Lindsay Phillips, COO and Co-Founder, SkyPhi StudiosMarch 18, 20254 Min ReadLi Ding via Alamy StockWhen AI is successfully implemented, it fundamentally changes your team. Much like a romantic relationship, a new partnership is formed -- greater than the sum of its parts. You must approach AI not as a side piece but as a full-fledged partner, ready to work differently and ultimately -- better together.The question isnt whether to adopt AI, but how to ensure it leads to meaningful use. Just like picking a mate, companies must evaluate tools carefully and integrate them thoughtfully in order for the relationship to work. Think of AI adoption in terms of relationship stages: Honeymoon, conflict, commitment, and thriving.Phase 1: The HoneymoonYouve identified a need, purchased an AI tool, and are excited to get started -- swoon. Youre daydreaming about what this new team member will bring to the table.Emotions at this stage: Excitement runs high, but engagement is sporadic as the team adjusts to the new tool. Optimism might blind you to the inevitable complexities of long-term integration.Risks at this stage:Choosing the wrong (adoption) partner or going forth without an adoption plan at all.Not having crucial conversations or setting unreasonable expectations for the tool or your team, and overwhelming both.Action to be taken at this stage:Related:Define business objectives and how the tool should support those. Define clear goals.Create an adoption plan or find an adoption partner. How do you expect people to change to use the tool and are your expectations realistic?Phase 2: Conflict ArisesA heart-sinking moment; youve had your first fight. As you start working with the tool, conflicts emerge: misaligned workflows, unclear responsibilities, or differing interpretations of the tools value.Emotions at this stage: Frustration and confusion dominate. The excitement of the honeymoon gives way to chaos as the team struggles to integrate the tool into daily operations.Risks at this stage: Disengagement can tank adoption, leading to distrust in leadership and abandonment of the tool altogether.Action to be taken at this stage:Clarify roles and responsibilities. Identify which tasks AI will take over and how your team must adjust to make room for this.Redesign workflows. Map how data flows through the system. Define who handles each step and how the AIs outputs are utilized.Set expectations for both team and tool. Training is important, but its more critical to align on when and why to use the tool, than how.Phase 3: Commitment to Working Through the KinksRelated:Now comes the commitment phase. Youve decided to put in the effort to make the relationship work. This is where your team begins to norm -- finding ways to resolve conflicts, clarify roles and build trust.Emotions at this stage: Calm and determined. The team is less reactive, focused on solving problems, and unified in working toward shared goals.Risks at this stage: Complacency can derail momentum, pushing your team back into conflict or leading to abandonment if vigilance wanes.Action to be taken at this stage:Assign owners and incentives. Designate individuals responsible for AI implementation and incentivize their success.Hold regular check-ins. Create opportunities to address challenges and refine processes.Celebrate wins. Acknowledge progress to keep morale high and reinforce positive behaviors.Phase 4: Thriving TogetherYour team and AI tool are in sync, working seamlessly together. The partnership has matured into something greater than the sum of its parts --a thriving relationship. Youre no longer focused on making it work; youre discovering new ways to grow together and achieve shared goals.Emotions at this stage: Excitement and pride. Your team feels empowered by what youve built together and evangelizes the success -- confident in its ability to work, evolve and last.Related:Risks at this stage: Even in a thriving relationship, theres a risk of falling into complacency. If you stop nurturing the partnership, you may achieve some success, but youll miss out on its full potential. Staying curious and engaged ensures your (AI) partnership continues to grow stronger and more meaningful.Action to be taken at this stage:Expand responsibilities. Just as in a strong relationship, trust allows you to take on new challenges together. Build on initial success by exploring new use cases for the tool.Stay curious. Keep the spark alive by asking: What else can this tool do? Whats next for us?Foster a community of practice. Identify super-users who act as ambassadors, sharing insights and helping others deepen their connection with the tool.In Perfect HarmonyAdopting AI is not a one-and-done affair. Its a process that requires intentionality, flexibility, and commitment at every stage. By treating AI as a valued partner -- one that requires clear communication, defined roles, and ongoing support -- you can move beyond the initial honeymoon phase and build a lasting, thriving relationship.With the right approach, AI can transform your organization, allowing your team to achieve more. The key is ensuring that both sides -- human and machine -- are willing to work differently to work better together.About the AuthorLindsay PhillipsCOO and Co-Founder, SkyPhi StudiosLindsay Phillipsis the co-founder and chief operating officer of SkyPhi Studios, a change firm that delivers transformative success by empowering organizations to realize the full value of their digital investments. She specializes in guiding organizations through change, fostering collaboration, and enhancing engagement. Her expertise in leadership coaching, sales process support, and culture change initiatives helps organizations not just adopt new tools but embrace a holistic approach to transformation.See more from Lindsay PhillipsWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like