As with the advent of electricity, how we work is going to change with AI.
This is not a prophecy of robot overlords. Nor propaganda for technology.
It is simply a recognition that our relationship with work will not be the same.
Leaders emerge in times of transformative change.
And those leaders realize that change management is culture management.
Which is to say that if the business is well established, it may need to overcome one inertia to embrace another.
Charismatic leaders may inspire smaller, younger organizations to transform with grace.
However, leaders within larger, older organizations will struggle to do the same. It is difficult to be visible at all times within a matrixed organization.
A different modality is required.
One that involves activating change ambassadors.
This is a larger community of influence who share the vision and the values. They are present in the small moments when their peers decide which path to take: continue with the old; or embrace the new.
These change ambassadors live the culture of the new world order. They prove by quietly doing. The demonstrate that the new state is the desired state.
They are effective because they have built Trust Capital with colleagues.
The question is not whether this approach works. It has worked for missionaries for centuries.
The question is how to find and recruit them to your cause.
Trust Capital is the currency on which change is purchased.
It is distinguished by, but not defined by, three common elements.
Altruism
When one behaves for the benefit of others without need of reward, this is altruism. Because it is an motive, it’s hard to measure.
People will *sense* good intentions nevertheless. Find those that continue to show up when it is inconvenient for them to do so. That is a signal for Trust Capital.
Effective
Worthwhile ideas are only meaningful when they move to action. If there is a new technique or new process, those with Trust Capital will demonstrate success. Because they learn the new ways early. They point to examples where it has been effective.
What is important is that outcomes are visible. Results don’t have to be perfect. In fact, imperfection makes them realistic.
Relatable
Those with Trust Capital are like you and me. They are not especially gifted, better looking, or more fit than the rest of us. When their humble beginnings look like our humble beginnings, then the change they experience seem possible for us.
We see ourselves in their movie.
When you have the responsibility to modernize a large organization…
Recruit a community of change ambassadors.
Just know that you have to build your own Trust Capital with them.
They have to see themselves dancing to your music, no matter how freakish that seems at the beginning.
The Visual8 