Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how people work across the globe—drafting emails, analyzing data, brainstorming ideas, and aiding decision-making. But no matter how advanced these tools become, their impact still depends on the people guiding them. Organizations investing in AI skills are the ones unlocking real value.
AI is elevating the need for strategic thinking, communication, and ethical judgment. To unlock AI’s full potential, companies must cultivate five essential skills:
- Prompt engineering
- Systemic thinking
- Imagination
- Data literacy
- Ethical awareness
1. Prompt engineering: Turning inputs into outcomes
Prompt engineering is the skill of writing clear, targeted instructions that help AI systems like ChatGPT generate accurate, useful results. It blends technical understanding with strong communication and design thinking.
Employees with strong prompt engineering skills:
- Define clear objectives for AI tools
- Refine outputs through rapid iteration
- Save time while improving creative output quality
As generative tools like ChatGPT and Copilot become everyday work companions, this skill turns average results into competitive advantages.
2. Systemic thinking: Seeing AI in context
AI isn’t a tool that operates in a vacuum. Systemic thinking equips teams to understand how AI interacts with people, processes, and goals.
Systemic thinkers can:
- Identify how AI affects different functions
- Prevent unintended consequences
- Align AI strategies with long-term goals
This big-picture thinking is key to implementing AI sustainably and successfully.
3. Imagination: The hidden driver of AI innovation
While AI can suggest ideas, humans decide which ones matter. Imagination transforms AI from a tool to a co-creator.
Examples of imaginative AI use:
- Prototyping marketing campaigns
- Exploring new product concepts
- Designing personalized and adaptive learning experiences
By encouraging imaginative thinking, organizations unlock AI’s potential for experimentation and innovation.
4. Data literacy: The foundation of AI accuracy
AI systems rely on data—but not all data is useful or unbiased. Data literacy helps teams question, verify, and translate AI insights into action.
Data-literate employees can:
- Evaluate data sources for accuracy and relevance
- Detect bias and inconsistencies
- Translate data insights into business decisions
Without data literacy, teams risk making decisions based on flawed outputs. With it, they can validate and act with confidence.
5. Ethical awareness: Building trust in AI decisions
As AI influences decisions in hiring, learning, and customer experience, ethical considerations become essential. Teams trained in ethical awareness are equipped to:
- Spot potential biases
- Understand privacy implications
- Make responsible, transparent choices
Ethical AI use isn’t optional. It’s essential for earning trust and protecting your brand.
How OpenSesame supports your AI-ready workforce
Building these skills takes more than good intentions—it requires strategic, targeted learning. That’s where OpenSesame comes in. Our platform delivers curated learning paths that combine technical and human capabilities.
We support organizations by offering:
- Courses in prompt engineering, data analysis, design thinking, and AI ethics
- Seamless course delivery through integrations with leading LMS platforms (learn more about our Partner Ecosystem)
- Personalized learning aligned to your business goals
Whether you’re enhancing creative problem-solving in marketing or increasing data literacy in operations, OpenSesame enables targeted, scalable learning.
OpenSesame customers report:
- Higher confidence using AI tools
- Faster adoption of AI across roles
- Stronger collaboration between technical and non-technical teams
Invest in the human skills that unlock AI’s potential
AI tools are powerful—but it’s the human skills behind them that drive results. Organizations that invest in creativity, communication, and ethical judgment will unlock far more than automation. They’ll gain a smarter, more adaptive workforce.
OpenSesame is your partner in that transformation. Explore our AI learning paths and start building your AI-ready workforce today.
Start with the AI-Enabled Learning Path Worksheet. This framework helps you design personalized training programs by job role, skill level, and business need.
Ready to future-proof your workforce?
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important AI skills for employees today?
The top 5 AI skills are prompt engineering, systemic thinking, imagination, data literacy, and ethical awareness.
Why is prompt engineering important for AI adoption?
It helps employees create effective inputs, leading to more accurate and useful AI outputs.
How does systemic thinking support AI integration?
Systemic thinking helps teams understand the broader impact of AI and align it with business goals.
Why do imagination and ethics matter in AI work?
Imagination drives innovation, while ethical awareness ensures responsible and inclusive AI use.
Can OpenSesame help train teams in these AI skills?
Yes. OpenSesame offers curated learning paths to build both technical and human skills essential for AI adoption.
About the author
Kyle is a cybersecurity & technology learning content curator with over 15 years of experience in the technical space, including 10 years as a technical recruiter for top tech companies. He has years of experience supporting enterprise clients in the cybersecurity and technical arenas, including Honda, Toshiba, Intact, and PwC, and is eager to share his knowledge and experience with others. Kyle is passionate about helping people learn about cybersecurity and how to protect themselves from online threats.