I’ve been noticing something interesting lately—nearly every conversation with friends and colleagues eventually turns to AI. Whether we’re catching up over coffee or chatting after a meeting, someone inevitably asks: “Have you tried that new AI thing? What’s working for you?”
What strikes me most is how different everyone’s journey has been. My friend Sarah is using AI to draft emails, while my colleague James is experimenting with data analysis tools. My neighbour has never touched AI, and my partner is already integrating it into complex workflows.
The learning gap that’s bigger than the technology gap
Here’s what’s fascinating: The AI revolution is moving incredibly fast, but we’re all learning in isolation. Every conversation reveals: → Different starting points: Everyone has unique exposure and comfort levels → Scattered insights: Valuable lessons and discoveries aren’t being shared → Missed connections: We’re solving similar problems separately instead of together → Learning anxiety: People feel behind or overwhelmed because they can’t see the bigger picture
The conversations that energise me most? When someone shares a breakthrough they’ve had, and suddenly three other people realize they could apply that same approach to their own challenges.
These AI conversations mirror what I observe in my work all the time. When teams face new technology or complex challenges, the instinct is often to figure it out individually. But the real breakthroughs happen when we create space for collective learning, where different perspectives and experiences combine to create insights none of us would have reached alone.
Tips:
Asking better questions: Instead of “Are you using AI?” I ask “What’s one thing you’ve discovered that surprised you?”
Creating learning moments: When someone shares an insight, I pause and ask others how they might apply it
Embracing the beginner’s mind: I openly share what I don’t know and what I’m curious about
Facilitated processes that allow for collective intelligence to come out, are essential.
P.S. I’m co-leading a session on AI and Facilitation at the One Day Wonder Facilitator Conference in Melbourne, exploring exactly these kinds of collective learning questions. If this resonates with you, I’d love to continue the conversation.
Here is the link: https://events.humanitix.com/facilitation-one-day-wonder