When I found out my Oracle AI World 2025 presentation on change management for Artificial Intelligence (AI) had been favorited by more than 200 attendees before the event, my first reaction was pleasant surprise. But I quickly realized that level of interest is not unexpected, given the topic. Despite the fact we hear about artificial intelligence on a daily basis now, few employees feel very comfortable using AI in their roles—only 6% of workers, according to a recent Gallup survey.
Employees at every level have questions about how AI will impact their roles and daily work. That means a disciplined approach to managing the human side of change will underpin every successful adoption of artificial intelligence.
I see it in my work with Oracle customers on a daily basis: effective change management makes all the difference. Embedding AI adoption at the heart of your AI transformation strategy ensures that people are prepared, engaged, and empowered to use artificial intelligence effectively, driving lasting behavioral change and skill adoption.
Whether you have a dedicated change team or simply have people passionate about change across your organization, everyone can apply these seven tried-and-true change management practices to develop an AI adoption strategy that enhances your organization’s culture and ways of working.
- Start with a clear vision
First, ask yourself—and your team—what AI should really do for your organization. This isn’t just about faster processes; it’s about creating a vision that excites people. Explain how artificial intelligence will make their daily activities easier or better, not just for the company, but for each person involved. - Build a team of champions
Successful AI adoption isn’t just an IT project. Bring together a group of leaders and employees who believe in the potential of artificial intelligence. These “champions” help drive excitement, answer questions, and keep things moving. They’re the human touch, the bridge between decision-makers and the wider team. - Communicate early and often
Let’s be honest—AI can seem intimidating or even scary. The best antidote? Clear, honest communication. Share why you’re adopting artificial intelligence, what it means in everyone’s work, and answer tough questions honestly. Keeping everyone informed is key to building trust. - Involve everyone
Invite people from all parts of the company to participate in the rollout. Give them opportunities to test out new tools, provide feedback, and even shape how AI is used. When employees feel they have a say, they’re far more likely to embrace new technologies. - Celebrate early successes
Look for quick wins—small, visible improvements that AI brings. When people see concrete results, it’s easier to get everyone on board and show that the effort is paying off. We’ve seen AI enthusiasm catch like wildfire when champions share their successes with others in formal and informal communication channels. - Never stop improving
AI adoption isn’t a one-and-done event. Keep asking for feedback and make adjustments over time. Use what you learn from early wins to keep momentum and tackle tougher challenges. Lean on AI champions and leaders to strengthen engagement and maintain a human touch, while providing ongoing training to help everyone harness artificial intelligence for success. One thing is certain: AI will keep evolving, so be prepared to continuously adapt! - Embed AI in your culture
Finally, aim for AI to feel like a natural part of daily work, not something extra. Connect it to broader business goals to let it influence how your organization grows and succeeds.
By making AI adoption critical to your artificial intelligence strategy, you’re centering on the people that power your technology. Focus on clear and consistent communications, real involvement championed by leaders, and continuous improvement to build a foundation for AI success that lasts.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of Change Management: AI’s Secret Weapon, where you’ll learn my point of view on change management for AI as I share real-life examples about how we are helping move people from awareness of AI to adopting the technology, and creating a culture that drives value from it.
Learn more
Looking to accelerate AI adoption in your organization? Connect with Holly Nelson, Change Management Senior Practice Director, to discover how we can support your strategy. For more details now, explore our AI Services page or try our online AI Maturity Assessment.