Stages of Change in AI Adoption
Kendra, why do you keep talking about change management and AI adoption? Because every single session is the bell curve of emotions with the teams that I am working with. It is important for us to know where people are in their AI journey.
The Kubler-Ross Model which is also known as the 5 stages of grief is a model consisting of the various levels or stages of emotions which are experienced by a person who is soon going to approach death or is a survivor of an intimate death. The 5 stages included in this model are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
When I look at the model I immediately think of this as human behavior when adopting AI.
The Kübler-Ross model, originally developed to describe the stages of grief, can indeed be applied to the human behavior journey during AI adoption. Here's how the steps in the chart can relate to how people might feel during this process:
Shock
AI Adoption Context: The initial introduction of AI technology can be surprising or shocking. Employees might be taken aback by the sudden change or the potential impact on their roles.
Feelings: Surprise, confusion, or disbelief about the need for AI.
Denial
AI Adoption Context: After the initial shock, some might deny the importance or effectiveness of AI. They might resist acknowledging that AI can improve their work processes.
Feelings: Disbelief, skepticism, seeking evidence that AI is unnecessary or ineffective.
Frustration
AI Adoption Context: As AI implementation progresses, frustrations can arise. Employees might struggle with new workflows, face technical issues, or feel threatened by the technology.
Feelings: Anger, irritation, feeling overwhelmed by the changes.
Depression
AI Adoption Context: During this stage, the negative aspects of AI adoption might weigh heavily. Employees may feel despondent if they perceive AI as a threat to their job security or if they struggle to adapt.
Feelings: Low mood, lack of motivation, feeling demoralized or anxious about the future.
Experiment
AI Adoption Context: Gradually, employees start to engage with AI in a more exploratory manner. They test new tools, experiment with workflows, and begin to see some benefits.
Feelings: Cautious optimism, curiosity, willingness to try new approaches.
Decision
AI Adoption Context: At this point, employees decide to accept AI as part of their work environment. They learn how to work with the new technology and begin to integrate it into their daily routines.
Feelings: Increased confidence, positivity, a sense of control over the changes.
Integration
AI Adoption Context: In the final stage, AI is fully integrated into the organization’s processes. Employees feel comfortable and competent using the technology, and it becomes a natural part of their work.
Feelings: Satisfaction, acceptance, renewed sense of purpose, and efficiency.
By understanding these stages, you can better support your employees through the AI adoption process. Providing adequate training, addressing concerns, and encouraging open communication can help ease the transition and foster a positive attitude towards AI.
Greater Cincinnati AI Events for 2024 (over 50 events)
New events are added weekly. Here are the events that I am aware of: https://kendraramirez.com/cincinnati-ai-events-2024/
June 11, 12, and 13 Cincy AI Week Details are being added daily at https://cincyaiweek.com/. Over 100 speakers. 75% of the tickets are already taken. You don’t want to miss this week.
Our June 4 event is sold out. Sign up now for July 9 from 3-5 for our CincyAI meetup. Come see why we sell out every month with over 150 attendees. Half of the room is AI developers and half the room is the business community navigating AI. Thank you to UC Research and Digital Futures for your partnership. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cincinnati-ai-for-humans-cincyai-tickets-884883298767?aff=oddtdtcreator
July 11 BizAccessHub Bootcamp for Navigating AI is a hands-on AI conference for small businesses at NKU. Our non technical approach will put your mind at ease. Bring your laptop. Register today and save! Tickets are only $200 until June for an early bird discount. https://www.nku.edu/academics/cob/Outreach-and-Engagement/BizAccessHubAIBootcamp.html
July 16-19 Black Tech Week is another can’t miss event in our community. The conference's mission is to connect entrepreneurs and technologists to game changing resources, knowledge, investors, and most importantly - one another. Speaker line up coming soon. From the 2023 conference, so you can see the see the typical flow of the conference. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2023/07/18/what-is-black-tech-week-issa-rae-moviepass/70423565007/
Register here: https://www.blacktechweek.com/
I love answering your AI questions. Feel free to message me.
Where AI and inspiration collide!
Kendra Ramirez
KendraRamirez.com