Rashim is a well-known CEO of eWOW, a thought leader in technology and business, and a successful author and speaker. As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in products and services, leaders must find innovative ways to address skills gaps and utilize AI technologies effectively. Rashim has experience in creating strategies to address skills gaps with new technologies for customers, partners, and employees. He outlines steps that leaders can take to build a team capable of implementing AI initiatives successfully.
The first step is to determine how AI will be leveraged in the organization. This involves understanding the use cases for AI and how they align with the business and industry. Once the use cases are identified, leaders must evaluate the skills gap within the organization. This involves creating a list of necessary skills for implementing AI use cases and mapping them with the current team’s skill set. Leaders should resist the urge to focus solely on current team members and instead focus on a holistic view of the skills needed for short-term and long-term goals.
Creating an upskilling and reskilling plan is crucial for bridging the skills gap. Upskilling involves enhancing existing skills, while reskilling requires learning new skills. It is essential to consider ramp-up time and job readiness metrics as part of the plan to ensure alignment with resource allocation. Budgeting for time and effort is also important, as organizations often overlook the costs associated with training, such as manager, reporting, and employee time investment.
Securing buy-in from key stakeholders is necessary for successful upskilling initiatives. This involves aligning upskilling efforts with overall company strategy, measuring and reporting impact, and outlining the importance of support from various teams. Launching a training plan is the final step in addressing the AI skills gap, focusing on both knowledge and applicability. The program should consist of a mix of on-demand, live courses, and coaching to ensure employees are proficient in AI technologies.
Implementing best practices in upskilling strategies, such as ensuring programs are equitable, building a reporting mechanism, being open to hiring if needed, and leveraging skills from other parts of the organization, can help build a team with the necessary AI skills. It is essential for leaders to prioritize addressing skills gaps in AI to create powerful solutions and leverage AI technologies effectively. The Forbes Business Council is a reputable organization that provides growth opportunities and networking for business owners and leaders, offering qualifications for membership.