If you’ve been trying to make sense of AI lately, you’re not imagining it. It’s a LOT. Every day, there’s another article, webinar, YouTube video or tool that promises to change everything. One moment you’re reading about ChatGPT and bias, the next you’re hearing about intelligent agents, and before you can process that, someone’s already talking about “the next big thing” you must try.
It’s exciting.
It’s overwhelming.
And if you’re not sure where to start… you’re in very good company.
Even for those of us deep in the future-of-work space, many of whom implemented AI and automation years ago, the pace of change is relentless. The Human-Centric AI Council was formed because we know most HR leaders, managers, and professionals are being asked to make decisions about AI, across all areas: hiring, learning, engagement, performance, and much more. In addition to the increasingly difficult demands placed on HR leaders over the past five years and the simultaneous rapid development of the technology around AI, you’re left without the time or resources to fully understand this complex and dynamic landscape of AI.
At best, that creates anxiety, hesitation, and missed opportunities. At worst, HR isn’t respected (or even invited) to the leadership table and the negative impacts like bias can replicate.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out at once.
Let us be clear: You are not behind.
In fact, most HR professionals today are right where they’re supposed to be: curious, cautious, and overwhelmed by the flood of change happening around them. You are not late to the party. The truth is, there hasn’t been a map… until now.
That’s why the Human-Centric AI Council was formed – to build that map together, with and for the HR community.
Why This Matters
As HR leaders, we’re not just observers of change. We’re decision-makers, advisors, and people stewards. And yet most of us haven’t had time or support to develop the foundational understanding of AI—let alone the confidence to shape how it’s used responsibly in our organizations.
That’s a huge risk.
When HR doesn’t feel equipped, it delays innovation. It increases fear. It puts people policies and practices in the hands of others who may not have the human lens we bring. And perhaps most importantly—it keeps HR out of key conversations.
We don’t want that for you. We don’t want that for our field.
So we’ve flipped the traditional Learning & Development model on ourselves and asked:
What would it look like if HR built AI fluency like any other skill (through awareness, understanding, application, independence, and mastery)?
Let’s walk through that together.
1. Awareness
“I know this exists.”
This is where most of us begin. It’s about getting your arms around the big picture. If you’re reading this, you probably know about AI conceptually but, what is AI (really)? What’s the difference between generative AI, automation, and analytics? Where is AI already embedded in HR platforms today? What do you even need to learn?
At this stage, the goal isn’t fluency, it’s orientation. And it’s completely okay to be here.
We’ll help you gain clarity without jargon, and bust some myths while we’re at it.
2. Understanding
“I get the basics.”
Once you’ve got your bearings, the next step is foundational literacy. You’ll begin to grasp key concepts like what AI actually is, which tools to use and when, common myths, removing bias, transparency, and responsible use. You’ll start noticing how AI shows up across the employee lifecycle, from hiring to performance reviews. You might write your first simple prompts.
This is about learning in context. Not just what AI can do, but how it intersects with human-centered HR.
3. Application
“I can try it with support.”
This is the experimentation phase. Maybe you try a more specific and complex prompt in ChatGPT. You use AI in a safe, low-risk way, like summarizing meeting notes or rewriting a job description. You might bring AI into your workflow or pilot a new tool in partnership with your team.
Here, you build confidence through guided exploration, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
4. Independence
“I can do this on my own.”
Now you’re ready to integrate AI into your daily work with more autonomy. You understand how to evaluate tools, document your usage, and communicate risks and benefits to your stakeholders. You can ask critical questions about data, bias, and compliance. You’re influencing how AI is adopted (not just reacting to it)!!
This is where fluency meets function.
5. Mastery
“I can teach or coach others.”
Finally, this is where you step into thought leadership. You’re shaping internal policy. You’re mentoring colleagues. You’re contributing to community learning, leading with both confidence and caution.
You’ve gone from “I don’t know where to start” to helping others find their start.
What’s Coming in January: A Toolkit to Grow With You
We’re launching the HR AI Literacy Toolkit as a living, evolving guide, designed to grow with you through every phase. Just like you, we’ve been in the awareness stage and you’ll see our content and delivery mature as we get better with you.
It will include:
- ✅ Plain-language guides and side-by-side comparisons
- ✅ Real-world examples across the employee lifecycle
- ✅ Tools to bust myths and clarify definitions
- ✅ Templates, resources, and use-case scenarios
- ✅ A growing library of peer-contributed content
And most importantly: it will meet you exactly where you are.
We’ll be delivering content multiple ways but one of the best is through the K&C Social media channels as micro-learning moments throughout your day. We’re not building a one-and-done course. We’re building a community-powered learning ecosystem for HR professionals who want to lead responsibly in the AI era.
If You’re Feeling Behind, You’re Not Alone
We want to close by reminding you: you are not late, and you are not alone.
Whether you’re just becoming aware of AI or ready to guide your organization through transformation, you’re on the path.
And we’re walking it together, with HR practitioners, advisors, researchers, and allies from around the world.
So when the HR AI Literacy Toolkit launches this January, we’ll be right there alongside you. Supporting you. Celebrating your growth.
And helping you take your next step with confidence.
—
AI Literacy & Education Team
Human-Centric AI Council with Kyle & Co.