Large language models have become a hallmark of artificial intelligence due to their capability to produce human-like text and aid in daily tasks, making tools like ChatGPT prominent in generative AI. Despite the attractions of this cutting-edge technology, there is a substantial risk: the potential for overshadowing traditional AI, or analytical AI. Analytical AI has consistently proven its worth in improving business processes and decisions but could be overlooked in favor of generative AI’s fresh and exciting functions. McKinsey research suggests that generative AI applications could enhance the economic advantages expected from analytical AI by 15% to 40%. This highlights the necessity for a balanced strategy in AI project deployment. Leaders should understand that generative and analytical AI serve complementary roles rather than being interchangeable. Generative AI boosts efficiency and automation, such as through AI-driven chatbots increasing call center productivity, while analytical AI supports strategic decision-making, like determining the optimal time or offer for contacting customers. Which AI type suits your business challenges?A crucial phase in developing an AI project roadmap is conducting ideation workshops.

In these, business and technical leaders brainstorm ways to utilize AI for tackling organizational issues. From our experience with hundreds of these workshops, two main challenges often surface: Business leaders frequently have difficulty identifying opportunities for analytical AI, and technical teams rarely possess the business insight necessary to direct discussions and influence project selection. Fortunately, just as a generative AI chatbot can enhance call center operations by facilitating customer issue resolutions, a GenAI-driven ideation tool can provide substantial benefits during these workshops. Executing Ideation Workshops with GenAI What should these ideation workshops entail?Typically, they are divided into two phases. First is the divergent stage, where groups (usually three or four, each with six members) composed of diverse executives and staff brainstorm a wide array of ideas. These ideas often target specific pain points in current business processes, such as inefficiencies, bottlenecks, or repetitive tasks, or explore opportunities for improvements, like enhancing customer experiences, boosting operational efficiency, or enabling data-driven decision-making.