How to Prepare Your Team for the AI Revolution

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world. It's automating tasks, making decisions, and even creating new jobs. But what does this mean for us as leaders?

In the age of AI, leaders need to be more adaptable and agile than ever. We need to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things. We also can’t lose sight of the humans we lead, who are vital to the success of our organizations.

Here are a few tips for leading successfully in the age of AI:

Embrace Change

AI is a disruptive technology, and it's essential to be prepared for the changes it will bring. This means being open to new ideas and ways of doing things. It also means letting go of old ways of doing things.

For example, maybe you’ve always used a spreadsheet (yikes!) to track your team's progress. But now, AI-powered software like Motion is available that automates 90% of project planning and optimizes everyone’s calendars to get the most done. Instead of resisting this change, embrace it! Learn how to use new tools and use them to free up your time so you can focus on more strategic tasks.

Focus on the Human Element

As we dive into the AI era, we risk getting swept up in the shiny new technology and forgetting the living, breathing humans we lead. AI is a powerful tool for automating tasks and making decisions, but it can’t replace our human superpowers like creativity, empathy, and intuition. These qualities define our humanity and are crucial for cracking tough problems and making hard choices.

Sure, AI can collect data and spot patterns, but it can’t match our ability to think outside the box and come up with fresh ideas. When leaders foster a culture that celebrates different perspectives and encourages teamwork, they are more likely to tap into the full potential of their team.

"AI is not a threat to humanity. It is a tool that can be used to augment human capabilities and make our lives better." - Fei-Fei Li, co-director of Stanford's Human-Centered AI Institute.

Invest in Training

As AI becomes more prevalent, investing in employee training is non-negotiable. We must help our employees understand how AI can be used to improve their work and to develop the skills needed to succeed in the future. Call it what you want – upskilling, reskilling, or professional development on steroids. The skill gap will only widen as AI disrupts the status quo; we must double down on AI skills training.

This is table stakes to keep our most valuable resource, our employees, engaged and able to do what humans do best – use their creativity and problem-solving skills to help the business succeed. Luckily, we’re not on our own - Udemy, Coursera, and edX offer a wide variety of training to choose from.

Communicate Openly

It's important to communicate openly with employees about AI. This means explaining how AI will impact their work and how they can prepare for the changes it will bring. It also means being transparent about the risks and benefits of AI.

A software engineering leader I know is holding regular meetings with her team to discuss the latest developments in AI, share new tools they discover, and discuss questions and concerns. A recent demo included Phind, a search engine for developers and technical questions. You could also create a wiki or knowledge base where employees can learn more about AI.

Be a Role Model

Leaders who actively use AI tools demonstrate their belief in the value and potential of these technologies. By integrating AI into your day-to-day work, you create a culture that embraces innovation and forward-thinking. You can’t expect your employees to be open to change if you’re not open yourself.

By showcasing the positive impact of AI on your work, you can inspire your teams to do the same, leading to overall improvements in productivity and output. When you adopt AI tools and highlight their benefits, you help dispel fear or resistance. For example, I used Grammarly to get feedback on this blog post and found that 99% of the suggestions were on target, saving me hours of editing time.

Leading in the age of AI is both a challenge and an opportunity. By implementing these strategies, you can empower your team to thrive and achieve successes none of us even dreamed of!