If you want to jump onto a moving train, you don’t approach it perpendicular to your position and certainly not without a sense of urgency. You toss your baggage and run along side the moving train, fueled by adrenaline, and look for the first possible chance to jump on board.
That’s what learning Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is like. You don’t catch up then figure out how to evolve. Rather, you leap onto a moving innovation, and figure it out as you go – not knowing where the train is taking you. Time is not on the side of the over-thinker here.
It looks exciting (and more graceful) when stunt doubles do it in the movies, but this is real life, it’s exactly what’s happening with AI in the workplace. Yes, AI is the train and your tossed baggage is your preconceived ideas of what you think AI really is.
Proof that AI has already infiltrated the workplace
Earlier this month, Microsoft and LinkedIn teamed up to bring us the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report. The results were surprising. In a nutshell, employees are already using AI, and are looking to their leaders to, well, actually lead on the subject.
Employees are not waiting for the corporate culture to catch up. 75% of knowledge workers are already using AI. Because a trend needs at least two data points for perspective, know that 6 months ago only 46% were using AI in the workplace. Now that’s a fast train!
While 79% of leaders agree that they need to adopt AI, uncertainty holds them back as they try to figure out how to quantify productivity gains. 60% of leaders are worried that they don’t have a plan and vision for how to use AI.
But listen to the train’s horn – it’s already here. Workers are not waiting for leadership direction. 78% are bringing their own AI to the workplace – BYOAI. Leadership may not know this, as employees often users use it quietly, not sure of the company’s position.
With heavy workloads and feeling the risk of burnout, these employees understand that AI can help them get more done. By the way, it’s not just Gen Z – usage cuts across all the age stereotypes.
Time to Lead the Generative AI Revolution
What an opportunity for leadership to jump on this moving train and lead! Might I suggest starting with a few clear steps:
- Create a Generative AI Corporate Guidelines document
- Identify an AI lead within the organization
- Provide appropriate AI resources to employees
- Provide ongoing training to employees
It’s a very human reaction to be concerned that AI may take away jobs. But savvy workers already know that those who use AI effectively will replace those who turn a blind eye to it. This at a time where leaders worry about filling key roles. Leaning in to AI can be a competitive advantage for finding the right talent, and keeping them.
Mind the Gap
The research in this study identified four types of AI users, from skeptics to power users. While varied by skill level and role, the most common uses by employees are to research, try new prompts, experiment with different ways of using AI, and help mapping out how to approach a task. Employees even say AI helps them be more creative, productive and focused.
Top occupations using AI tend to lean creative at this time – content writing, graphic design and marketing management. But AI is already elevating skills across all roles and industries.
Keep in mind that not everyone is in the same place in their AI journey, and customized training is key. But this is an opportunity for leadership to provide the map to mind the gap.
All aboard.