Md Consulting

Remember when we were promised flying cars?

Remember when we were promised flying cars? Well, we might not have them yet, but something equally transformative is knocking on our door: Artificial Intelligence. And just like those elusive flying cars, AI is stirring a potent mix of excitement and apprehension.

I’ve been wrestling with the implications of AI for a while now, especially as it relates to go-to-market strategies. In my book, training programs, and webcast series, the AI revolution is a recurring theme. It’s not just about the tech. It’s about how we, as humans, adapt. It’s also about how we lead and ultimately thrive in this new landscape. But a recent McKinsey report on AI for 2025 threw a curveball that made me rethink everything. It highlights a fascinating paradox: employees seem to be embracing AI faster than their leaders realize.

The Data Speaks Volumes: Employee Adoption vs. Leadership Perception

The report is packed with compelling data, but a few nuggets really stood out. Employees are using generative AI tools three times more often. This applies to a significant portion of their work. They do so much more than their leaders even suspect! Think about that. While boardrooms are still debating deployment strategies, the workforce is already experimenting, integrating, and innovating with these tools. Secondly, millennials, the generation that grew up with technology, are 1.4 times more likely to report extensive familiarity with generative AI than their older colleagues. Not surprising, right? But here’s the kicker: they also expect AI to change their workflows drastically within the next year. They’re not just playing around; they’re anticipating a fundamental shift in how they work.

The Trust Factor: Companies vs. Institutions

Now, here’s where it gets personal. This isn’t just about algorithms and automation. It’s about trust, leadership, and human potential. The McKinsey report reveals that employees are more likely to trust their own companies to get AI deployment right. They trust them more than they trust other institutions. That’s a huge responsibility for leaders! We’re not just implementing technology; we’re shaping the future of work and the trust our employees place in us.

The Investment Gap: Are We Leading or Lagging?

Yet, only 1% of companies believe their AI investments have reached maturity. We’re investing, yes, a staggering 92% of companies plan to increase their AI investment over the next three years. But are we truly leading the charge? Or are we lagging behind, while our teams are already out there, exploring the terrain?

The Human Element: Empowering the Workforce

This brings me to the core of what I’m passionate about: empowering people to navigate this new era. The McKinsey report highlights that 48% of employees rank training as the most important factor for successful AI adoption. Yet, nearly half of them feel they’re receiving moderate or less support in this crucial area. This is a gap we must close. We need to shift our focus from simply deploying AI to enabling our workforce to harness its full potential.

Beyond Technology: Building a Culture of Learning and Trust

This isn’t just about staying competitive. It’s about empowering our teams to become “superagencies,” as McKinsey puts it. These teams are capable of achieving more than we ever thought possible. It’s about fostering a culture of learning, experimentation, and trust. We must recognize that the real power of AI is not in the technology itself. The true power lies in the hands of the people who use it.

The Call to Action: Let’s Ride the Wave Together

So, let’s stop debating the merits of AI and start empowering our teams to ride the wave. Let’s bridge the gap between leadership perception and employee reality. Let’s not just invest in AI, but invest in the people who will shape its future. The AI revolution won’t be won by algorithms alone. It will succeed through the human ingenuity that dares to explore the uncharted territories of the possible.

What do you think? Are you seeing this disconnect in your own organizations? Let’s discuss in the comments below. If you’re interested in the go-to-market strategies for the age of AI, subscribe freely to my blog on http://www.davidmerzel.com. You can receive an excerpt of my upcoming book. You will gain a deeper understanding. Don’t miss the training program and webcast series too. Let’s navigate this exciting new world together.