AI is an Amplifier: Scale High Performance, Not Dysfunction

AI adoption in software development is nearly universal, yet the outcomes for teams are highly variable. Why do some organizations see massive productivity gains while others see their delivery stability crash? DORA’s latest research provides a key insight: AI acts as an amplifier. It magnifies the strengths of high-performing orgs—and scales the dysfunctions of struggling ones.

Successfully leveraging AI is not a tool problem; it is a systems problem. In this talk, I will explore the DORA AI Capabilities Model which draws on stories from 100+ hours of interviews and data from 5,000 professionals. The model provides a data-backed framework identifying the seven technical and cultural capabilities required to unlock AI's potential without breaking production.

I will dive into the counter-intuitive findings from DORA’s research, such as why 'user centricity' is a stronger predictor of AI success than 'prompt engineering,' and why 'working in small batches' is your best defense against AI-generated instability. I will examine distinct team profiles identified in the research, from 'Harmonious High-Achievers' to those caught in a 'Legacy Bottleneck,’ providing a diagnostic framework to assess your organization's readiness and provide a roadmap to ensure your AI strategy amplifies your brilliance, not your bottlenecks.

Takeaways:

• Diagnose your organization's AI maturity beyond simple adoption metrics
• Identify the specific 'dysfunctions' in your org that AI is likely to worsen.
• Apply the 7-part DORA AI Capabilities Model to build a balanced investment strategy.