AI Literacy 101: Execs Must Get Schooled—Or Get Left Behind
Over 50% of employees are already using Generative AI in the workplace. But how many openly admit to it? Not many.
The reason? Most companies and leaders lack the AI literacy needed to develop a strategic AI adoption plan that encourages employee experimentation with AI. To bridge this gap, we spoke with Nicolle Merrill, an expert in AI adoption in the workplace, who has developed cutting-edge AI literacy courses designed to help executives and teams understand when—and when not—to use Generative AI. Without this understanding, employees hesitate to share how they’re leveraging AI for fear of skepticism, or even penalties.
To bridge this gap, we spoke with Nicolle Merrill, an expert in AI education, who has developed cutting-edge AI literacy courses designed to help executives and teams understand when—and when not—to use Generative AI.
What is AI Literacy?
AI Literacy is the ability to understand, effectively use, and critically evaluate AI systems and their impact. This includes:
How AI works and its limitations
Ethical considerations and potential biases
Practical applications across different industries
Mastering AI literacy empowers decision-makers to integrate AI responsibly and strategically—ensuring that AI serves as an asset, not a liability.
Why Focus on Generative AI?
While AI exists in many forms, Generative AI—which creates content, automates workflows, and enhances decision-making—is what’s truly revolutionizing organizations today. Yet, many leaders are directing teams to "make this Generative AI" without fully understanding what that means. How can leaders encourage AI adoption if they don’t understand it themselves?
What Executives Must Do to Get AI Literate
Take an AI Literacy Course. See offerings.
Engage Power Users. Employees on the ground are already adapting workflows due to AI. Leaders should learn from internal AI power users to understand the real impact AI is having on processes.
Create a Culture of AI Learning. Employees need permission and encouragement to explore AI tools. Leaders should foster a cross-functional dialogue since AI affects multiple departments.
Upskill Learning & Development Teams. Before rolling out AI training across an organization, L&D teams must first be trained themselves. AI transformation is not just another software upgrade—it’s a paradigm shift that requires hands-on learning and strategic implementation.
What Should Change Management Consultants Do?
AI remains abstract for many. Organizational Change Management (OCM) consultants play a key role in helping businesses navigate this shift. First, OCMers need to educate themselves on AI to answer critical questions like:
How will AI impact users?
Where does bias in AI come from?
What are the risks of adopting AI?
What does responsible AI use look like?
What AI policies should be in place?
How can companies create an AI-friendly environment?
Beyond education, OCM consultants should focus on efficiency—helping organizations determine where AI genuinely improves productivity and where human expertise remains irreplaceable.
AI is a Hands-On Tool—Leaders Must Get Their Hands Dirty
Generative AI isn’t something you learn in theory—it’s something you learn by doing. Executives can’t drive AI adoption from the top if they haven’t experimented with it themselves. By diving in, leaders will see both possibilities and limitations firsthand, allowing them to make informed, strategic AI decisions.
The bottom line? Executives must get schooled on AI—or risk being left behind.
Contact ChangeStaffing to learn more about how to give change management an AI makeover!
Thank you to Nicolle Merrill for her thought leadership and for collaborating with us on this blog. To learn more about her Literacy Academy for Learning & Development course, visit https://www.soboringai.com/ai-literacy-courses.
Written by Kylette Harrison