If you can create a team of AI super-users, it’s likely to benefit your entire company.
A recent MIT study found that skilled workers who use generative AI within their capabilities will increase their performance by 40% compared to those who don’t. The problem is, not every employee wants to jump on the AI bandwagon. The Pew Research Center found that 52% of workers are worried about the future impact of AI in the workplace, and 32% believe it will result in fewer jobs.
With any change comes uncertainty, which can lead to disengagement, apathy, or mistrust. But you can counteract your team’s apprehension by creating a compelling narrative for AI use and empowering them with the skills they need to make the most impact. This takes careful planning and thoughtful communication.
So, how can you help your team become savvy, confident users of AI?
Position AI positively
For many, AI can cause a fear of the unknown. That’s why it’s vital to position the technology as an efficiency tool, not a replacement for employees. When communicating your objective of increasing AI usage on your team, remember to highlight how the human/machine relationship should work. For example, you might say that AI can’t give a person an original perspective or opinion, but it can help with idea generation. Offer examples of how AI can help speed up arduous tasks, like research or report building, so that your team members can do more engaging and strategic work. The more positively you frame the change, the more motivated your team is likely to be.
Set clear guidelines
Some employees may hesitate to use AI because they aren’t sure which tasks it’s appropriate for. According to Gallup, 70% of employees say their organizations lack clear policies for using AI at work, causing some resistance. Work with other leaders to create clear guidelines that outline where AI can and cannot be used in your department. For example, if your team writes public-facing copy, your guidelines might state that AI can be used for brainstorming or first drafts but that a human must edit all copy to ensure originality.
Create a rollout
Employees are more likely to adopt AI when they know how to incorporate it into their work. In fact, Gallup reports that employees are 4.7 times more likely to feel comfortable using AI when there is a clear adoption plan. In addition to your guidelines, develop an AI rollout plan that specifies which technologies will be used and set a timeline for AI integration. In the meantime, encourage your team members to explore AI tech and look for use cases. Position any early adopters as trailblazers and evangelists who can inspire the rest of the team.
Train your team
Providing your team with information about AI isn’t enough – you also need to build their skills. McKinsey found that 48% of employees indicate that training would increase their daily use of AI tools. Create a group training plan and be intentional about continuous upskilling as new AI becomes available. In addition to the training, you might also consider pairing more experienced AI users with those who need extra support to ensure everyone is set up for AI success in their roles.
Become AI role models
Position your team as forward-thinking by embracing an AI-first approach. This mindset can boost team motivation, foster a strong sense of belonging, and inspire pride in your work. By leading the charge in AI adoption, you’ll empower your team to feel confident and secure, knowing they’re at the forefront of innovation and contributing to a company that values professional growth. Plus, as a manager driving this change, it will reflect positively on your leadership.
Encourage continued innovation
Once your team masters AI basics, encourage them to innovate with it by challenging them to use AI in new and creative ways. You might even gamify this with an “AI hackathon,” where your team solves a problem creatively with AI. Consider creating a messaging channel where people can share AI hacks and ideas, or even build an "AI corner" into your regular meetings for team members to share AI wins and challenges. Make it fun and collaborative so that your employees’ relationship with AI becomes positive, rather than intimidating.
