Manager’s Guide to AI Adoption: Why Phase 1 Starts Now
Dear Boss: It’s Time to Embrace AI at Work -- Here’s Why
Introduction: The AI Opportunity Is Knocking
AI adoption for managers is no longer optional. If you're managing a team right now, you’ve probably noticed this: your coworkers are quietly trying tools like ChatGPT, Notion AI, or Microsoft Copilot to help with their workload. Meanwhile, the higher-ups are still deciding how (or if) to roll out AI company-wide.
Time to connect the dots.
According to Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index, now’s the moment for companies to start small with AI. The first step? What they call the “Human + Assistant” model. This isn’t about automating jobs or overhauling departments—it’s about letting people work smarter using tools already at their fingertips.
If you’re a manager, here’s how to help leadership see the upside—and why holding off may be the bigger risk.
So, What Is Phase 1?
Phase 1 AI strategy: Microsoft calls it “Human with Assistant.” In short:
“Every employee has an AI assistant that helps them work better and faster.”
That looks like:
- Writing emails faster
- Summarizing meetings on the fly
- Drafting proposals, job descriptions, or reports in minutes
- Getting a list of options without calling a meeting
- Answering quick questions without digging through folders
The work is still human—the AI just gets you to the starting line faster.
Why Now? The Numbers Say It All
- 80% of workers and leaders say they’re too stretched to do their jobs well
- 53% of leaders still expect productivity to rise
- Nearly 1 in 3 employees already use AI tools several times a week
What that means:
- Your team is maxed out
- Others are already improving with AI
- People are using AI anyway—without policy or support
This doesn’t need a full roadmap or tech overhaul. Just start with where your team is already headed.
What It Actually Looks Like
- You don’t need new tools or major changes. Start here:
- Encourage people to use AI tools for simple stuff: outlining, summarizing, editing
- Ask for a few “prompt champions” to share tips with others
- Try a quick weekly AI show-and-tell: “Here’s how I saved time this week”
- Put together a one-pager with light guardrails: what’s okay, what to double-check, and what data stays private
This builds curiosity and comfort instead of confusion or fear.
What You Gain (and Avoid)
- More time—30 minutes a day per person adds up fast
- Less burnout—AI handles the grunt work, people focus on the good stuff
- Quicker onboarding—new hires get help from AI on day one
- Fewer unknowns—no more “shadow AI” use
- A head start—Phase 2 won’t work if you’re still stuck at Phase 1
How to Bring It Up with Leadership
Here’s something simple you can adapt for your next check-in or team meeting:
“I’ve been digging into Microsoft’s latest AI research. I think we’re ready to test out Phase 1—just using AI tools for basic productivity. Nothing formal yet, just some light guidance and support so the team knows what’s okay. Other companies are already doing it, and it’s helping. I’d be happy to run a pilot with our team and see how it goes.”
Final Thought: If Not Now, When?
Hesitating only gives others a head start. Your team’s ready—are you?
Start small. Keep it simple. Just begin.
You’ll show leadership, spark innovation, and give your team a head start—without waiting for perfect.
