Managing teams in the Age of AI

The latest unprecedented advancement of AI is considered a significant evolution of technology. It is perceived that AI can do many tasks faster and better than humans. Hence, the role of a software engineer is rapidly evolving and getting reshaped by AI. In light of this, navigating the rapidly changing landscape of AI is no longer a choice but a professional necessity. This book will help readers understand AI and master the human dynamics required to integrate it effectively into an organization and workforce.

This book looks at the AI adoption lifecycle, beginning with a perspective on the AI world and its specific applications for software development, from productivity tools to domain-specific scenarios. The book then provides a unique, persona-based framework to manage the three key types of team members: the wide-eyed ones, the AI enthusiasts, and the nAI-sayers. Readers will learn to plan and implement a full-scale transformation, complete with establishing success metrics, defining a 30-60-90 day plan, and creating a continuous feedback loop.

By the end of this book, readers will possess a strategic and actionable understanding of how to lead a team to not just adapt to AI but to thrive truly. Readers will be equipped to foster a culture of continuous innovation, transforming an organization’s tactical use of AI into a dynamic and proactive force for the future.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
● The current AI landscape and ethical implications.
● Applying AI tools for software engineering productivity.
● Establishing success metrics for AI transformation plans.
● Implementing AI-driven process and rhythm modifications.
● Creating feedback loops for continuous AI process refinement.
● Embedding AI strategically into organizational and individual goals.
● Designing a team culture for continuous innovation.
● Framework towards emerging as a transformative leader.

WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR
This book is for software engineering leaders, managers, and aspiring professionals who have experience in the software industry. It provides a framework for effectively guiding teams through the AI transformation.

1. Foundations of the AI Landscape
2. Applications of AI in Your Domain
3. Type A, the Wide-eyed Ones
4. Type B, the AI Enthusiasts
5. Type C, the nAI-sayers
6. Plan the Transformation
7. Execute the Transformation
8. Feedback Loop
9. Beyond the Tactical
10. Planting Seeds for the Future

Ankur Agrawal has been working in the software industry for over 25 years, including close to 18 years in various leadership roles in notable companies such as Microsoft, Salesforce and Flipkart. He has explored a large landscape of software engineering and leadership space, ranging from low-level embedded systems, operating systems, device drivers, networking protocols, to large-scale distributed systems, cloud services, and AI platforms. He has built and led large teams comprising software engineers, data scientists, and product managers. Ankur also had the opportunity to mentor and coach hundreds of engineers and leaders. He has extensively shared his experience in the leadership domain as a speaker and ardent writer of articles on professional platforms. In this book, he shares his knowledge and insights in a comprehensive manner to help the leaders with their journey in a systematic manner, especially in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.