A Team Approach to Using AI: Lessons from the Frontline
As the owner of Bos Solutions, I've experienced firsthand how generative AI tools like Perplexity and Co-Pilot can boost productivity. However, talking about AI with your team can be tricky. I discussed this topic with Esther Han, Chief Ventures Officer at Consumer Reports, in a recent podcast episode. She and her team are already experimenting with AI technologies, running their existing content through AI "pipes" to explore new possibilities.
Esther made AI a team effort from the beginning—it's a great strategy for any leader/manager today. Determining how to use AI isn’t a challenge you have to figure out on your own; allow your team to tackle this with you.
Five take-aways from Esther’s story that are applicable to anyone:
1. Be transparent and proactive from the start
Encourage your team to explore AI tools relevant to their work and share their findings with you. Perhaps kick this off in a team meeting as a mini learning initiative. Set a timeline for them to 1) share their thoughts with you in a 1x1 (I hope you have regular, pre-scheduled 1x1s at least once a month 😊) and 2) come back together as a team to share findings and decide next steps.
2. Link to organizational strategy & policies
Align with whatever your organization’s point of view on AI may be, as well as overall security protocols and policies.
3. Keep it real
Openly acknowledge the many concerns out there about AI. Common worries include job security, ethical use, and privacy issues. As your team explores the use of AI, encourage them to raise their concerns. Proactively ask them to share; don’t just assume they’ll bring it up. (Note: They will be fully candid and honest only if established relationship already exists – respectful, trusting, etc.)
4. Have meaningful conversations
Put them at ease in your 1x1s about sharing what’s really on their minds. Set the tone for using AI as a tool to enhance their work, not replace it (assuming this is true). In Esther’s case, at least one staff member expressed concern that AI could replace a portion of their role. That comment kicked off a meaningful conversation around more interesting, substantive work that person could do if they leveraged AI tools.
5. Recognize AI isn’t going away, while keeping people at the center
AI is here to stay. At every level, leaders and managers can introduce and explore these tools with their teams in a way that's human-centered, not the other way around. Give the full Esther podcast episode a listen as she discusses approaches to innovation of all kinds.
Interested in brainstorming approaches for integrating AI into your team’s work, or exploring ways to build the trust levels that will drive creative ideas and candid conversations about AI? Reach out anytime.
