What I’ve learned
Start where they are
Here’s what I’ve learned from the members on my platform, Be Your Own CEO, and from getting people inside large organisations to actually use AI. Almost nobody starts because someone sat them down at ChatGPT. They start when it connects to something they already wanted. So if the person you’re thinking of won’t start with ChatGPT, stop starting with ChatGPT. Start where they are.
Above all
Listen first. The tool is never the point. Find out what they actually want back, their time, their focus, a bit of control, and connect everything to that. Or if they are anxious, listen to understand what the anxiety is about.
1 · Their own why
Start from something they already want, not from the tool.
Try this: ask which part of their week they would hand over tomorrow if they could. Then show them that one thing, and nothing else.
2 · Their curiosity
Spark their curiosity, and let them lean in without any pressure.
Try this: send them one thing that genuinely surprised you, with no advice attached and nothing to do. The moment it looks like homework, curiosity closes.
3 · Their confidence
Speak to their confidence, their sense of control, and their freedom.
Try this: put the keyboard in front of them and let them type their own question, without judgement. One usable answer they got themselves beats an hour of watching you.
4 · Their pace
Let them learn and discover at their own pace. Timing is everything.
Try this: when they go quiet, leave them alone. Quiet usually means they are off trying it. Ask once, a fortnight later, and ask what they made rather than whether they used it.