How to train your team on AI (without overwhelming them)
By Rafael · Updated · 2 min read
The short answer
Train on people's real work, not on the technology. Spend an hour on the basics and your AI rules, then have everyone try AI on two tasks from their own week and share what worked. Follow up a month later.
Why training matters more than the tool
Many organizations adopt AI tools without investing in training, and then see little benefit. Nonprofit research in 2026 also found leaders far more optimistic about AI than their staff. Training closes both gaps: people learn what's useful and what's off-limits, and they get a say in how AI is used.
A simple training plan
- Session 1 (60 min): basics and rulesWhat AI is good and bad at, live examples, and your AI policy: approved tools, data rules, human review.
- Homework: two real tasksEach person tries AI on two things from their own week, like an email, a summary or a plan.
- Session 2 (45 min): share and improvePeople show what worked and what didn't. Collect the best prompts into a shared document.
- 30 days later: check inWhat's saving time? What's risky? Update the policy and pick one workflow to improve together.
Tips that help it stick
- Let skeptics be skeptical. Their concerns often improve your rules.
- Celebrate time saved on boring work, not "replacing" anyone.
- Keep a shared prompt library for your organization's common tasks.
- Name a go-to person for AI questions.
Common questions
- How long does AI training take?
- A useful start is about two hours spread over two sessions, plus a short check-in a month later.
- Should volunteers be trained on AI too?
- If they handle your communications or people's information, yes. At least cover the data rules and when a person must review AI work.