Beyond the AI Hype: Augmentation over Automation
A Framework for AI Transformation Leadership
How to navigate organizational AI adoption without getting lost in empty promises
I recently attended a webinar previewing Nils Janse’s upcoming book "The New We: How to Multiply Human Potential by Adopting Gen AI and Agents."
The book, expected in the coming weeks, draws from his experience working with over 60 organizations on their AI adoption journeys. As someone deeply involved in Agile and organizational transformation, I found his perspective refreshingly grounded in real experience rather than theoretical possibilities.
The Journey from AI Skeptic to Advocate
What struck me was Nils' personal story - how he went from being disappointed with AI's unfulfilled promises for 20 years to completely shifting his focus after experiencing ChatGPT's capabilities. This resonated with my own journey. Like many in the Agile community, I've seen numerous "next big things" come and go, but generative AI feels fundamentally different.
Four Concepts That Actually Matter in Enterprise AI Adoption
While much of the AI discourse gets lost in technical jargon, Nils presented four concepts that I find particularly useful in understanding where we're heading:
Emergence: AI models developing capabilities without explicit programming - similar to how humans learn through exposure rather than explicit instruction
Multimodality: Working across different types of content - from text and images to audio and video, enabling more natural interaction
Reasoning: Extended thinking capabilities that allow for complex problem-solving and analysis
Agentic Behavior: Independent action and tool use, moving beyond simple response patterns
What I appreciate about this framework is its practicality. It helps explain both current capabilities and future trajectories without overselling or understating the technology's potential.
The Automation vs. Augmentation Debate in AI Implementation
The most compelling part of the webinar was the discussion about automation versus augmentation. Nils shared how even Klarna, initially focused on automation and headcount reduction, has shifted toward augmentation. This aligns with my experience in Agile transformations - sustainable change comes from empowering people, not replacing them.
A Reality Check on Organizational AI Adoption Levels
He outlined four levels of organizational AI adoption:
Level 0: No AI usage - where many organizations still find themselves
Level 1: Individual chatbot use - experimenting with tools like ChatGPT
Level 2: Team integration - systematic use of AI tools in workflows
Level 3: AI agents implementation - deploying specialized AI solutions
Level 4: True human-AI teams - seamless collaboration between humans and AI
Currently, most organizations I work with are between levels 0 and 1, with a few pioneering teams reaching level 2. While he suggests we'll see level 4 organizations by year-end, I'm a bit more conservative in my timeline estimates. Organizational change, especially around new technologies, typically takes longer than expected.
What I Found Missing in the AI Transformation Discussion
While the webinar was comprehensive, I would have liked to hear more about:
The challenges of maintaining agility with AI systems
How traditional Agile practices need to evolve
Specific examples of failed AI adoption attempts and lessons learned
My Key Takeaways for AI Leadership Success
Start Small but Think Big: Begin with simple chatbot applications while building toward more sophisticated use cases.
Focus on Learning: The technology is moving fast, but organizational learning takes time. Prioritize building understanding over quick wins.
Build Coalitions: Success requires both top-down support and bottom-up enthusiasm.
Stay Human-Centered: The goal isn't to replace humans and enhance their capabilities.
Do you recognize this from the agile mindset and approach?!
Looking Forward: The Promise of "The New We"
As someone working at the intersection of Agile and AI, I'm excited to read the full book when it's released. At around 200 pages, it promises to expand significantly on the webinar's concepts with real-world examples and practical frameworks. Niels mentioned he's releasing it earlier than he might have preferred due to the rapid pace of AI development - a decision I respect.
In AI, waiting for perfection often means missing the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the conversation.
While I might not agree with all the timeline predictions, the overall approach aligns well with what I've seen work in organizational transformations.
I'm particularly interested in the practical exercises and approaches section, as this is often where theory meets reality in organizational change.
A Personal Note on AI Leadership
What I found most valuable wasn't the technology discussion but the focus on human potential. In my years of Agile coaching, I've learned that successful transformation is always about people first. Nils' emphasis on augmentation over automation suggests he's learned the same lesson.
Let's continue this conversation.
What has been your experience with AI adoption in your organization? Are you seeing similar patterns? Different challenges?
For those interested in learning more, the book "The New We: How to Multiply Human Potential by Adopting Gen AI and Agents" should be available in the coming weeks. Based on the webinar content should provide valuable insights for anyone involved in organizational AI adoption, regardless of their current level of AI implementation.
[Meta Description: Discover practical insights for leading AI transformation from Niels' upcoming book "The New We," including a proven framework for organizational AI adoption and leadership strategies.]
Keywords: AI transformation leadership, organizational AI adoption framework, enterprise AI implementation, generative AI strategy, AI change management, human-AI collaboration, digital transformation roadmap, agile AI adoption, AI leadership development, AI organizational change