Article by Nadine Soyez.

When I speak with people in organisations about AI, I often encounter a wide range of reactions. Some individuals are sceptical or even fearful. Others approach it with complete confidence and are highly motivated. These differences in mindset are not just interesting observations. They’re shaping how organisations are preparing (or failing to prepare) for the age of AI.

I see Two Very Different Initial Reactions to AI. When people are first introduced to tools such as ChatGPT or other generative AI platforms, they often fall into one of two categories:

 

1. The Fearful Sceptics

These individuals tend to be cautious. They don’t trust AI. They may be concerned that it will replace jobs or prove unreliable. Often, they haven’t used the technology themselves and are forming opinions based on headlines or second-hand information. Often, their resistance comes from a lack of understanding, fear of change, or concern about ethical implications. While these are valid concerns, they can become blockers when they prevent engagement entirely.

I also see in my work that this group of people just need some ideas on what they can do with AI. Fear comes from things we don’t know. When these individuals have a starting point and utilise AI for daily tasks in a way that brings value, they open up to AI in general.

 

2. The Overconfident Beginners

On the other hand, some people are highly motivated and take on all aspects of their own AI journey. They spend their free time learning. They experiment with using AI in their tasks. However, they sometimes overestimate what AI can do—or underestimate the risks. They may apply AI in ways that are not fully informed, missing important nuances such as data bias, legal compliance, or the reliability of outputs.

 

The Problem: A Growing Knowledge Gap

 

This divergence is creating a serious challenge and knowledge gap within organisations.

While some employees are already integrating AI into their workflows to improve productivity and creativity, others remain unsure about the topic of AI. The gap between these two groups is not just about skills—it’s about mindset, experience, and opportunity.

And that gap is growing.

Without a coordinated approach, organisations risk becoming divided:

• A small group of “AI fluent” individuals who are moving fast, but perhaps without strategic alignment
• A large group of employees who are left behind, increasingly unsure of where they fit in a rapidly changing landscape

From Fear to Competence: The Learning Process

 

Closing the AI knowledge gap isn’t about turning everyone into AI experts who know everything. It’s about helping people build enough confidence and competence to use AI tools thoughtfully and effectively. What I see is that people just need a helping hand and guidance.

Here’s what companies can do:

 

1. Help People Get Started

People don’t need to understand the technical foundations of AI to begin using it. They just need a safe space to try. Give them “Getting started” learning nuggets to short workshops and webinar and Q&A sessions. Give them simple ideas on how to integrate AI in their daily workflows and tasks, and explain where the benefits are.

 

2. Identify Practical Use Cases

Avoid using AI for its own sake. Show how AI can assist and great value.

3. Develop Foundational Skills

Help people learn how to write effective prompts, understand the strengths and limitations of AI tools, and how to use AI safely. Many errors occur not because the AI “fails,” but because users don’t know how to guide it well.

4. Promote Critical Evaluation

AI-generated content often sounds confident, even when it’s wrong. That’s why critical thinking is essential. Encourage employees to fact-check, cross-reference, and review outputs carefully. Build a culture where people aren’t just consuming AI content, they’re curating and improving it.

5. Build a Culture of Learning

As AI technologies continue to evolve, consistent learning and open dialogue are essential. Create communities of practice. Share success stories. Recognise early adopters. And just as importantly, normalise the learning curve. Not knowing is okay—as long as there’s a willingness to learn.

 

Confidence Is Not Competence

 

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when first encountering AI. It’s just as easy to feel overconfident after one early success. But long-term impact doesn’t come from shortcuts, it comes from consistent, informed learning. Companies need to recognise that AI adoption isn’t just a tech initiative. It’s a cultural shift. That means supporting both the fearful and the fearless.

If you are just beginning your AI journey, remain curious, but stay critical. Be open to learning and don’t be afraid to ask “stupid” questions. There’s no such thing.

If you are already experienced, remember: there is always more to learn. Share what you know. Help others catch up.