by Tyler Kelley
Let’s face it. AI literacy is quickly becoming as crucial as knowing how to use a computer. If your team’s idea of AI is still “that robot from the Jetsons,” you’re in for a rude awakening. But don’t panic - here’s your no-nonsense guide to leveling up your organization’s AI game.
1. Demystify the Jargon
First things first, cut through the tech mumbo-jumbo. Most of your employees don’t need to know the intricacies of neural networks. Focus on practical understanding. What can AI do? What can’t it do? How does it apply to your business? Speak plain English, not Silicon Valley.
2. Hands-On is the Way to Go
Reading about AI is like reading about swimming - it doesn’t make you a swimmer. Get your team’s hands dirty with real AI tools. Set up workshops where they can play with AI writing assistants, image generators, or data analysis tools. Nothing beats learning by doing (and messing up).
3. Make it Relevant
Don’t bore your sales team with AI applications in manufacturing. Tailor the training to each department. Show your marketing folks how AI can supercharge their campaigns. Let your customer service team experiment with AI chatbots. Keep it practical, keep it relevant.
4. Address the Elephant in the Room
Let’s be honest - some of your employees are terrified AI will take their jobs. Don’t shy away from this. Address it head-on. Show how AI is a tool to enhance their work, not replace them. Fear leads to resistance. Understanding leads to adoption.
5. Encourage Experimentation
Create a safe space for your team to experiment with AI. Set up an “AI sandbox” where they can test tools without fear of breaking something important. Reward innovative uses of AI. Remember, today’s silly AI experiment could be tomorrow’s game-changing process improvement.
6. Bring in the Experts (But Not the Boring Ones)
Consider bringing in AI experts for training sessions. But for the love of all that’s holy, make sure they can explain things without putting everyone to sleep. Look for speakers who can bridge the gap between tech talk and practical business applications.
7. Make it a Continuous Process
AI isn’t a “learn it once and you’re done” kind of thing. It’s evolving faster than fashion trends. Set up regular updates, lunch-and-learns, or internal newsletters to keep your team in the loop on the latest AI developments relevant to your industry.
8. Lead by Example
If you’re the boss, you better walk the talk. Use AI tools yourself. Share your experiences - both the wins and the face-palm moments. Your team is more likely to embrace AI if they see you doing it too.
9. Create AI Champions
Identify the tech enthusiasts in your organization and nurture them. These are your AI champions. Give them extra training and let them be the go-to people for AI questions. Peer-to-peer learning can be incredibly effective.
10. Measure and Adjust
Like any good business strategy, measure the impact of your AI literacy efforts. Are people actually using AI tools? Is it improving efficiency? Gather feedback and be ready to adjust your approach. What works for one team might not work for another.
Remember, the goal isn’t to turn your employees into AI programmers. It’s about making them comfortable and competent with AI as a powerful tool in their daily work.
The companies that thrive in the coming years won’t necessarily be the ones with the most advanced AI - they’ll be the ones whose employees know how to leverage AI most effectively.
So, are you ready to transform your workforce into AI-savvy superheroes? It’s time to embrace the future, one AI-assisted step at a time. Just don’t blame me when your team starts asking for their own AI sidekicks. That’s a whole other can of worms we’ll tackle another day.
Tyler Kelley is the Co-founder and Chief Strategist of SLAM! Agency, where he helps mission-driven organizations and innovative businesses amplify their impact to drive meaningful change. In this column, Tyler provides actionable insights to help businesses and leaders navigate our increasingly AI-driven world.