Clueless About AI? You're Not Alone...

I just got off a call. Such a great conversation. We spent a long time on one question she asked.

"How do I know if AI isn't just hype?"

What a great question.

At this point, I view Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the defining technology of our time. I wrote a book on it. I'm championing it.

Yet, for many, it remains confusing and intimidating. If you feel lost or uncertain about where to start, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a professional seeking career relevance or a leader navigating organizational transformation, understanding AI can seem overwhelming.

But Why? Can’t I Just Wait? Please..?

It’s tempting to think you can sit this one out. After all, there were probably people who didn’t believe in fire, the wheel, hunting mastodons, or even the need for washing machines. But here’s the truth: those who dismissed transformative tools in history were left behind. They watched as others adapted, thrived, and moved forward.

And let’s be honest—you’re already using and experiencing AI every day. Whether it’s personalized recommendations on Netflix, AI-driven customer service chatbots, or even the autocorrect on your phone, AI is deeply embedded in your daily life. The difference is that so far, you haven’t had to think about it, learn about it, or take a stand on how it impacts you, your work, or your organization.

But now, things are changing. The disruption AI is bringing is no longer optional—it’s personal. It’s not about if AI will affect you but when and how it will. The real challenge isn’t just experiencing AI—it’s knowing what to do with it. Do you use it to innovate? To stay competitive? Or do you wait until it disrupts your job, your team, or your industry, forcing you to play catch-up?

Here’s why you can’t wait:

• The Pace of AI Adoption Is Accelerating: Organizations that embrace AI are now outperforming those that don’t. Waiting means falling behind faster than ever before.
• AI Won’t Wait for You to Catch Up: Technology doesn’t slow down. Every day you delay learning about AI is a day others are getting ahead, gaining skills, and reaping benefits.
• You’re Already Involved, Even If You Don’t Realize It: AI is in the tools you use, the products you buy, and the services you rely on. You’re part of the AI world—you just haven’t shaped your role in it yet.

It’s Time to Have a Point of View

Learning AI doesn’t mean becoming a data scientist. It means understanding how to use it, lead with it, and stay relevant. AI is the wheel, fire, and washing machine of our era—a tool that’s not just useful but necessary. If you don’t take action now, the future of AI will shape you instead of you shaping it.

So, can you just wait? Sure. But remember—those who waited on fire stayed cold. Those who ignored the wheel walked while others rode. And those who dismissed innovation have always been left in the past. The choice is yours.

When you first heard about AI, what did you do? Were you trying to figure out where to start or how it applied to you? That’s normal—everyone learning AI moves through stages of growth shaped by their confidence and understanding.

The Four Stages of Learning AI (or, anything really)

1. I'm Clueless (Low Confidence, Low Understanding). At first, AI might feel overwhelming or irrelevant. You might think, “This isn’t for me,” or fear it’s too technical. But the key here is to get curious and explore the basics.
2. I'm Curious (Low Confidence, High Understanding) As you learn more, AI starts to make sense, but using it doesn't feel very comforting. You watch tutorials or read articles but need more time to dive in. This stage is about building the confidence to experiment.
3. I'm Committing (High Confidence, Low Understanding). Here, you’re ready to try AI tools, even if you don’t fully understand them yet. You take small steps, like using AI, to automate tasks or enhance workflows. Mistakes happen, but they fuel growth.
4. I'm Championing (High Confidence, High Understanding). This is where you thrive. You not only use AI effectively but also advocate for it, sharing successes and inspiring others to adopt it.

Where are you on this journey? If you’re starting, remember that no one becomes an expert overnight. With curiosity and consistent action, you’ll not only master AI but lead others confidently. Start today—your AI journey begins with one step forward.

Let’s dive in.

1. I'm Clueless (Low Confidence, Low Understanding)

In the beginning, AI might seem irrelevant or intimidating. Organizations at this stage typically don’t prioritize AI because they don’t understand its potential impact. Skepticism, fear, or apathy are common.

This phase ("I'm Clueless") is low confidence and low understanding because, at this stage, you lack both the knowledge to see AI’s potential and the confidence to engage with it. Without a clear understanding of what AI is or how it applies to you, it's easy to feel uncertain, skeptical, or even intimidated.

• What it feels like: Uncertainty, confusion, or fear of disruption. Individuals and teams need more clarity on what AI is and how it can help.
• What it looks like: Leaders dismiss AI as a “future problem” or “not for us.” There are no conversations about AI in team meetings or strategy sessions. There is a reluctance to invest in AI-related initiatives or training. There is heavy reliance on manual processes and legacy systems.

What’s needed: Awareness. To break through misconceptions, introduce the basics of AI and show its real-world applications.

Take Action: To make AI approachable, share simple examples of AI in action—such as automating repetitive tasks, analyzing customer data, or enhancing scheduling.

2. I'm Curious (Low Confidence, High Understanding)

As people learn the basics, curiosity replaces fear. Organizations start exploring AI’s role in their industry and discussing how it could solve problems or improve operations.

This phase ("I'm Curious") is low confidence but high understanding because, at this stage, you grasp the possibilities of AI but have yet to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. This lack of practical experience makes you hesitant to take action, even though you intellectually understand AI's potential.

• What it feels like: Excitement mixed with hesitation. Teams begin to see the possibilities but need more confidence to move forward.
• What it looks like: Teams brainstorm AI use cases but don’t take action. Leaders attend AI webinars or conferences but leave without a clear next step. Informal experimentation with AI tools (e.g., chatbots, basic analytics) by individuals, not integrated into operations. Questions like, “What could AI do for us?” but no structured strategy.

What’s needed: Encouragement. Build confidence by showcasing successful AI applications and providing low-risk opportunities to experiment.

Take Action: Try pilot projects or proofs of concept. For example, use AI for small tasks like automating data entry or enhancing customer service with chatbots.

3. I'm Committing (High Confidence, Low Understanding)

This is the turning point. Organizations invest in AI tools and strategies, though they may still need to understand how to optimize them fully. They’re willing to take risks and learn as they go.

This phase ("I'm Committing") is high confidence but low understanding because, at this stage, you're eager to take action and trust your ability to engage with AI, even though your knowledge is still developing. Your willingness to dive in and experiment outweighs any gaps in understanding, as you believe you'll learn through doing.

• What it feels like: Optimism and energy. Teams are motivated to try AI, even without deep expertise.
• What it looks like: Budget is allocated for AI training, tools, or pilot projects. Teams start using AI tools for specific tasks, like predictive analytics or personalized marketing. Leadership supports AI adoption but may still face resistance from staff. Early wins, such as reduced workload or faster data processing, build momentum.

What’s needed: Support. Structured guidance, training, and mentorship can help organizations avoid mistakes and accelerate progress.

Take Action: Build a roadmap for AI adoption that aligns with business goals. Identify champions within teams to lead AI initiatives and provide targeted training for employees.

4. I'm Championing (High Confidence, High Understanding)

This is the ultimate goal. Organizations fully integrate AI into their operations and culture. AI drives innovation, and teams actively look for ways to expand its impact.

This phase ("I'm Championing") is high on confidence and understanding because, at this stage, you deeply grasp AI’s potential and have the experience to use it effectively. Your confidence comes from your expertise and your ability to lead, advocate, and inspire others to embrace AI in meaningful ways.

• What it feels like: Empowerment and pride. Teams understand AI deeply and use it to solve problems and create new opportunities.
• What it looks like: AI is embedded in daily workflows across departments, enhancing productivity and decision-making. Leadership actively advocates for AI adoption within and outside the organization. Teams experiment with cutting-edge AI technologies, such as generative AI or advanced predictive models. The organization shares success stories at conferences or in publications, positioning itself as an industry leader.

What’s needed: Leadership. Champions must inspire others, promote knowledge-sharing, and continue exploring the latest AI advancements.

Take Action: Develop a culture of continuous learning by integrating AI-related goals into professional development plans. Stay ahead by investing in R&D and cutting-edge AI applications.

Why These Phases Matter

Understanding these four phases—Clueless, Curious, Committing, and Championing—provides a clear framework for navigating the AI adoption journey. Each phase addresses specific challenges and opportunities, ensuring individuals and organizations progress with confidence.

For you, this journey can lead to future-proof careers that blend technical savvy with creative problem-solving. For organizations, embracing these phases means staying competitive in an increasingly AI-driven economy.

The Call to Action

If you’re feeling clueless about AI, remember: curiosity is your FIRST and NEXT step. Explore introductory resources, join webinars, and ask questions. If you’re curious, evaluate AI’s relevance to your work or industry. And if you’re ready to commit, take that first step by seeking tailored guidance.

Digital Command’s Command Pathways offers a dynamic suite of 24 AI-driven learning paths designed to support every stage of this journey. Whether you’re a digital novice or aiming to lead AI initiatives, these pathways provide the tools, training, and confidence you need.

Embrace the future, one phase at a time.

Your AI journey starts today.