Many businesses have already tried ChatGPT or some AI tool on an ad-hoc basis, but few have taken the step of training their team in a structured way. The difference between "using AI occasionally" and having a team genuinely competent with these tools is huge, and it shows directly in the time saved every week.
The first mistake: starting with the tool, not the problem
Training a team by teaching "everything ChatGPT can do" in the abstract usually sparks initial enthusiasm that fades fast. It works far better to start with the team's specific, repetitive day-to-day tasks, and teach how to solve those specific tasks with AI.
Training levels aren't the same for everyone
It makes no sense to give the same training to someone who's never used these tools as to someone who already uses them intuitively every day. Good training distinguishes between basic use (writing better prompts, understanding what AI can and can't do) and advanced use (automations, integrations with the business's tools).
Resistance to change is more common than it seems
Part of the team may feel AI threatens their job, and that resistance blocks genuine adoption of the tools if it isn't addressed directly. Framing AI as something that removes tedious tasks (not people) usually reduces that initial resistance quite a bit.
Training isn't a one-off event
AI tools change and improve every few months. A one-off training session goes out of date fast; an ongoing process, with short, periodic sessions to bring in relevant updates, works far better.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to train a team in AI?
To gain basic fluency, a few two-hour sessions are usually enough; advanced mastery is built through continued practice over several months.
Does the whole team need training, or just some people?
It depends on the type of business, but it usually pays off to train the whole team in basic use, and go deeper with those who'll apply AI to specific tasks in their role.
What if the team has no prior technical knowledge?
No technical knowledge is needed to start: today's generative AI tools are designed to be used in natural language, with no coding required.