By Danielle Crosswell, Senior Associate | September 2024

The generative AI buzz of 2023 is far from over. The World Economic Forum reports 75% of companies plan to adopt new technologies like AI within the next five years, with technology literacy becoming the third-fastest growing core skill in the workplace.

If you feel behind the curve on implementing new technologies, a c framework provides a structured approach to guide your team through the transition. Here are the steps we suggest getting you and your organization started:

Align business needs with your organizational strategy

It’s hard to resist implementing all the latest technology trends. Building a business case behind the changes you are looking to implement can provide clarity on your priorities and how best to deploy resources. First, survey your employees. Do they already use AI for their day-to-day tasks? Do they see the need for further training? Do they find it disruptive to their workflows?

Additionally, leadership will be interested in the impacts of AI from a strategic perspective. Does this technology reduce time and errors? Does it create new failure points that ultimately lead to customer dissatisfaction?

When making an organizational change, you should make sure that there’s a specific need being addressed, and that the new improvement will align with overall strategic goals.

Develop an implementation plan with team member feedback

Once you’re defined the “what”, you can begin to focus on the “how”. When creating an implementation plan, it’s important to involve your employees. Employees are more likely to engage with new technology when they’re part of the decision-making process.

New technologies, like generative AI, often come with a steep learning curve. Identify skills gaps and plan comprehensive training resources. Form a pilot group of employees to uncover potential roadblocks or questions that could arise before a full-scale rollout.

Proactively addressing challenges will reduce friction when going through the implementation process.

Communicate changes

Develop a clear communication strategy that outlines the process, timeline, and key considerations for the rollout. Your strategy should address any employee fears or concerns head-on. For example, emphasize how AI will enhance employees’ capabilities, not replace them. Highlight the benefits for both the employees and the business overall.

Proactive communication on benefits and risks will help employees feel that changes are thoughtful, building trust in the new technology.

Implement and evaluate

When it’s finally time to implement your new technology, provide the necessary training identified in your implementation plan to educate employees on the new tool.  Leverage early champions who can help support team-wide adoption.

Continuously monitor progress and key performance metrics during and beyond the rollout to measure success. Be ready to adapt the plan if employees encounter challenges or roadblocks with the new tool.

Implementing organizational change requires thoughtful planning, clear communication, and agility. By following these steps, you’ll create a solid foundation for integrating new technologies into your workplace.

Are you ready to harness the latest technology? Let’s chat about how to create a custom implementation plan that best suits your employees and strategic objectives to ensure your organization stays at the forefront of innovation.