re just starting with Microsoft Copilot, you might wonder: What exactly should I ask it to do? The good news is that you don’t have to be a tech expert to start seeing real benefits.

    Here are five simple prompts you can try today to boost your productivity and confidence with AI.

    1. 📨 “Summarize this email thread for me.”
    • Where to use it: Outlook
    • Why it’s helpful: Ever scanned the first paragraph of a long email chain only to find out later that the real message was buried three replies earlier? Copilot can quickly summarize the entire conversation, so you stay on track and on point.

    Try it:

    “Summarize this conversation and highlight any action items.”

    1. 📝 “Help me write a professional response to this email.”
    • Where to use it: Outlook
    • Why it’s helpful: Whether you’re replying to a client or a colleague, Copilot can help you sound clear, confident, and professional.

    Try it:

    “Write a polite response confirming the meeting and asking for the agenda.”

    1. 📊 “Analyze this Excel data and give me key insights.”
    • Where to use it: Excel
    • Why it’s helpful: Copilot can spot trends, calculate summaries, and suggest charts—no formulas required.

    Try it:

    “What are the top 3 products by sales this quarter?”

    1. 🧠 “Give me three ideas for a new marketing campaign.”
    • Where to use it: Word, Teams, or OneNote
    • Why it’s helpful: Copilot is great for brainstorming. Use it to get unstuck or spark new ideas.

    Try it:

    “Suggest three marketing campaigns for children’s clothes via online markets in the US that would appeal to mid-market consumers of sustainable brands. Provide each one’s strengths and weaknesses.”

    1. 📅 “Create a meeting agenda based on this Teams chat.”
    • Where to use it: Teams or Word
    • Why it’s helpful: Turn casual conversations into structured plans without starting from scratch.

    Try it:

    “Make a 30-minute meeting agenda from this conversation, including time estimates.”

    Final Tip: Start Small, Then Explore

    These prompts are just the beginning. As you get more comfortable, you’ll discover new ways to use Copilot to save time, reduce stress, and get more done.

    TechHouse

    Innovative Solutions. Practical Software. Friendly Support.

    Schedule a call  |  View Upcoming Events  |  Access our TechHouse Library of Articles

  • Planning for 2025 – Tech and Trends for Small and Midmarket Businesses.

    As we enter 2025, small and mid-market businesses must stay ahead of the curve. At TechHouse, we understand your unique challenges. Here’s a concise guide to help you navigate the key trends and ensure your business thrives.

    To-Do List from 2024

    Following the release of Generative AI in late 2023, 2024 became a whirlwind of changes and advancements. If you haven’t caught up yet, here are the must-dos:

    • Understand the Shared Responsibility Model: Ensure your team knows who is responsible for what in your IT setup, especially with cloud services.
    • Secure Based on IT Policies: Focus on AI, data management, and security. Make sure your policies are up-to-date and comprehensive.
    • Everything to SaaS: Move as many applications as possible to Software as a Service (SaaS), including desktops and legacy apps.
    • Spreadsheets Skills Refresh: Post-COVID, it’s time to refresh basic and advanced spreadsheet skills.
    • Low Code and AI Integration: Embrace low-code platforms and integrate AI to streamline operations.
    • Secure Yourself Against Increased Attacks:
      • Patching and Updates: Regularly update all software and systems. Monthly patches are essential.
      • SOC (Security Operations Center): If you don’t have a full SOC, follow basic guidelines for phishing prevention, multi-factor authentication (MFA), conditional access, and endpoint security.
      • Cloud Security: Secure connections to cloud software and monitor for anomalies. Firewalls and VPNs are still important, even with remote and cloud work.

     

    Focus for 2025: SAID – Security, AI, and Data

    Security:

    • Increased Focus on Compliance: Protection begins with your team understanding the risks and how to prevent them. Go beyond simulated phishing testing to include security policies for AI usage, data management, and updated security protocols.
    • AI Policy: With over 70% of organizations using AI by mid-2024, having a clear AI policy is non-negotiable. Train your team on its implications and usage.

    AI:

    • Industry-Specific AI Models: In 2025, expect more industry-specific and organization-specific trained AI models. Create knowledgeable AI models to search specific SharePoint content and automate everyday tasks.
    • Select Your First Application: Whether it’s information gathering, summarizing complex information, or automating tasks, consider these initial use cases:
      • Hyper-Personalization: AI can help your sales team and support desk quickly find the right mix of products for customers.
      • Smart Support: Use AI as an advanced wiki or knowledge base that provides rich conversational support for troubleshooting and problem-solving.
      • Expert Guidance: AI can be an expert in your tools, helping you become proficient in applications like Excel, Word, Dynamics Sales, or even your proprietary software.

    Data:

    • Data Quality: “Garbage in, garbage out” is as relevant as ever. Treat your file storage (e.g., SharePoint, Dropbox) with care. Cleanse data and decide what can and cannot be accessed by AI models. Tools like SharePoint AI Agents can simplify this effort.

    How to Move Forward from Here:

    • Assess Workflows: Track Time, effort, and outcomes. The goal is to understand in broad strokes where benefits may be gained. Work with a business and tech advisor to identify opportunities.
    • Assess Recent Advances and Capabilities: Consider how new technologies can be applied to your business. Consider common use cases above as thought starters.
    • Pilot Selection: Start with a small, well-defined pilot project. Provide training to ease transitions and boost productivity.
    • SAID Planning: Assess each plan based on Security, AI, and Data.
    • Deployment: Roll out successful pilots in phases. Start with early adopters and quick wins. Be prepared to adjust and pivot as technology changes during the project.
    • Feedback Loop and Repeat: Encourage continuous feedback with tools like a Teams channel or a dedicated email address.

    Planning for and delivering on these key initiatives can help you stay competitive and secure in 2025. At TechHouse, we’re here to provide innovative solutions, practical software, and friendly support every step of the way. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet!

    TechHouse

    Innovative Solutions. Practical Software. Friendly Support.

    Schedule a call  |  View Upcoming Events  |  Access our TechHouse Library of Articles

  • Microsoft Ignite 2024: Hot Topics

    The weather might have been cold, but the topics at Microsoft Ignite 2024 were sizzling with innovation and excitement. As the CEO and founder of Tech House, I had the privilege of attending this year’s event, which was brimming with new capabilities offered by Microsoft.

    In previous years, the exhibition floor at Ignite was a pretty equal mix of Microsoft and other vendors. However, this year, Microsoft booths filled two-thirds of the hall. I had the opportunity to meet with Microsoft product group professionals and discuss their product strategy. Outside the Expo Hall, numerous hands-on labs were bustling, with attendees eager to explore and understand the new technology. I particularly enjoyed creating various AI models and interacting with custom AI bots.

    Many advancements showcased at Ignite will be especially powerful for the small and mid-market organizations we work with. It is exciting to see Microsoft again focusing on tools organizations can use to develop solutions.

    AI has reached adoption far faster than any other tool. For instance, it took the Internet 16 years to reach 100 million users, Facebook four years, and ChatGPT only three months. By May 2024, just six months after its release, 70% of organizations worldwide were using some form of generative AI.

    That rapid adoption was evident in the Ignite Expo Hall. Every Microsoft booth included AI, whether focused on data security, the Office suite, or Azure services. The Copilot team had one of the largest booths, probably 30×30 feet, and it was busy. Copilot had numerous new feature announcements, including the new Copilot UI for AI and Copilot Actions. Our customers can now easily find information, summarize complex documents, and automate everyday tasks with natural language requests.

    Accessing, combining, and analyzing data is crucial for all organizations. Microsoft’s Fabric now integrates AI, making it more effective in analyzing, merging, cleansing, and working with data. SharePoint also now features Azure AI Agent Service, allowing us to create AI capabilities within SharePoint and deliver knowledge-driven responses.

    In summary, Ignite 2024 highlighted three key areas for small and mid-market organizations to focus on: artificial intelligence, security, and data. AI continues to enhance security capabilities, which is critical as threat actors also use AI to be more malicious. We are excited to see where 2025 leads. To learn more about what’s possible for small and mid-market organizations in 2025, we recommend checking out our LinkedIn article on 2025 trends. Stay tuned for more insights and updates from Tech House as we continue to guide our clients forward in this rapidly evolving landscape.

  • Innovative and Practical: The Time to Innovate is Now

    It took 4.5 years for Facebook to reach 100 million users. It took ChatGPT only 3 months. Innovation is here and advancing fast. With advancements like SaaS software and Windows 11, the need for traditional reactive or break/fix support has dropped. This shift lets businesses focus more on innovation, making technology an accelerator, not an obstacle.

    The Shift in IT Resource Allocation

    In the past, a typical IT budget would allocate about 80% on reactive or break/fix support and only 20% on innovation. To stay competitive, this ratio needs to flip. Our team helps clients shift their focus to spending 80% on innovation and only 20% on reactive support. Here’s how:

    • Reduced Reactive Support Needs: Modern systems like Windows 11 and SaaS solutions have changed IT management. These technologies offer automated updates, better security, and user-friendly interfaces, cutting the need for traditional break/fix support. This shift lets businesses reallocate resources to more strategic tasks. If most of your budget is going toward managing legacy infrastructure like email servers and PCs, it’s time to change.
    • Focus on Security: According to a recent study by NinjaOne, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% are prepared to defend themselves. Addressing technical debt, using data management strategies, and adopting AI policies are key steps to protect your business and streamline processes.
    • Promoting Innovation and Efficiency: Innovation is at the heart of a successful business strategy. Our Aware reports give insights into security risks and innovation opportunities, helping you make informed decisions. Purchasing accounting, sales, and operations software is essential, but these packages rarely address all processes. Often, the additional processes are unique to the business and end up documented by Excel, Airtable, or even post-it notes—hard to scale and ensure quality control.

    The Importance of Innovation

    According to McKinsey, 80% of executives believe their current business models are at risk of being disrupted soon. Additionally, 84% of executives say innovation is crucial to their growth strategy. This shows the need for businesses to invest in innovation to stay competitive.

    Innovation is not just about keeping up with trends; it’s about setting them. It’s about creating new, more efficient processes that give your business a competitive edge. For legacy businesses that value their past, present, and future, staying on top of trends is crucial to remain relevant and competitive.

    Real-World Examples of Innovation

    • Thimble: Thimble offers small businesses instant, flexible insurance policies. Their on-demand insurance can last from an hour to a year, making it adaptable to the needs of small businesses. This innovation has helped Thimble grow rapidly.
    • Pledge: Pledge turns virtual gatherings into charity fundraising events. By integrating with platforms like Zoom, Pledge makes it easy for small organizations to engage in philanthropy.
    • Tractor Beverage Co.: This company offers organic, non-GMO drinks to restaurants. Their focus on sustainability and health has helped them carve out a niche in a competitive market.
    • Bookshop.org: Bookshop.org gives independent bookstores a platform to sell books online, offering an alternative to giants like Amazon. This supports small businesses by expanding their reach.

    Benefits of Windows 11 and SaaS

    Windows 11 supports hybrid work and learning environments, making it easier for IT teams to manage and providing advanced security features. This reduces the need for extensive break/fix support, as the operating system is more streamlined and user-friendly. The shift towards SaaS and modern systems has also cut the time spent on customer communications and project management.

    • Enhanced Security: Windows 11 has built-in security features like hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection, which reduce the risk of cyber threats.
    • Streamlined Management: The user-friendly interface and automated updates of Windows 11 and SaaS solutions simplify IT management, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic tasks rather than routine break/fix support.

    Economic Impact of SMBs

    Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) make up a large part of the US economy—44% of GDP, nearly half of all employment, and roughly $370 billion in tech spending. This shows the significant impact of SMBs on the economy and their potential for growth through innovation.

    SMBs are the backbone of the American economy, driving innovation and providing jobs. By investing in technology and innovation, SMBs can boost productivity, improve customer satisfaction, and achieve sustainable growth.

    Increased Software Spending

    More than six in every ten midsize businesses (64%), small enterprises (65%), and large enterprises (67%) globally plan to spend more on software in 2024 compared to 2023. This shows a growing trend towards investing in technology and innovation.

    Investing in software is not just about keeping up with trends; it’s about using technology to drive business growth. By adopting innovative software solutions, businesses can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition.

    Conclusion

    Innovation is not just about creating something new; it’s about creating something better. For legacy businesses that value their past, present, and future, staying on top of trends is crucial to remain relevant and competitive. By shifting the focus from reactive support to innovation, businesses can ensure they continue to meet their vision and legacy.

    Let Technology act as an Accelerator, not an obstacle.

    Innovative Solutions. Practical Software. Friendly Support.
    Ready to transform your business and stay ahead of the competition?
    Contact us today to learn how our innovative solutions can help you reduce reactive support needs and focus on what truly matters—growing your business.
    Visit test.wingdingitbiz.com/ or call us at (941)328-8601 to get started.

  • Copilot, Copilot, Copilot: Which One Should I Use?

    So many versions of Copilot are available, and they have been released in less than a year. It isn’t easy to know where to begin and how to get started. For beginners, we recommend understanding some of the Copilot products to focus your efforts on the area that will work best for you.

    Why Does It Matter to Know About Copilot?

    Copilot is Microsoft’s equivalent to ChatGPT. It allows you to use everyday language to communicate with an artificial intelligence neural network, which uses its learning from the internet and other sources to generate probabilistic responses that help us get things done. If you are not familiar with AI, we recommend you look at Kathy Durfee’s LinkedIn article or drop into one of our office hours to talk with us.

    A Quick Look at the Most Common Copilot Tools

    • Copilot in Bing: Allows you to use AI tools when searching with Bing. It’s built-in and doesn’t require a license.
    • Copilot in Edge: Similar to Copilot in Bing but integrated within the Edge browser.
    • Copilot in Windows: Integrated within Windows 11 and higher, providing AI assistance within your system.
    • Copilot Pro: Allows you to interact with an artificial intelligence engine to ask questions and help develop various text and content creation activities.

    Licensed Copilot Products for Specific Purposes

    • Copilot for Microsoft 365 helps you take advantage of the knowledge stored within your tenant, such as SharePoint and Exchange.
    • Copilot for Sales and Copilot for Service: Helps you understand prior customer communications and develop effective email and communication responses.

    This is just the tip of the iceberg. Each of these Copilot products has its features and benefits and requires its level of configuration and capabilities. If you’d like to learn more, please schedule a consultation with us. We have a detailed guide that you can acquire, or you can take advantage of our Aware for Copilot service to help guide you through the rollout.

    We also invite you to one of our upcoming > Office Hours.

  • IT Budget Changes for 2025: A Simple Guide

    Organizations need to prepare for significant shifts in IT budgets in 2025. Let’s explore the main areas to focus on:

    Cybersecurity

    The world of online threats is growing, and so are the rules for fighting them. It’s time to beef up your defenses with smarter security measures, like AI that detects threats. Stay on top of the newest security measures to cover your bases. Check out TechHouse’s guide on cybersecurity best practices to ensure you’re well-protected. Our Aware for Microsoft 365 report provides a simplified view of your Microsoft 365 security for email, files, and more.

    Cloud Services

    Cloud services aren’t going anywhere, but managing costs will matter more than ever. Consider better ways to handle your cloud resources and hybrid solutions to balance cost and effectiveness. Streamline your services by combining communication and workflow tools into a single platform. Monitor adoption and usage reports to understand value and cost effectiveness.

    Trends in Microsoft Cloud

    Leverage Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem to stay ahead in 2025. The Microsoft AI Platform, including Azure AI and Microsoft Copilot, offers advanced AI capabilities to enhance productivity, creativity, and security. Additionally, the Microsoft Dynamics 365 suite provides integrated CRM and ERP solutions, enabling better customer experiences, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.

    Hardware and Infrastructure

    Expect to spend more on hardware as the need to update old equipment and support remote workers grows. Many businesses invested in new equipment in 2020/2021, and probably time for an update. Many of these, from computers to firewalls, are available virtually on a subscription basis. For some needs, Cloud PCs might be a more affordable option.

    Software Licensing

    The bill for software, especially for AI, automation, and team collaboration tools, is increasing. The good news? Like hardware, software is now available primarily by subscription. As new needs arise, you can adjust without being stuck with old tech.

    IT Support and Training

    With the rise of new tech, training your team to handle it, especially AI and cybersecurity is a must. Training is for more than just the IT crowd; everyone should be up to following company tech policies. Most cyber security insurance policies today require cybersecurity awareness training.

    Data Backup and Recovery

    Given the increasing risks, it is wise to invest more money in backing up your data and quick recovery options. Downtime can be expensive, so having several ways to recover is smart. Keep in mind that the cloud software providers are not responsible for breaches that occur on your accounts.

    Scalability

    As your business grows, your IT needs will too. Investing in scalable solutions, like modular hardware or flexible cloud services, will help you meet future needs without breaking the bank. Balance the flexibility of month-to-month plans with the discounts that come with annual commitments.

    Compliance

    Rules are changing, and spending to keep up with compliance, especially to protect sensitive data, will need to go up. Whether following new industry guidelines or ensuring your tech meets specific standards, compliance can’t be ignored.

    In summary, 2025’s IT budgets for small businesses are about making smart, future-focused investments, particularly in security, efficiency, and growth. With careful planning, your business can navigate these changes smoothly.

    Connect with us for more information:

    > Schedule a call
    > Join us for an upcoming Office Hours

  • AI as Competitor and Coworker – a thought starter for non-technical business leaders (Part 5)

     Part 5: So, if this sounds like a lot, can I just ignore AI for now?

    One of our customers asked if they could just create a “No AI Allowed” policy and thereby avoid the AI challenges until everything is settled. Unfortunately, that could be quite hard to implement. Microsoft and LinkedIn published the results of their study on AI in the workplace in May 2024. Below is the Infographic.  In general, AI is used by 75% of workers worldwide. AI at Work Is Here. Now Comes the Hard Part (microsoft.com)

    How could that be? Someone recently shared with me a list of over 1,000 programs available with AI. How common is AI? Even very common tools like Google search and Edge Bing use AI as do Word, Excel, QuickBooks and more. It is unlikely a no-AI policy is possible at this stage.

     

    And so, from here? Now what?

    How do we proceed with our business in a universe that includes not only AI-trained models but also foundational models with probabilistic responses to our prompts?

    Changes in thought and understanding can rattle more than our cage. It can shift the ground beneath our feet and upset our understanding of the world order. Does it change that order? Or just our understanding of it? Either way, how do we plan for a future that appears to be such a deviation from the past that we can feel like we are on a completely different planet?

    I do not believe the answer to that question is known. We don’t have a finite scenario we can test to ensure an accurate outcome. But we deal with similar scenarios in our business every day. Each interaction with an employee, customer, client, or board member requires decisions that are probabilistic, not certain.

    In this situation, like those, we gather the facts of the situation, arm our team with the tools we can, and make our best guess, then tacking and adjusting as needed to drive forward.

    Gather the facts of the situation.

    Like other Macro Trends, understanding the fundamental principles of AI is essential. Identify a trusted advisor, preferably a few who can provide perspective.

    Prepare your team.

    Ensure your team has critical thinking skills. Provide them training on what AI is. Ensure they know if they are working with Classical Machine Learning or Deep Learning models. Are they asking questions for answers or providing prompts for responses?They need to know what to ask. As Alfred Lanning told Will Smith’s character “Del Spooner” in iRobot, “That, Detective, is the right question.”

    Setup the necessary technical platform

    Data Governance: AI eases decision-making. However, it requires a vast amount of data to do it well. Ensure you have a data governance platform in place.

    Make your best guess.

    Consider AI in your business, your industry, among your customers, and in your community. What will change? How will it change? Consider 3 outcomes and prepare a rough plan should they arise. Revisit this plan as you would any other business plan, only with the fast rate of change, a monthly or quarterly revisit may be required rather than annual.

    Track and Adjust

    More than traditional software, AI models are constantly evolving, as are our adaptation to a world with AI. To understand where we are, we need to know where we have been. Identifying measures for performance and risk and continually monitoring those to respond is needed. Additionally, create feedback loops from your team to ensure you benefit from the variety of perspectives and experiences as quickly as possible. There are many tools available. A good start is Microsoft’s RAI Impact assessment template: Microsoft-RAI-Impact-Assessment-Template.pdf

    Don’t Go It Alone: Some ways TechHouse can help

    • Free Webinars to stay aware: Contact us for our upcoming webinars.
    • Check out Kathy’s AI panel on Bright Talk June 21st, 2024, at 1pm eastern.
    • Our CoPilot AwareTM Solution contains curated assessments, sample policies,communications, and guides for your AI Adoption journey.
    • Training and mentoring for you and your team: from Cybersecurity to Critical thinking workshops, our team is dedicated to transferring skills to help your team thrive in this new world.
    • Technical Preparedness and Tools: Engage us for an AI preparation, Data Governance, cybersecurity, or CoPilot/AI rollout in your organization.

  • AI as Competitor and Coworker – a thought starter for non-technical business leaders (Part 4)

     Part 4: AI as Collaborator: Guardrails, Ethics and Responsibilities

    Having an AI model available for prompt and response interaction is like having another team member to brainstorm with. With more perspectives, you can increase the probability of solving the problem, especially if that second person brings specific knowledge and understanding.

    Like the digitized, non-tested data from the internet which informs the model to make the decision, the AI model could provide flawed decisions and guidance.

    With humans, we assume some of the information we receive is flawed. We assume that the data the person is working from could be better and that their problem-solving ability and decision-making processes could be better.

    We know that humans are not system-tested. What they’re saying may or may not be accurate, so we combine our experience with our five senses of what we see in the real world with what the human is saying and try to discern what information to proceed with. Is what they’re saying entirely correct? Partially, correct?

    In the past, we could assume that if a computer provided an answer, it was accurate, or the programmers did not test it sufficiently, and it needed to be fixed. The bar for well-run software was accuracy. We would even use a computer to test a human’s work, such as solving a complex math problem.

    In this new world we need to be aware that Chatbots which are built on Deep-Learning AI and Large Language Models use probability to gauge an answer. Unlike traditional software, and even unlike Classical Machine Learning like our OCR invoice above, the Chatbots with Deep Learning AI are not system tested. And yet, we find many people are thinking of these tools as if they were. We often hear our customers asking a Chatbot a question or asking a Chatbot to create content and then using that content as is, as though the results have been system tested somewhere for accuracy. As though if they just ask the question in the right way, they will get an answer. When it will always be a prompt with a response. A response based on probability not system-tested accuracy.

    This brings us to another critical area for our strategy – Ethics, responsibility, and potential liability.

    If the model is trained on digitized internet data, what biases and errors are reflected in that information? How will it help or harm our business and decisions if we rely on it for responses derived from biased information? What happens to decisions that would shift given information discovered by science or elsewhere in 2024 if the foundational model was last updated in 2022?

    How about legal risks? In August 2023, the Equal Opportunity Commission settled its first AI hiring discrimination lawsuit. The three companies violated the 1967 Age Discrimination Act because the AI hiring program “automatically reject[ed] female applicants age 55 or older and male applicants age 60 or over.” There is ongoing litigation for a class action lawsuit involving Workday. Amazon stopped using its AI hiring tool because, having been trained on a database of primarily male applicants, it preferred resumes that used words that are more commonly used by men in their resumes like “executed” and “captured.” Navigating the AI Employment Bias Maze: Legal Compliance Guidelines and Strategies (americanbar.org)

    Most AI and Standards organizations have identified the necessity of trustworthy and responsible AI. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST.gov), the ones who decide an inch is an inch and  have defined these key “building blocks” Trustworthy and Responsible AI | NIST:

     

     

    Microsoft requires that all its customers commit to responsible and ethical AI. Their landing page can be found here: Empowering responsible AI practices | Microsoft AI.

    Don’t Go It Alone: Some ways TechHouse can help

    • Free Webinars to stay aware: Contact us for our upcoming webinars.
    • Check out Kathy’s AI panel on Bright Talk June 21st, 2024, at 1pm eastern.
    • Our CoPilot AwareTM Solution contains curated assessments, sample policies, communications, and guides for your AI Adoption journey.
    • Training and mentoring for you and your team: from Cybersecurity to Critical thinking workshops, our team is dedicated to transferring skills to help your team thrive in this new world.
    • Technical Preparedness and Tools: Engage us for an AI preparation, Data Governance, cybersecurity, or CoPilot/AI rollout in your organization.