If you grew up watching movies like I, Robot, A.I. Artificial Intelligence and Blade Runner, you probably imagined a future filled with humanoid robots working alongside humans. That day may come, but for now, our AI teammates exist within our devices - and they’re changing how we work.
AI tools are evolving fast, moving from simple assistants to intelligent collaborators. Communicating effectively with AI is now a vital workplace skill.
Our eBook, Navigating AI and technology in L&D, shows that 88% of L&D teams struggle to keep pace, even though 75% of employees already use AI at work. To stay ahead, L&D must help people learn how to work confidently with AI - not just use it.
Reading time: 4 minutes
AI as an assistant
AI began as a helping hand, automating routine tasks, boosting efficiency and freeing people to focus on complex work. But despite growing interest, only 2% of organisations have fully adopted AI.
Today, generative AI drafts emails, brainstorms ideas, analyses data and transcribes meetings. Yet the results depend on communication. Good prompting, feedback and evaluation skills turn AI from a tool into a genuine collaborator..
AI as a teammate
Now AI is stepping up as a teammate. The focus shifts from using AI to working alongside it effectively, guiding agents, maintaining human-centred workflows and ensuring alignment.
L&D teams need to update skills frameworks and training programmes so employees can:
- Communicate clearly and give context
- Direct AI actions towards shared goals
- Provide structured feedback
- Think critically and intervene when needed
Key skills for success
Communication skills
- Clear communication: Define goals and outcomes precisely.
- Context provision: Explain cultural and situational nuances.
- Instruction refinement: Improve phrasing for accuracy.
- Providing feedback: Deliver concise corrections that help AI learn.
Critical thinking skills
- Judgement and oversight: Evaluate AI’s actions, spot gaps and ensure outputs stay aligned with organisational aims.
Communicating to build trust in agentic AI
As AI becomes more autonomous, trust is crucial. 89% of L&D teams say it is a major challenge.
Transparency builds confidence. Teams must understand not just what AI is doing, but why. Explaining AI’s decisions and impacts helps demystify its actions, making collaboration smoother and more trusted.
Invest in communication skills upskilling
The future is not humans versus AI, it is humans with AI. The goal is to translate human intent into clear instructions, maintain transparency and align everyone around shared objectives.
Investing in communication skills is key. Training your people to guide and collaborate with AI ensures your organisation is ready for this next phase, where AI becomes a teammate rather than just a tool.
At the British Council, our English and communication programmes help teams communicate with clarity, precision and confidence. These skills are essential for guiding AI effectively in a hybrid human–AI workplace.
Ready to empower your team for the AI-driven future?
Download the Corporate English Solutions brochure or book a free consultation to find out how we can support your team.