Strategies for Building a Tech-Savvy Consulting Team

Throwing AI tools at your team without a plan is like giving them a Ferrari without driving lessons. AI only drives impact if your workforce knows how to use it effectively. After: 1-defining objectives 2-assessing readiness 3-piloting use cases with a tiger team Step 4 is about empowering the broader team to leverage AI confidently. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) research and Gilbert’s Behavior Engineering Model show that high-impact AI adoption is 80% about people, 20% about tech. Here’s how to make that happen: 1️⃣ Environmental Supports: Build the Framework for Success -Clear Guidance: Define AI’s role in specific tasks. If a tool like Momentum.io automates data entry, outline how it frees up time for strategic activities. -Accessible Tools: Ensure AI tools are easy to use and well-integrated. For tools like ChatGPT create a prompt library so employees don’t have to start from scratch. -Recognition: Acknowledge team members who make measurable improvements with AI, like reducing response times or boosting engagement. Recognition fuels adoption. 2️⃣ Empower with Tiger Team Champions -Use Tiger/Pilot Team Champions: Leverage your pilot team members as champions who share workflows and real-world results. Their successes give others confidence and practical insights. -Role-Specific Training: Focus on high-impact skills for each role. Sales might use prompts for lead scoring, while support teams focus on customer inquiries. Keep it relevant and simple. -Match Tools to Skill Levels: For non-technical roles, choose tools with low-code interfaces or embedded automation. Keep adoption smooth by aligning with current abilities. 3️⃣ Continuous Feedback and Real-Time Learning -Pilot Insights: Apply findings from the pilot phase to refine processes and address any gaps. Updates based on tiger team feedback benefit the entire workforce. -Knowledge Hub: Create an evolving resource library with top prompts, troubleshooting guides, and FAQs. Let it grow as employees share tips and adjustments. -Peer Learning: Champions from the tiger team can host peer-led sessions to show AI’s real impact, making it more approachable. 4️⃣ Just in Time Enablement -On-Demand Help Channels: Offer immediate support options, like a Slack channel or help desk, to address issues as they arise. -Use AI to enable AI: Create customGPT that are task or job specific to lighten workload or learning brain load. Leverage NotebookLLM. -Troubleshooting Guide: Provide a quick-reference guide for common AI issues, empowering employees to solve small challenges independently. AI’s true power lies in your team’s ability to use it well. Step 4 is about support, practical training, and peer learning led by tiger team champions. By building confidence and competence, you’re creating an AI-enabled workforce ready to drive real impact. Step 5 coming next ;) Ps my next podcast guest, we talk about what happens when AI does a lot of what humans used to do… Stay tuned.

Scaling tech isn't just about the latest tools or platforms. The real game-changer is ignored by 90% of companies.👇 It's the human element. Tech adoption without people-first strategies often leads to failure. Here's what successful companies do differently: 1. They invest in upskilling their workforce 2. They foster a culture of continuous learning 3. They align tech initiatives with employee needs 4. They create cross-functional teams for better integration 5. They prioritize change management from day one Remember: Your tech is only as good as the people using it. The most advanced AI can't replace human creativity and problem-solving. Your team's ability to adapt and innovate with new tech is your true competitive edge. Don't just throw money at the latest gadgets. Invest in your people. Build a tech-savvy, adaptable workforce. That's how you truly scale technology and drive transformation. Empower your team to lead the tech revolution, not just follow it.

AI and data tools are transforming how businesses work, but they’re only as good as the people using them. The real game-changer? Giving your team the skills and confidence to make the most of these tools. So, what’s the best way to get there? Let’s break it down: 1️⃣ Start with the “Why” Before diving into training, make sure your team understands the bigger picture. Why are these tools being introduced? How will they help make daily tasks easier or decisions smarter? When people know what’s in it for them, they’ll be more open to learning. 2️⃣ Customize the Training Forget the “one-size-fits-all” approach. Tailor the learning to match specific roles: Marketing? Focus on predictive analytics.  Customer service? Dive into AI chatbots.  Ops teams? Explore process automation tools.  The more relevant the training feels, the more likely employees will use what they learn. 3️⃣ Hands-On Practice is a Must Nobody learns by just watching slides or reading instructions. Get your team involved with workshops, sandbox tools, or guided projects where they can try things out. Mistakes are part of the process—and they’re the best way to learn. 4️⃣ Make Learning Ongoing AI and data tools don’t stand still, and neither should your team’s skills. Set up regular upskilling opportunities with quick courses, webinars, or even informal learning sessions. Keep it accessible and bite-sized so it fits into their schedules. 5️⃣ Use Internal Champions Every team has those go-to tech-savvy people who pick up new tools fast. Turn them into trainers or mentors—they can break down concepts and help others get comfortable with the tech. Learning from a peer often feels less intimidating. 6️⃣ Measure and Improve Don’t treat training as a “set it and forget it” task. Track how well it’s working—collect feedback, measure skills application, and tweak the program as needed. This helps keep it fresh and effective. Why it Works When training programs are well-thought-out and aligned with employees' roles, they don’t just teach skills—they build confidence. Your team won’t just use AI and data tools; they’ll actually see the value in them.  The Think AI Advantage At Think AI, we help organizations design training that works. From building customized strategies to ensuring user-friendly tools, we make sure your team is set up for success with AI and data. Ready to empower your workforce and drive results? Let’s start a conversation today! Set Your Team Up for Success AI and data tools are powerful, but your team is the real driver of transformation. Focus on effective training, and you’ll see the results—not just in productivity, but in how your employees grow and innovate. Ready to take the next step? Let’s make it happen!  #AITraining #DataDriven #EmployeeUpskilling #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork

Upskilling Strategies: Yesterday we looked at the Upskilling for business success and today we're going to look at customizing learning pathways for your Tech team. In today’s tech landscape, a one-size-fits-all approach to training just doesn’t work. To build a high-performing, future-ready tech team, upskilling programs need to be personalized and role-specific. 🔍 Start by assessing your team’s current skills: Use skills assessments, 360-degree feedback, and project performance reviews to understand the strengths and gaps within your tech teams. 🔑 Tailor learning pathways to meet the needs of specific roles within your organization. A few examples: ·       Cloud Engineers can benefit from certifications and training in platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. ·       DevOps Teams should focus on tools like Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, and CI/CD pipelines to streamline workflows and improve collaboration. ·       Cybersecurity Specialists need continuous learning in threat detection, encryption, and certifications like CISSP or CEH. ·       Software Developers could advance their skills in languages like Python or Java, or explore microservices and API development. 🎯 Personalization matters. When you align learning paths with individual roles and career goals, your team is more engaged and motivated, and the impact of upskilling is much greater. To create a successful upskilling strategy: ·       Set clear development goals based on current and future business needs. ·       Leverage e-learning platforms that offer customizable learning paths and assessments. ·       Encourage mentorship and peer learning to reinforce new skills within the team. ·       Investing in personalized learning paths doesn’t just future-proof your workforce—it drives innovation, improves retention, and keeps your tech teams agile and ready for the challenges ahead. Are your upskilling programs tailored to the unique needs of your tech team? #upskilling #personalizedlearning #techtrends #cloudengineering #DevOps #cybersecurity #continuouslearning #workforcedevelopment