How to prepare people for AI

Culture is a critical part of AI

People are your company’s greatest asset, even in the era of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

And while technology can revolutionize processes, it’s the people behind the technology who drive true transformation. Which means, in turn, they can also get in the way of successful AI implementations.

Most organizations are focused on how to prepare data for generative AI. But if you don’t prepare people, you could miss transformative opportunities. Human expertise is essential not only to leverage AI tools effectively but also to help ensure they’re used responsibly and ethically.

To thrive in the age of AI, leaders must address skill gaps and foster a culture of trust and enthusiasm around AI. Focusing on the following four elements can help create a culture that embraces AI and positions your organization for success.

1. AI vision and strategy

Effective leadership begins with a clear, well-articulated vision that aligns with the company’s business objectives, strategies and growth plans.

Your AI strategy should mirror this clarity, seamlessly integrating with your broader company goals and values. A robust AI strategy includes consistently updating your road map, illustrating how AI fits into daily business operations and decision-making processes, and more.

This strategic vision should outline specific AI initiatives, timelines and the expected impact on various business units. By clearly defining the role of AI within your organization, you can guide your teams through this evolution process, helping ensure everyone understands the purpose and potential of AI technologies.

2. Ethics

Innovating means taking risks. But it’s not reckless or irresponsible.

Clearly define how your organization plans to use AI, setting expectations for employees, customers and stakeholders.

Prioritize customer privacy and data security within your AI strategy and help ensure that all employees are trained in handling sensitive data appropriately.

Incorporate employees into AI projects from the start, fostering a collaborative and transparent development process.

This inclusion not only builds trust but also ensures that AI applications are designed with a diverse range of perspectives. Encourage open discussions about ethical concerns and integrate human touchpoints into digital processes to maintain a balance between automation and human oversight.

3. Education and training

Will AI take my job? Can we trust AI to do things correctly? Is our data secure?

The less people know about AI, the more apprehensive they may be. Invest in targeted education and training to build an in-house pool of AI talent.

Addressing common fears requires robust education and training programs, starting with fundamental data literacy programs and progressively introducing more advanced AI concepts.

Provide hands-on experiences with AI tools during workshops and problem-solving sessions, allowing employees to experiment and learn in a supportive environment. Promote a culture of curiosity over apprehension, celebrating learning and innovation.

By encouraging collaboration and continuous learning, you can scale the benefits of AI across the organization and foster a workforce that is both skilled and adaptable.

4. Communication

In the fast-paced world of technology, clear and frequent communication is crucial. Keep stakeholders informed about new developments and the evolving impacts of AI.

Tailor your communication to address how AI will affect different roles within the organization, highlighting how it can alleviate repetitive tasks and enhance job functions.

Focus on the benefits, changes and rewards associated with AI adoption. Establish two-way communication channels to gather feedback and continually refine your AI strategy.

By maintaining an open dialogue, you can address concerns proactively and build a more engaged and supportive workforce. It’s critical to build processes that encourage the sharing and documenting of ideas from team members throughout your company — they’re often a uniquely valuable source of growth opportunities.

How Wipfli can help

When people and technology work together smoothly, it paves the way for innovation and efficiency.   Work with Wipfli to proactively address concerns about AI and speed up adoption. You can insert our strategic AI services at any point in the process, whether you’re exploring AI applications, setting the strategy or getting your data into shape. Contact us today to build an AI-centric culture.