Stop ‘Ticking the Box’ on AI Training
Future Now by We Lead Out. Research-driven perspectives for leaders who want to stay ahead of the structural shifts AI is creating in professional services.
How to Build Lasting Capability from the Boardroom Down
Let’s be honest. Who hasn’t signed up for an AI workshop, only to forget everything by next quarter?
Most organisations are still treating AI learning as a box to tick, not a muscle to build. It’s costing them, quietly, and in all the ways that matter. The real prize isn’t a certificate on someone’s desk. It’s an organisation where real-world AI skills are part of how people work, think, and lead. Starting in the boardroom and visible on the frontline.
One-off workshops won’t get you there
Here’s a story we’ve heard (or lived):
Someone gets sent to an AI course. They come back with a badge. The team claps, a slide gets updated, and… next quarter, it’s business as usual. No behaviour change. No real progress.
The research backs it up: Over 80% of new skills are forgotten without follow-up or habit-building. That’s not a people problem. It’s a systems problem. Capability isn’t a one-off event. It’s a habit, built over time.
As one executive told us, “We realised we needed more than just a one-day crash course. If it doesn’t show up in decisions, it doesn’t matter.”
What lasting AI capability actually looks like
Lasting capability is a business asset, not a sunk cost. The real winners embed AI skills into everyday work. The boardroom sets the tone; the frontline keeps it alive. This isn’t just for the tech team. It’s for every decision-maker, operator, and advisor.
Look at Organisation X (yes, that’s the real name swapped for privacy). Everyone from the CFO to the client services team gets monthly ‘micro-learnings’ on how AI is showing up in their day-to-day. New wins are shared by execs and juniors alike. The result? AI isn’t a distant initiative. It’s a shared language.
Building lasting capability, step by step
Start with shared language and a clear vision.
If AI is just a tech project, it’ll stay siloed. Set a north star that makes it real for every role.
Commit to regular learning moments.
Monthly or quarterly micro-learnings beat annual events, every time. (Cialdini: Small steps build long-term change. Give people a reason to say, “We do this here.”)
Champion stories from every level.
Share quick wins from both execs and the frontline. This creates “liking” and shows what’s possible.
Measure progress publicly.
Track participation and impact, and celebrate often. Not just for the sake of numbers, showing progress creates momentum.
Make resources easy and accessible.
Internal hubs, learning groups, peer support. Make it hard not to get involved. Offer a downloadable roadmap or toolkit. (Reciprocity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a proven lever for real engagement.)
The ‘Boardroom Down’ Checklist
Create a shared language and vision for AI
Set a clear north star for capability
Commit to regular, bite-sized learning
Share wins from every level
Track and celebrate progress
Make resources easy and social
Ready to do more than tick the box?
We’ll walk you through it, sleeves rolled up.
We Lead Out helps business and government leaders navigate transformation with confidence, starting with the foundations that matter. Reach out to learn more about the trends affecting Australian businesses.
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