In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping how organisations operate and how work gets done.
The recent HBR article “How Gen AI Could Change the Value of Expertise” by Joseph Fuller, Matt Sigelman, and Michael Fenlon highlights a critical insight: AI will significantly impact approximately 50 million jobs in the coming years, with some career paths becoming more accessible while others face higher barriers to entry.
This presents both challenges and opportunities for organisations. The question isn’t whether AI will disrupt your workforce—it’s how prepared you are to navigate this change proactively.
Understanding AI’s Impact on Your Organization
Our research through CMinsights has revealed that organizational readiness for AI isn’t merely about technology adoption. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses three foundational building blocks:
First, we must consider People – the individual human capabilities, adaptability, and readiness for AI integration.
Second comes Leadership & Strategy – the vision, direction, and governance mechanisms needed to guide transformation.
Finally, we must address the Organisation itself – the structures, systems, processes, and cultural elements that enable effective AI integration.
These three areas form the foundation of what we call the AI-ORA Framework (AI Organizational Readiness Assessment), which helps organizations systematically evaluate their preparedness across 18 dimensions.
The Shifting Value of Expertise
As Fuller, Sigelman, and Fenlon note in their research, AI is reshaping learning curves in fascinating ways. For roles with steep learning curves like software engineers, credit analysts, and project managers, AI might amplify the productivity of experienced workers while reducing entry-level opportunities. Conversely, for roles where technical skills can be more easily taught, AI could lower barriers to entry and open opportunities.
This has profound implications for organizational structure. Traditional pyramid-shaped organizations with many entry-level workers supporting smaller numbers of experienced staff may transform into more diamond-shaped structures. Organizations need to anticipate these changes and develop new talent strategies accordingly.
Five Steps to Build AI Organizational Readiness
Based on our PACE framework (Prepare, Assess, Cultivate, Evolve), here are five essential steps organizations should take:
First, conduct a comprehensive assessment. Evaluate your current state across all three building blocks—people, leadership, and organization—to identify strengths and gaps.
Second, prioritise strategically. Use our CORE framework (Current capability, Organizational impact, Risk & resistance, Ease of enablement) to identify high-impact areas that align with your strategic objectives.
Third, develop new learning pathways. As traditional career progression paths shift, create new opportunities for skills development that prepare workers for AI-augmented roles.
Fourth, build change management capabilities. The psychological and cultural dimensions of AI adoption are often overlooked but critical to success.
Finally, foster cross-functional collaboration. Break down silos between technical and domain experts to ensure AI initiatives address real business needs.
Building Your AI Talent Strategy
The transformation of learning curves highlighted in the HBR article demands a reimagining of talent strategies. Organizations should rethink recruitment as entry-level opportunities in some fields decline, creating new approaches to building talent pipelines.
They should also prioritize retention since competition for experienced workers in fields where AI enhances expertise will increase. Developing internal capability through robust learning and development programs will help existing employees adapt to changing skill requirements.
Cultivating company-specific knowledge becomes increasingly valuable as AI automates more generalized skills.
Moving Forward with Confidence
The AI revolution presents both challenges and opportunities for organizations. Those that take a systematic approach to assess and build organizational readiness will be best positioned to thrive.
At CMinsights, our consulting services help organizations navigate this transformation through comprehensive assessments, strategic advisory services, and specialized training programs. Whether you’re just beginning your AI journey or looking to accelerate your transformation, a structured approach to organizational readiness is essential.
The future of work is being shaped right now. The question is: will your organization be ready?