How OCM Leaders Are Enabling AI Adoption
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant “someday” technology—it’s here, transforming the way people work. For Organizational Change Management (OCM) professionals, this shift presents a new kind of challenge: helping employees to not only adopt AI tools but also understand their value and potential. True success lies in enabling people to see AI as a partner in their work—one that enhances their work, creativity, and impact.
We sat down with Daniel Canter, a Change and Communications Leader who guided AI adoption for 800 employees at a global real estate company. His team’s work highlights how OCM leaders can use AI as both the subject of change and the tool to enable it.
AI as a Partner in Change
The company introduced Gemini AI, Google’s generative AI platform embedded in Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, and Drive. The rollout wasn’t just about deploying the technology, it was about helping employees, from finance staff to maintenance technicians, understand how to use it meaningfully.
Interestingly, AI wasn’t just the new tool being introduced. It also supported the enablement effort itself. Gemini helped draft training scripts, design a four-week rollout plan, and refine prompts for exercises—showcasing its value while saving the OCM team significant time.
Lessons for OCM Practitioners
Communication is king. With a global, mostly remote workforce, proactive communication (e.g., multiple touchpoints, reminders, and creative outreach) kept employees aware and engaged.
Human oversight is essential. Employees were encouraged to double-check AI outputs, safeguard sensitive data, and view AI as an assistant, not an authority.
Feedback builds trust. Concerns about job replacement were addressed openly, with program adjustments that built credibility and sustained adoption momentum.
Advice for Change Leaders
Embrace AI as a tool, not a threat. It won’t replace the human behaviors at the core of change management.
Practice often. The more OCM professionals experiment with AI, the better equipped they are to guide others.
Keep communication central. Employees need to understand why AI matters to them.
Stay adaptable. AI outputs and employee reactions can vary; flexibility is key.
The Bottom Line
For OCM professionals, AI isn’t just another technology to roll out. It’s also a powerful partner in enablement, offering insights, content creation, and planning support. By leaning on AI to handle the heavy lifting, change leaders can spend more time where it matters most—building trust, creating connections, and guiding people through transformation.
Contact ChangeStaffing for support with helping your organization or client with AI enablement.
Thank you to Daniel Canter for his thought leadership and for collaborating with us on this blog.
Written by Kylette Harrison