Navigating the Perception of AI Among Teams

Artificial intelligence is now more accessible than ever, sparking a similar buzz and sense of intrigue as was once stirred by the invention of the internet. As with any new innovation, AI brings change to our daily habits and decision-making processes, which can be daunting for those who value routine and stability.

However, the adoption of AI in both personal and professional spheres has been the catalyst for marked positive impact. This new method of doing things not only accelerates decision-making processes but also frees up time for teams to focus on more impactful uses of their own human intelligence, honing in on skills such as problem-solving and creativity. Thus, one can argue that the adoption of AI serves to enhance human intelligence, rather than replace it.

With the benefits in mind, it is crucial for leaders to navigate the introduction of AI to their teams thoughtfully and with great care, so as to mitigate any intimidation or fear of job security.

Navigating AI Adoption

Data Gathering: Begin by collecting data to understand which roles will be most impacted by the adoption of AI.

Action item: understand each role and its core function, then observe or have 1:1 conversations to better understand your team's daily habits and their “how” (i.e. how do they get to desired outcomes). Once you've done that, then you can identify which “hows” can be automated or enhanced through the use of AI.

Transparent Communication: Be intentional about sharing how this impact will be perceived and applied within your team.

Action item: Hold team meetings or one-on-one discussions with key team members and teams to explain the rationale behind the AI adoption initiative and address any concerns or questions that team members may have.

Incremental Change: Introduce change in small, manageable pieces, and establish a timeline for each phase of the transition.

Action item: Identify early adopters as “change agents” within teams. These individuals will be promoters of the new tool since they believe in its value add & ability to enhance their performance. Allow “change agents” the time and space to demonstrate a correlation between AI adoption and enhanced performance in their own words - using their own experience.

Metrics-driven Evaluation: Collect data to demonstrate the tangible benefits of implementing your new tool. Utilize concrete metrics to showcase the positive impact on roles affected by the adoption, such as:

• Cost Reduction through Automation: Quantify the cost savings achieved through increased efficiency and reduced manual labor. Example: implementing an AI-powered customer service chatbot could lead to a 30% reduction in customer support costs within the first year.
• Increased Output from Faster Collaboration: Measure the uptick in productivity resulting from streamlined collaboration processes facilitated by the new tool. By enabling team members to share information and collaborate more seamlessly, you can boost output and accelerate project timelines. Example: implementing a project management tool with AI-driven task assignment features could lead to a 20% increase in project completion rates within six months.
• Data Entry through Automation: Utilize AI and data entry to streamline claims processing, thereby saving time and enhancing accuracy. This efficiency gain allows more focus on human intelligence tasks, leading to improved customer service and operational effectiveness. Example: Implementing AI-driven data entry could cut processing times by 30% and reduce error rates by 20% in six months, freeing up time for higher-value tasks.

By demonstrating a clear correlation between AI adoption and improved human outcomes, organizations can facilitate a smoother adoption process and achieve successful change management results. This approach ensures that teams embrace AI as a tool to enhance their capabilities rather than a threat to their roles.