Stage 2: Diagnosing AI Readiness

Part 3 of 7 in the AI Change Framework Series

After alignment comes honesty. Stage 2 invites the organization to look at itself with curiosity, not judgment. The goal is to replace vague optimism (“we're getting into AI”) with a clear picture of readiness.

The Invitation to Honesty

This stage asks:

• Where are we strong enough to move now?
• Where are our blind spots or constraints?
• What needs to evolve before we scale AI responsibly?

The tone should be transparent and safe—data gathering, not performance review. When participants feel permission to tell the truth, the insights you get are gold.

The 5 Readiness Dimensions

Assessment creates a baseline across five interconnected dimensions:

The Assessment Process

Step 1: Readiness Survey (Async, 30 min per person)

Create a 25- to 40-item diagnostic using 1–5 Likert statements such as:

• “Our teams understand how AI connects to our business goals.”
• “We have defined data ownership and quality standards.”
• “Leaders model curiosity and learning about AI.”
• “We have ethical review or escalation mechanisms for AI initiatives.”

Use simple language. Collect both quantitative ratings and one open comment per category.

Step 2: Data Synthesis (1 hour)

1. Compile results into a heatmap or radar chart (5 dimensions × scores)
2. Highlight top strengths (≥ 4) and vulnerabilities (≤ 3)
3. Note cross-functional differences—Marketing may feel ready while Ops does not

Sensemaking Workshop (2–3 hours)

Facilitation goals: interpret results, not debate the numbers.

1. Present visuals. Ask: “What surprises you?”
2. Break into mixed groups to discuss:
   • “Where are we confident enough to experiment?”
   • “Where do we need structure before we scale?”
   • “What's one action we could take in the next 30 days?”
3. Converge on 3–5 priority areas that will define Stage 3 (Design)

Step 4: Readiness Story and Report (1 hour follow-up)

Summarize findings in two pages:

• Current maturity summary (visual + narrative)
• Top 3 focus areas with responsible leads
• Quick-win recommendations
• Risks / dependencies

Distribute broadly. Transparency builds trust.

“Decisions built on assumption waste resources; decisions built on awareness target leverage.”

Mastery Checklist

Assessment has achieved mastery when:

1. Baseline Established—readiness scores validated and documented
2. Shared Understanding—cross-team agreement on what “ready” means
3. Prioritized Focus—top 3–5 areas for design chosen and owned
4. Leadership Endorsement—senior leaders sign off on report and next-phase plan
5. Communication Launched—summary shared org-wide in plain language

Artifacts to Produce

• ☐ Survey executed and analyzed
• ☐ Heatmap / Radar created
• ☐ Sensemaking workshop completed
• ☐ Top priorities identified and owners named
• ☐ AI Readiness Report published

Previous: Stage 1: Building Alignment
Next: Stage 3: From Insights to Pilots