During the summer of 2023, the chatter around AI reached a crescendo. Learning leaders frequently found themselves pondering a critical question: How do we prepare our workforce for this technological shift? The goal isn’t merely to familiarize them with new tools but to empower them to use, adapt, and innovate alongside AI.
Here’s the crux: it goes beyond basic training. It’s about ongoing transformation—an evolving journey rather than a one-off event.
In recent discussions—ranging from casual conversations to in-depth strategic talks—one trend has emerged: organizations that truly harness the potential of generative AI are those that actively support their personnel. They’re not just training on a singular tool; they are fostering an environment where AI becomes a core component of how they operate.
Let’s delve into the genuine effort required to enable teams to thrive in an AI-augmented workspace, steering clear of the hype.
Three Layers of AI Readiness
Amid rapid technological advancements, there’s a temptation to dive headfirst into tools. The mindset often becomes, “Let’s train everyone on the latest AI app!” While initial exposure is beneficial, this approach often overlooks the foundational understanding necessary to utilize the technology effectively.
Instead, we propose a layered approach: AI Literacy, AI Proficiency, and AI Fluency. Each layer builds upon its predecessor and serves a distinct yet connected purpose in your transformation strategy.
This framework draws inspiration from the insights of leaders like Markus Bernhardt and Brandon Carson, who emphasize AI literacy and fluency. Their work highlights the importance of strategic awareness and governance across an organization.
Additionally, we see a compelling need for a middle step: Proficiency. This involves hands-on, role-specific skill development that allows individuals to transition from understanding AI concepts to applying them in their daily tasks.
1. AI Literacy: The Foundation
Consider AI literacy akin to digital literacy from a decade ago; it’s now essential. This layer focuses on demystifying AI technology: What is AI? What are its capabilities and limitations? Where does it integrate into our workflows? What ethical considerations should we be mindful of?
We’re not advocating for coding or neural network design education; rather, we aim for awareness around processes and policies. This is vital for workplace safety—like cybersecurity training, many experts now argue that AI literacy holds similar significance.
When implemented effectively, AI literacy fosters not just knowledge but curiosity, enabling individuals to shift from fear to experimentation.
2. AI Proficiency: Practical Application
Once individuals grasp what AI is, the next objective is to learn how to apply it in their specific contexts and objectives.
This layer focuses on integrating AI into workflows—ensuring that the use of AI enhances productivity. Whether it’s generating meeting summaries, writing performance evaluations, analyzing survey results, or streamlining learning content creation, proficiency is about practical application.
Here, the conversation transitions from what’s feasible to how to execute it effectively. However, this also heightens risk—without foundational literacy, proficiency may lead to poor uses or mediocre results. These two elements must go hand in hand: understand the tool, know the guidelines, and then master its effective use.
3. AI Fluency: Collaborative Transition
This is where the magic happens. AI fluency transforms individual capabilities into collective competencies.
It represents a shift from:
- “What can I achieve with AI?” to “What can we accomplish together?”
- Testing individual ideas to establishing collaborative practices
- Utilizing AI to designing the framework for AI usage within the team
In organizations that achieve fluency, team members collaborate on prompts, refine processes, co-create guidelines, and engage in transparent knowledge sharing.
Fluency transcends technical proficiency; it’s fundamentally about fostering a culture where experimentation is normalized and continuous learning is encouraged.
Implementing the AI Readiness Journey
When discussing Learning and Development (L&D) strategies, I often inquire: How are you structuring this developmental journey?
It’s crucial to recognize that this is a journey that unfolds over time, not something to be resolved in a single workshop. It’s about creating iterative, role-relevant, and community-oriented learning experiences.
Consider these initial steps:
- Identify use cases before program development. Evaluate what challenges employees are facing and how AI can assist.
- Tailor your approach. Recognize that literacy, proficiency, and fluency are distinct stages requiring different support strategies.
- Incorporate refreshers. Given AI’s rapid evolution, regularly update learning practices to reflect current best practices.
- Encourage social learning. Fluency flourishes through teamwork. Organize brainstorming sessions, share prompts, and compile a knowledge repository of effective strategies.
- Measure impactful outcomes. Shift your focus from merely attendance metrics to confidence, application, and overall impact, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
The Importance of Thoughtful Rollout
The execution of your AI training initiatives often gets overlooked but is vital.
The method of rolling out your AI learning programs reveals everything about your organization’s ethos. Are you empowering innovation? Are you fostering trust and openness? Do you view this as a checklist exercise or a developmental opportunity?
Every training session, communication, and pilot initiative is a chance to communicate to your team: We’re in this together. We’re navigating this landscape collaboratively and in alignment with our core values.
In essence, enhancing your team’s AI skills isn’t just about staying competitive. It’s about engaging fully—curiously and collaboratively—to navigate this transformation successfully.
Your Next Steps
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Where does your organization currently stand on this literacy–proficiency–fluency spectrum?
What actionable step can you take to advance your team? It could be initiating a brainstorming session, piloting a project, or proposing a discussion in your next meeting: “How have things changed?”
Change is here, and so is AI. The pressing question remains: Are we equipping ourselves with the skills, frameworks, and collective understanding necessary to navigate this evolution?
Let’s aim for more than mere adoption; let’s strive for a meaningful transformation.
Embrace Transformation Now!
If you’re excited about harnessing AI and emerging technologies to redefine learning within your organization, don’t miss out on our Pillars of Learning: Technology seminar—a full-day pre-conference event preceding the Learning Leadership Conference (Learning 2025). Spearheaded by Megan Torrance, this seminar covers generative, predictive, and analytical AI, along with advanced learning technologies and platforms.
Join us early at Learning 2025 and kick-start your learning transformation! The Pillars of Learning: Technology seminar is on September 30, 2025; the Learning Leadership Conference will take place from October 1–3, 2025. Registration for both events is now open!
Image credit: ipopba
