Discover how trust, transparency and communication can turn disruption into opportunity.
It’s hard enough to adapt to new protocols and management at work, but with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the pace and complexity of change have dramatically increased.
As manager of change management at Omaha Public Power District, and with my expertise as an adjunct instructor at Bellevue University, I’ve helped thousands of employees, both in-office and in the field, become comfortable in adopting new digital transformations.
That’s why I’m excited to partner with Cassling for an upcoming webinar titled, ‘Managing Change and Uncertainty in the AI Era.’ In this session, taking place on September 17 and September 18, I’ll share practical strategies for helping teams navigate the unknown, build resilience and embrace innovation with confidence.
In this blog, you’ll get a sneak peek at what’s ahead and join the webinar with a fresh perspective. Let’s dive into the core strategies behind effective communication and change management.
The Real Challenge? Trust.
You’d think that the biggest hurdle with organizations introducing new tools is the technology itself, but it’s actually trust.
Despite clear communication, many people may feel uninformed and wind up asking:
These are all valid concerns. If leaders can’t address them head-on, the uncertainty can quickly turn into disengagement.
In my experience, the perfect antidote for this resistance is transparency. Communicate early and often, but most importantly – with empathy. People, especially employees, don’t want just information; they want to feel seen, heard and considered.
Different Generations Respond Differently to Change
One notable dynamic I’ve witnessed is how different generations respond to change. Gen Z employees often dive into new tech with enthusiasm and crave the efficiency that AI brings. Gen X employees, on the other hand, may be hesitant and need a deeper understanding of a technology’s purpose, adopting with caution before ultimately becoming an advocate. But then, painting with such a broad brush can also get you into trouble, as I’ve seen plenty of millennial and Gen X leaders become the most vocal advocates for AI and other new technologies, while some younger team members may be hesitant to embrace technology that they worry will make their less senior roles obsolete.
Rather than viewing this as a challenge, my team and I see it as an opportunity. We create space for peer-to-peer mentoring and encourage organic adoption that way. When you build a culture of mutual respect across generations and team functions, that’s the foundation for sustainable change.
AI Is a Tool, Not A Threat
Let’s address the elephant in the room: AI.
There’s no denying that AI is changing the game in nearly every social and personal setting; it’s everywhere, whether we see it or not. From automating routine tasks to generating content, it’s revamping workflows across industries.
But what most people don’t know is that AI is only as powerful as the people who use it.
In my own work, I use tools like ChatGPT to simplify communication and clarify my messaging. It’s not about replacing our human touch but enhancing it.
That’s the mindset I encourage leaders to adopt. Instead of asking, “How do we protect jobs from AI?,” we should think, “How do we prepare our employees to thrive alongside AI?”
That could mean:
Leading With a Vision
If you’re a leader navigating AI adoption, my advice is to start with a vision – paint a clear picture of where your organization is headed. Explain how AI fits into that journey, but also lead with vulnerability and acknowledge what you don’t know. Invite your team into the conversation, host focus groups, ask for feedback and be willing to adjust based on what you learn.
I’ve learned that change management isn’t about having all the answers but about creating a culture where all questions are welcome and people feel empowered to grow.
Join Me for a Deeper Dive
If these ideas resonate with you and you’re interested in learning more, I invite you to join me for Cassling’s upcoming webinar: Managing Change and Uncertainty in the AI Era on
Learn how to:
Register today! (9/17)
Register today! (9/18)
Continue to get inspired while earning CE credits through our on-demand education library, refreshed monthly. And join the conversation and sign up for future live webinars here.