Date Published February 2, 2026 - Last Updated February 2, 2026
Across organizations, employees exhibit a broad range of enthusiasm and proficiency regarding AI. Some are hesitant and avoid AI tools entirely, while others depend so extensively on the technology that they may overlook their own unique contributions.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in our workflows and toolsets, it is essential for all employees, regardless of where they fall on this spectrum, to understand and adopt these technologies in an ethical, responsible and creative manner.
AI does not offer a clear-cut step 1-2-3 type approach. It does not lend itself to a traditional training model of user guides and documentation. Curiosity, iteration and creativity are key to engaging AI successfully.
I recently led an organizational training using a cohort model encouraging real life application throughout the process. Here are a few highlights:
Approach the journey together as a cohort or team
Employees are more likely to embrace AI when they are learning with others. Build mechanisms for ongoing dialogue about how they are using AI and how it is impacting their work (both good and bad). Simply asking, “How are you using AI to save time this week?” may generate lively discussion and new insights among your employees. Encourage those discussions regularly through tools like Teams or Slack.
Build AI competence around real work, not generic prompts
We all face an overwhelming number of tasks, and employees often feel overwhelmed or resistant to technology projects that increase their workload. Structuring the learning to explore positive impacts and time-savings accelerates the adoption and increases excitement. For instance, rather than supplying predefined datasets or prescribing specific prompts, allow employees to work with data and questions relevant to their roles.
Integrate AI tools where the work is naturally occurring
Employees are more likely to use AI technology if the tools are integrated within the applications they are already using. As you evaluate where to dedicate AI funding, explore integration options within the tools that are used most often. It is likely you will get a higher return on investment as you make it easy for employees to engage the technology.
Reinforce the value of the individual
While AI can certainly streamline work, most of us will not be replaced by AI. The human factors are still critical. Reinforce the value of AI as simply a tool in the hands of the employee. Like a paintbrush in the hands of an artist, the value and impact of AI is dependent on the way an employee uses it.
Facilitate ongoing dialogue about the responsible and ethical use of AI
AI can certainly help us work faster, but it is still critical that employees review, challenge and check AI content for accuracy. Additionally, data privacy and security should be in the forefront of conversations. Encouraging ongoing dialogue about how employees can use and validate AI content is critical. Create a culture where employees feel safe raising concerns about AI results and applications.