As organizations race to leverage AI, many are finding that the biggest challenge is managing the “shadow AI” implementations that often occur outside the formal oversight of IT and risk management. These unseen, unsanctioned uses of AI can lead to a lack of awareness and control, resulting in potential risks that could undermine the very benefits AI is supposed to bring.
We find ourselves asking, “How do we encourage AI innovation while bringing these shadow implementations into the fold?” The last thing we want is to become the dreaded “Dr. No,” stifling progress. Instead, we need to ensure that AI is adopted responsibly and in alignment with our organization’s strategies.
One strategy is cultivating an environment where AI innovation thrives through collaboration and transparency. This helps create an environment where conversations about AI, including existing shadow implementations, flow freely across the organization, sparked by regular tech talks or internal forums. This open communication helps prevent siloed efforts and inspires teams to share knowledge, bring hidden projects to light, and re-use capabilities across the organization. Consider the following approaches:
Demystify AI across the organization: Host roundtables and lunch-and-learn events to empower employees, including those working on shadow AI projects, fostering open discussions that encourage cross-departmental knowledge sharing and organically spread AI expertise.
Establish an AI guidance team: Create a centralized team of AI experts to guide and support other teams, helping to navigate AI implementation while ensuring all projects, including shadow AI, align with the organization’s risk management practices and strategic objectives.
Showcase AI successes: Develop a library of documented AI applications and use cases to inspire and inform teams, enhancing visibility into ongoing initiatives, reducing duplication of efforts, and cultivating a culture of collaborative innovation.
Ultimately, we want an environment of both innovation and responsible governance. We don’t want to put ourselves in the position of controlling every aspect of AI use and being a “Dr. No.” By guiding rather than gatekeeping, and by bringing shadow AI implementations into the fold, we can position our organizations to harness AI’s full potential while mitigating risks.
Are you balancing innovation and responsible use of AI across your organization, including addressing the challenge of shadow AI?
