Stages of Change in AI Adoption part 2

If you missed part one, you can find it here:

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Part 2

Here’s how leaders can best support their team during each stage of the Kübler-Ross model:

1. Shock

   • Support Strategies:

     • Communicate Clearly: Provide clear and concise information about the AI changes and what they mean for the team.

     • Offer Reassurance: Reassure employees that support and training will be provided and that their jobs are not at risk.

2. Denial

   • Support Strategies:

     • Provide Education: Offer educational sessions to explain the benefits and necessity of AI adoption.

     • Share Success Stories: Highlight case studies or examples of successful AI adoption in similar organizations.

3. Frustration

   • Support Strategies:

     • Acknowledge Feelings: Validate their frustrations and concerns, showing empathy towards their experiences.

     • Offer Solutions: Provide practical solutions, such as additional training or one-on-one coaching, to address specific challenges.

4. Depression (stage of the adoption cycle, not a medical diagnosis)

   • Support Strategies:

     • Boost Morale: Organize team-building activities and provide positive reinforcement to lift spirits and that you all are in it together.

5. Experiment

   • Support Strategies:

     • Encourage Experimentation: Create a safe environment for employees to try new AI tools without fear of failure and in alignment with the company's AI policy.

     • Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback and celebrate small successes to build confidence.

6. Decision

   • Support Strategies:

     • Facilitate Learning: Provide ongoing learning opportunities and advanced training sessions.

     • Encourage Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment where employees can share their experiences and learn from each other.

7. Integration

   • Support Strategies:

     • Recognize Achievements: Publicly acknowledge and reward employees for successfully integrating AI into their workflows.

     • Continuous Improvement: Encourage continuous improvement and innovation, keeping the team engaged with the evolving technology.

General Tips for Leaders

• Maintain Open Communication: Keep the lines of communication open throughout the entire process. Regular updates and open forums for questions and concerns can help alleviate anxiety.

• Be Visible and Approachable: Show your commitment by being actively involved in the transition process. Your presence and availability can provide much-needed support.

• Tailor Support to Individuals: Recognize that each team member may progress through the stages at their own pace. Offer personalized support as needed.

• Foster a Growth Mindset: Encourage a culture that views AI adoption as an opportunity for growth and development rather than a threat.

By understanding and addressing the emotional journey of your team, you can guide them more effectively through the AI adoption process, ensuring a smoother transition and more successful integration of new technologies.

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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/

SOLD OUT June 11, 12, and 13 Cincy AI Week Details are being added daily at https://cincyaiweek.com/.

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! Jennifer Panepinto, Dawn Parks, Whitney Barkley, Greg Goshorn, Helen Todd, myself, and a few other coaches will guide your experience throughout the day. 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/

September 4-6 Midwest Con! Join hundreds of builders in the Midwest for a week of hacking emerging tech solutions, insightful workshops, networking, and a Demo Day. If you have never hacked before or are not technical, no worries! We have beginner tracks for AI and blockchain. Snag your tickets now before it is sold out. The first 100 tickets gain early workshops with hands-on AI training for Microsoft Co-Pilot. https://midwestcon.live/

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Where AI and inspiration collide!
Kendra Ramirez
KendraRamirez.com