In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, one thing is clear: technology alone isn’t enough to drive meaningful change. The real differentiator is how organizations manage the human side of AI adoption. Across industries, CIOs are stepping up as champions of change management, ensuring that generative AI delivers on its promise of innovation and productivity.
Building an AI Mindset: Lessons from Principal Financial Group
Imagine starting your week with a vibrant discussion about the latest in generative AI. That’s the reality for over 300 employees at Principal Financial Group, who gather every Monday morning for a study group led by their chief digital and artificial intelligence officer. What began as a grassroots initiative has blossomed into a company-wide movement, with deep dives into technology, ethics, compliance, and real-world use cases.
This isn’t just about technical know-how. It’s about cultivating an AI mindset—one that encourages curiosity, confidence, and a willingness to reimagine how work gets done. As Kathy Kay, Principal’s CIO, puts it, “You’re doing a disservice if you don’t teach everyone how to leverage the technology because it’s going to be table stakes in the future.”
Overcoming Resistance: The Alignment Challenge
Despite widespread investment in AI, many organizations struggle to move beyond pilot projects. According to recent surveys, while 95% of companies are investing in AI, only 14% have successfully aligned their workforce, technology, and growth goals. Employee resistance remains a significant hurdle, often fueled by uncertainty, lack of trust, and skills gaps.
The most successful organizations—dubbed “AI pacesetters”—are three times more likely to have a robust change management strategy. They don’t leave employees to figure things out on their own. Instead, they provide structured support, clear communication, and ongoing education to build trust and engagement.
Actionable Strategies for Change Management Success
So, what does effective AI change management look like in practice? Here are some proven approaches:
- Comprehensive Training: Principal Financial Group offers tailored training tracks for different roles, from product owners to software leaders, ensuring everyone understands how AI can enhance their specific work.
- Coaching and Collaboration: Dedicated coaches help teams explore how generative AI can transform collaborative workflows, not just individual tasks.
- Experimentation Culture: At Liberty Mutual, employees are encouraged to experiment with AI tools in a safe, supportive environment. Controlled access to internal AI platforms and readiness assessments help teams identify gaps and share best practices.
- Empowering Influencers: Oshkosh Corp. taps into business-savvy employees across departments to act as change ambassadors, spreading enthusiasm and practical knowledge from the ground up.
- Open Dialogue: Leaders like Zach Hicks at Kimberly-Clark emphasize the importance of two-way communication, creating spaces for honest conversations rather than relying solely on top-down directives.
The Adaptive Enterprise: Thriving Amid Disruption
Adaptability is the new competitive advantage. As Ken Spangler, former FedEx CIO, notes, organizations must “major in change” to thrive in the AI era. This means building a strong foundation of shared goals, flexible processes, and relentless education. It also requires CIOs to challenge legacy systems and champion new ways of working.
Key Takeaways for CIOs and Business Leaders
- Prioritize change management as a core part of your AI strategy.
- Invest in employee literacy and upskilling to build confidence and reduce resistance.
- Foster a culture of experimentation where teams can safely explore and learn.
- Empower influencers and encourage cross-functional collaboration to drive adoption from within.
- Maintain open, transparent communication to build trust and align business and technology goals.
By embracing these principles, organizations can unlock the full potential of generative AI—transforming not just their technology, but their culture and business outcomes as well.
Summary:
- Change management is essential for successful AI adoption.
- Employee education and upskilling reduce resistance and build trust.
- A culture of experimentation accelerates innovation.
- Empowering influencers and open dialogue drive organization-wide engagement.
- Adaptability and alignment are key to thriving in the AI era.