As business leaders, navigating the current landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) can be quite challenging. While we are tasked with defining AI use cases and establishing safeguards within our organizations, we are still in the process of fully understanding this complex technology. Balancing future-oriented thinking with present-day realities, we must grasp how AI transforms our business models, impacts employee experiences, and serves our customers.
Are you prepared for AI agents? This requires significant adaptation and a commitment to ongoing learning. Acknowledging our own learning needs—a difficult admission for many leaders—sets us on the best path forward.
We are not alone in this challenge. The rapid adoption of generative AI across industries has created a notable skills gap among leaders and employees alike, amplifying the pressure for all to elevate their understanding quickly. Alarmingly, 62% of employees report feeling unprepared to use generative AI effectively and safely, with only one in ten worldwide believing they possess essential AI skills.
As leaders, our primary focus must be on closing this knowledge gap. We have the power to guide our organizations through these disruptions, particularly the challenges posed by generative AI.
What does sustainable upskilling look like in the age of AI?
Three Strategies for Effective AI Upskilling
The integration of generative AI into daily operations demands leadership that advocates for change and connects the dots for employees.
In my role, I prioritize upskilling initiatives that empower employees to utilize AI to enhance our services and support our customers better. This journey has highlighted the necessity of AI roadmaps that strategically address common upskilling barriers, such as time constraints and the fast-paced evolution of AI.
To effectively implement AI upskilling, we must:
1. Provide Ample Resources for Upskilling
Upskilling in generative AI is not a one-time effort. The complexity and continuous evolution of the technology necessitate ongoing learning opportunities and financial support. As leaders, we should offer access to workshops, third-party courses (like those on LinkedIn), and tuition reimbursement for independent learning ventures. Crucially, these resources must be available to all employees, regardless of their specific roles.
Additionally, we should establish systems for documenting and sharing insights. Creating channels for open communication encourages employees to share feedback and identify challenges, facilitating a culture of collaborative learning. For example, my company runs monthly learning campaigns on relevant topics, encouraging collective engagement. Recently, our focus was on AI, with employees choosing specialized courses and participating in "Learning Lounges" to exchange insights.
2. Lead and Learn by Example
Invest time in understanding emerging generative AI solutions and convey their practical benefits to the organization. Your commitment to learning will foster buy-in from employees and solidify your vision for integrating AI into operations.
As you advance your own skills, mentor others and incorporate AI discussions into daily interactions. Organize solution-driven hackathons and innovation challenges to promote creativity and collaboration across teams. Where feasible, incorporate learning exercises into ongoing projects, making it easier for employees to develop skills amid their busy schedules.
Regularly check in with your teams for feedback on their professional development needs. Candid conversations can uncover insights that standard meetings might miss, strengthening connections between leadership and employees.
3. Support Upskilling with Data and Technology Investments
Equip employees with the tools, data, and infrastructure necessary for effective AI learning. Collaborate with leadership to refine data practices and strengthen the tech framework that underpins your AI initiatives.
For AI to thrive, it must operate in data-rich environments with reliable connectivity. Avoid allowing data quality or security issues to hinder employee enthusiasm for innovation. Industries reliant on data—such as healthcare, finance, and education—must act swiftly to enhance their systems.
Regularly assess and enhance your technology infrastructure to keep pace with generative AI's evolution. A multifaceted approach to upskilling, where technology and data support employee growth, is vital for success.
Let the Learning Begin with You
Generative AI solutions hold the potential to significantly impact organizational operations and growth. However, realizing this potential depends on our commitment to understanding the technology and embedding it into everyday practices.
To ensure effective and sustainable use of generative AI, support your initiatives with flexible training programs and foster a culture of continuous, collective learning. While AI upskilling may seem distant from your daily tasks, it is crucial for driving transformation within your organization.
Steve Smith is CEO of Zayo.
Ranking
