Back to the Future – The Trojan Horse

The story of the Trojan Horse is one we’ve all probably heard of. The Trojan Horse was a legendary military strategy that played a central role in the ancient Greek epic, “The Iliad.” It is a tale of cunning and deception during the Trojan War. The Greeks constructed a massive wooden horse and hid soldiers inside its hollow interior. Presenting the horse as a peace offering to the Trojans, the Greeks convinced them to bring it inside the city walls. Under cover of night, the Greek soldiers emerged from the horse, opened the gates, and allowed the rest of the Greek army to enter Troy, leading to the city’s ultimate downfall. 

The Trojan Horse represented hidden vulnerabilities. Think of AI as a powerful tool that can also be exploited. Just as the Greeks used the Trojan Horse to infiltrate and conquer Troy, AI systems can be vulnerable to manipulation and bias. Leaders must be aware of these risks when using AI to inform organisational design and strategic investments. This is why we always advocate for a “human in the middle.” For example in 2018, Amazon scrapped it’s AI recruiting tool after it found that the tool favoured male candidates. This was due to AI being trained on predominantly male CV’s. 

So what does that mean for us? AI systems can be vulnerable to manipulation and bias. Leaders must maintain critical oversight and ensure that AI systems including the underlying data are robust and secure. For example, AI can be used to test for vulnerabilities in organisational processes and systems, ensuring that they are resilient to potential threats. Additionally, AI can help leaders make strategic decisions by testing the possible outcomes of those decisions and identifying potential risks. 

Leadership Lesson: Leaders must maintain critical oversight and ensure that AI systems are robust and secure. Just as the Trojans were deceived by the Greeks, organisations can be vulnerable to exploitation if they do not take proactive measures to safeguard their AI systems. As Lindsey Wright, Head of Customer Excellence, highlighted in a recent interview, system integration is key to enhancing customer experience and managing data effectively. AI can play a crucial role in achieving this integration and safeguarding organisational assets. 

The story of the Trojan Horse teaches us the importance of vigilance and resilience in leadership. By embracing AI as a powerful tool, leaders can enhance their organisations’ security and stability. AI’s real-time analysis and risk assessment capabilities can provide valuable insights that protect against potential threats and ensure continuity. As we move forward, let us remember that the true power of AI lies in its ability to enhance human judgement and decision-making. 

Join us for the “Back to the Future – Learning from the Past and Exploring the Future of Organisation” webinar on 17th June from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. We’ll delve into the fascinating history and future of organisational design, exploring how innovative companies like GE Aviation facility and GitHub are experimenting with alternative forms of organisation. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the past and prepare for the future. Register now and be part of this insightful event!