In 1995, the author Clifford Stoll made a controversial claim in a now infamous Newsweek article: the internet wouldn’t catch on and was destined to fail. Almost twenty years on, another revolutionizing technology is spreading across the world — but few would bet against AI in 2024.
Artificial intelligence has the potential for an even bigger impact on our society than the internet itself: algorithms already impact who we connect with on social media and our TV show and book recommendations. Soon, it may be diagnosing diseases and teaching classes.
Those of us in business don’t have to wait for AI to change our world. AI is already influencing many aspects of our day-to-day, from data analytics to digital marketing.
Whatever the potential of AI, however, this rapidly changing tool remains just that: a tool. For now, AI requires human input, and leadership can’t be hands-off in how it expects teams to use it.
Source: Unsplash
Your Team Doesn’t Trust AI — Yet
The statistics are telling: the people most excited about AI are C-suite execs, while less senior workers unconvinced of the benefits of AI tools. Is this a surprise, when 62% of workers are using AI tools, but two-thirds of workers receive no training in these AI tools?
Source: Atom
Without effective training in the use of AI, these tools can present more problems than they solve and challenge and already stretched workforce.
Ineffectual tools lower morale and deepen the disconnect between upper management and the general workforce.
With training, however, AI can powerfully impact your teams. Here’s how to upskill your talent to get the most out of AI.
The Importance of Organizational Culture in AI Training
Let's face it: As much as we aim to build an innovative culture at our startups, the daily demands of the job sometimes lead our employees to develop risk-averse habits.
Culture is built from the top down, and as leaders, we can foster a culture that makes employees more flexible, curious, and creative.
Encouraging an innovative and collaborative culture is the first step in building a workforce that’s willing to take on the challenges that a technological sea change brings.
Encourage experimentation and celebrate successes, no matter how small.
Create an environment where failure is seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. By doing so, you will cultivate a team that is proficient in AI and excited about its potential.
Of course, some practical skills are necessary for the effective implementation of AI tools, too.
What Training is Needed for AI?
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Understanding Types of AI Tools
AI encompasses a wide range of tools, each designed for different tasks.
Whether it's natural language processing, data analysis, or machine learning, your team needs to know what tools are available and how to use them effectively.
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Prompt Engineering
One of the foundational skills in AI is prompt engineering.
This involves creating effective queries to get the most useful results from AI tools. Teaching your team how to craft precise and effective prompts will empower them to use AI more efficiently.
Source: Author’s screenshot
As yet, generative AI tools are only as good as the prompts they’re given. Successful prompt engineering requires building requests in a language that your AI tools understand.
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When to Use AI vs. When the Human Touch is Better
AI is a powerful tool, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are still many scenarios where human intuition and creativity are irreplaceable. Training your team to discern when to rely on AI and when to trust their own judgment will create a balanced and effective workflow.
Case Studies of AI Training Programs
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State Programs
In recent months, states from Connecticut to California have launched initiatives aimed at upskilling their citizens with the vital tools for a future workforce.
Connecticut, in particular, has far-reaching aims with its free AI Academy, targeting professionals of all kinds. The programs demonstrate that states recognize that AI skills are a vital component of an employable workforce, and may be able to support business’s own upskilling objectives.
However, companies shouldn’t rely on the state to train their workforce.
By offering training on the relevant AI tools in your industry, you can provide a laser focus for your employees, as well as creating a collaborative atmosphere in the introduction of new tech tools.
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IBM's AI Skills Academy
IBM's AI Academy is led by IBM’s in-house AI experts and features a curriculum built for business leaders.
It includes both practical and technical knowledge in AI, machine learning, and data science, and can benefit leadership as well as less senior staff by empowering effective investment in AI.
Source: Credly
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Gen AI Training at Mineral
Mineral split teams into ‘pods’ to encourage a creative approach to learning to use AI.
These pods, or learning communities, generated their own knowledge by experimenting with chatbots, and this learning was then shared with the wider workforce.
An effective team-building exercise with upskilling as a byproduct, the result was that employees created an iterative learning experience that was sharply relevant to the business’s needs.
FAQ
1. What is generative AI?
Generative AI is an artificial intelligence tool that creates new content based on provided prompts. It can produce text, images, video and audio and be used in marketing and content creation.
2. What problems can AI help us solve?
AI can currently be used in data analytics, content creation, personalization and the automation of repetitive tasks. As the power of AI grows, it can be used to solve more complex problems.
3. What training is needed for AI?
Computer skills, prompt engineering and an understanding of the types of AI tools and when to use them are necessary for effective implementation of AI in your workflow. To build AI, a degree in computer or data science is the starting point.
4. How can I start learning AI?
You can learn to use AI by experimenting with online tools such as ChatGPT. Further AI training programs, such as IBM’s AI Skills Academy or state-sponsored programs can be found online.
Wrapping Up
Integrating AI into your business isn't just about adopting new technology; it's about empowering your team to harness its full potential. By overcoming barriers, prioritizing upskilling, and fostering an innovative culture, you can ensure that your organization stays ahead of the curve.
Coca-Cola’s European CMO Javier Meza identifies that the path to growth requires the meeting of artificial intelligence and human ingenuity.
Make sure your team knows that AI isn’t there to replace them: it’s a tool to support them. Empower them with the understanding that their own creativity and inventiveness are integral to the outcomes you desire.
Training your team in the use of AI is an investment that will yield significant returns.
By addressing the barriers to AI integration, providing targeted upskilling, and fostering a supportive organizational culture, you can ensure that your team is well-equipped to harness the power of AI.
Author Bio
Lotte Reford is Communications Lead for atom.com, a naming platform, and startup ecosystem with 50,000+ customers globally, from small startups to large corporations, such as Nestle, Philips, Hilton, and Pepsi.
