AI is no longer a future concept—it’s everywhere. In my own work, I spend most of my days with my favorite new coworker, “Chat.” But when I talk to friends and colleagues about their experiences with AI, I see a fascinating spectrum of adoption. Some dive in headfirst, while others are still standing on the shore, watching the waves roll in.
This spectrum reminds me of the Law of Diffusion of Innovation, which explains that new ideas spread through populations in five stages: innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards. From what I’ve observed, we’re somewhere in the “early majority” phase of AI adoption.
Here’s what that looks like:
- The Innovators and Early Adopters: My friend’s company is an early adopter, using AI to run companywide performance reviews. He’s encouraged to input his accomplishments into the system to ensure his wins are captured at year-end. Another software engineer colleague might soon lead a team that includes AI-driven robots. He’s currently exploring how to best lead a team of machines.
- The Hesitant Experimenters: A school counselor I know uses AI to generate ideas for students and parents. It’s been a game-changer for her work—but she also confessed, “I feel like I’m going to lose my skills if I rely on it too much.”
- The Late Majority and Laggards: Meanwhile, several of my friends in teaching and healthcare admit they’ve never used AI but are intrigued. They wonder what’s possible but haven’t taken the plunge.
No matter where you fall on this curve, one thing is clear: AI is here to stay. Even governments are leaning in—recently, the U.S. announced a $500 billion investment in AI infrastructure.
What Does This Mean for Leaders?
As leaders, we have two choices when faced with disruption: we can fight it, or we can lean into it. While it’s natural to feel some resistance, especially with a technology that raises concerns about job displacement or skill erosion, here are three leadership takeaways to help you navigate the AI revolution:
1. Understand your stage. Where do you fall on the innovation adoption curve? If you’re in the late majority or laggard category, what small steps can you take to explore AI and expand your openness to innovation?
2. Shift from resistance to curiosity. AI isn’t here to replace you; it’s here to complement you. Instead of fearing what skills you might lose, consider the new skills you might gain. Leaders who embrace AI can free up time for strategic thinking, creativity, and building stronger relationships with their teams.
3. Help others navigate the curve. As a leader, it’s not just about your adoption—it’s about guiding your team. Some may be skeptical, while others may be eager to experiment. Meet them where they are, provide resources for learning, and model an open mindset.
AI isn’t the first disruption we’ve faced as leaders, and it won’t be the last. The question isn’t whether to adapt but how. The leaders who thrive in this era will be the ones who see disruption as an opportunity, not a threat.
Where do you stand? And what’s one step you’ll take this week to lean into the possibilities AI offers?
