A few of my colleagues are hesitant to make use of AI instruments out of concern they’ll get replaced, however I’ve been making an attempt to point out them how these instruments can assist them save time and improve their work.

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Elaine Varelas shares strategies for easing AI adoption and building confidence among reluctant team members.

Q.  Many of my colleagues seem very reluctant to use ANY AI tools, as they fear the tools will replace them. I keep telling them how these tools will help them become more efficient, will save them time, and will make them look smart. How can I get the message to them? Unfortunately, company-wide training hasn’t yet been rolled out, but I’ve been trying to teach them a few tricks to let them know how AI can help them.

A.  Technology changes seem to be the most frightening to non-Generation Z employees. I’m not sure if it’s true of everybody else, but the younger employees seem to gravitate toward it. I can remember, years ago, the Chairman of our company announcing that the Internet was here to stay. Easy to smile about today so let’s say it – AI is here to stay. Think back to all the technological changes in the workplace. The introduction of the typewriter, then changing to the computer. The computer to your iPhone. From big scanners that were in the backroom to scanning on your phone. These types of changes will keep happening, and unless you not only make the necessary adjustments but also actively embrace and adapt to them, you risk being left behind.

One of the best ways I saw people introduced to AI was a leader who encouraged their employees to write a letter to their grandparents (you can use your kids too). And they used generative AI to do that, in this case ChatGPT. Employees typed in specific prompts and ChatGPT created a draft. Some people didn’t like theirs and said it’s too cheesy or stiff and they wanted to edit it. ChatGPT incorporated their feedback and continued making edits until they were satisfied with the outcome. Once they realized that ChatGPT could genuinely assist them, they became more receptive to other ways they might use ChatGPT not only in the workplace, but in their personal lives. They were more willing to ask how else ChatGPT could help, if it’s this easy to write a letter. And they wanted to learn more about how they could leverage AI tools in their job.

Leaders, managers, and technology embracers need to recognize that not all of us are adept at making changes in the way we interact with technology. There is a fear factor associated with it and a fear factor associated with anticipating not being able to do it. I encourage you to set up easy training sessions that are initially not based on work activities but can make someone’s personal life easier. And then lead into using AI tools in work activities that can make life just that much easier and efficient.

We know everyone’s afraid AI will replace you. If you think it will replace you, it may. But if you’re the one most proficient in using AI tools, you’ll be the keeper. For example, software engineers often compare integrating AI tools into their workflow to having a junior engineer assisting them. Have a conversation with your manager about their perspective on the benefits of using AI for your role, and what they’d like to see as a performance enhancement.