How to introduce AI into uncertain teams

Is your team worried about team AI? Adopt a human approach to address fears and highlight benefits.

The workplace AI revolution isn't coming—it's here. It's the move everyone's talking about, yet for some teams, it's less of a leap and more of a nervous shuffle. While AI promises efficiency and innovation, not every group is itching to throw open the digital gates. In fact, according to The Adaptavist Group's Digital Etiquette: Unlocking the AI gates report, 48% of 18-25-year-old workers feel like AI is likely to replace jobs. For CEO managers, HR leaders, and executives, that leaves a sizeable chunk of the workforce feeling hesitant, sceptical, or simply uninitiated.

The reality is that AI adoption in the workplace isn't just about technology—it's about people. People, quite reasonably, have concerns. So, how can leaders help their teams confidently introduce AI into their work processes and tasks? The key isn't to force-feed them technology; it's to build a bridge of understanding, demonstrating not just what AI can do, but how it can genuinely improve their work lives.

How to introduce AI into uncertain teams

From chatbots streamlining customer service to intelligent algorithms optimising supply chains, artificial intelligence is reshaping the modern workplace at an unprecedented pace. Yet, for many teams, the arrival of AI isn't met with excitement, but with hesitation, cynicism, and uncertainty.

How do you, as a leader, manager, or ambitious AI advocate, introduce AI to a team that's hesitant, unfamiliar, or even outright resistant? Drawing insights from our Digital Etiquette: Unlocking the AI Gates report, we explore a human-centric approach to AI adoption that can transform a sceptical team into an enthusiastic one.

Why are people unenthusiastic about AI?

Understanding resistance is the first step to overcoming it. Our Digital Etiquette: Unlocking the AI gates report revealed some key reasons for AI apprehension. It's often less about the technology itself and more about fundamental human concerns.

Fear of the unknown: many workers are simply unfamiliar with AI. They don't know how it works, its limitations, or how to use it effectively. This lack of knowledge can breed a fear of falling behind or appearing incompetent.
The job-replacement theory: a common and powerful fear, particularly among younger workers, is that AI will take their jobs. The report found that younger age groups are more likely to express this fear than their older colleagues, suggesting a generational gap in how AI is perceived.
A lack of confidence: the report highlights a stark disparity in confidence levels. Women, for example, reported receiving less training and feeling less confident in their AI skills than their male counterparts. This suggests that a lack of adequate support and training can lead to significant apprehension.
The income divide: the report uncovers a clear link between income and AI access. Higher-income earners are significantly more likely to receive extensive AI training and access to new tools, creating an imbalance that leaves some parts of the workforce feeling out of the loop.
It's another fad: these are people who've seen every 'game-changing' tool come and go. They remember when email was supposed to eliminate meetings (spoiler alert: it didn't), and they're not convinced AI will be any different.

These insights show that the problem isn't a lack of interest in AI, but a systemic lack of confidence, training, and equitable access. Simply telling teams to 'get on board' won't immediately boost productivity nor provide a clear return on investment. To overcome resistance, leaders need to acknowledge these feelings openly and position AI as something that complements human expertise rather than replacing it.

The benefits outweigh the fear

The truth is, when introduced thoughtfully, AI doesn't replace people—it empowers them. When AI is used intelligently, repetitive tasks don't dominate the day, decision-making is backed by robust, fresh insights, and there's more time and energy for creative thinking.

Enhanced productivity is the obvious starting point. AI tools can handle routine tasks—from drafting emails to analysing data patterns—freeing up human creativity for higher-value work. But the advantages run deeper than simple time savings.
Improved decision-making emerges when teams can process larger datasets and identify trends that might otherwise go unnoticed. AI doesn't replace human judgement; it provides better information for making those judgements.
Communication improvements represent an often-overlooked benefit. AI tools can help teams communicate more effectively, suggesting clearer language, appropriate tone, and better timing for messages. The result is smoother collaboration and fewer misunderstandings.
Competitive advantage becomes increasingly important as AI adoption accelerates across industries. Teams that embrace these tools early position themselves—and their organisations—ahead of competitors still debating whether to start.

Ultimately, AI is a productivity multiplier. It strips away the time-consuming work that saps energy and leaves employees stretched thin. By automating the mundane, it creates space for the meaningful—and that's a win for both businesses and the people who keep them running.

How to implement AI into your team

So, how do you bridge the gap between apprehension and adoption? Here are some actionable strategies for managers and team leaders.

Start with the small wins: don't introduce a complex, company-wide AI overhaul from day one. Instead, identify a single, low-stakes, and repetitive task that everyone finds tedious. For example, use an AI tool to automate scheduling meetings or summarise long email threads. This demonstrates the immediate, tangible benefits of AI without overwhelming the team.
Make training a priority: the single most powerful tool for combating AI uncertainty is comprehensive training. The report's findings are unequivocal: adequate training leads to significant time savings and increased efficiency. Make training accessible to everyone, regardless of their role or income level. Foster a culture where asking for training isn’t seen as a weakness, but a sign of ambition. Invest in ongoing development so no one feels left behind.
Encourage open dialogue: create a safe space for your team to voice their concerns and fears. Acknowledge that a certain level of apprehension is normal. Discuss the 'why' behind AI adoption and how it aligns with the company's long-term goals. Frame AI not as a replacement for human intellect, but as an enhancement.
Lead by example: managers must be the first to embrace and demonstrate the value of AI. If you're using an AI tool to improve your own workflow, share your experiences and the time you've saved. This kind of transparent leadership can be incredibly inspiring.
Address bias and inequities: be mindful of the disparities identified in the Digital Etiquette report. Ensure that training and access to tools are distributed equitably across the team. Pay special attention to workers who may have received less training in the past, and actively support them in their learning journey.
Recognise and share successes: when someone uses AI to improve their work, acknowledge it publicly. These positive examples encourage others to experiment while building confidence across the team.

Working in harmony with AI

Introducing AI into uncertain teams requires a thoughtful approach that acknowledges concerns while highlighting the transformative benefits of AI technologies. It requires moving from a fear-based mindset to one of curiosity and opportunity. By starting small, involving team members, and fostering open communication, organisations can successfully navigate the journey toward AI adoption. The transition from uncertainty to confidence isn't about technology; it's about people.

Integrate AI successfully

Find out how to successfully introduce AI into your organisation's culture and workflows.

Read the Digital Etiquette report