---
url: https://www.adoptionlab.ai/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap/explore/be-the-sense-maker/
title: "Be the sense-maker | Explore | AdoptionLab.AI"
description: "Explore, phase 1 of the 5E Model for human-centered AI adoption. Turn the AI headlines into a clear story about your team."
generated: 2026-10-22T16:29:41.185Z
---[AI Adoption Roadmap](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap) / [1. Explore](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap#explore)
Phase 1: Explore
# Be the sense-maker
Turn the AI headlines into a clear story about your team.
Your team is talking about AI whether you are or not. If you stay quiet, outside voices shape the story. You don't need to be the expert. You need to try the tools yourself, lead frank conversations, and communicate often and honestly.
## Put it to work
- ✓Use one AI tool yourself on a real, non-sensitive task this week.
- ✓Hold one open conversation about what your team is hearing.
- ✓Set a regular rhythm for short AI updates.
[← Back to the roadmap](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap#explore) [Make a pledge you can keep →](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap/explore/make-a-pledge)
More in Explore
- [Be the sense-maker](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap/explore/be-the-sense-maker)
- [Make a pledge you can keep](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap/explore/make-a-pledge)
- [Run a baseline assessment](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap/explore/run-a-baseline)
- [Offer amnesty for hidden use](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap/explore/offer-amnesty)
- [Write a two-part AI policy](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap/explore/write-a-two-part-policy)
- [Sort your data with a stoplight](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap/explore/data-stoplight)
- [Engage the middle layer](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap/explore/engage-the-middle-layer)
- [Map what helps and what hinders](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap/explore/force-field-analysis)
- [Lead with invitation, not obligation](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap/explore/lead-with-invitation)
- [Give everyone basic training](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap/explore/basic-training)
[See all five phases →](/resources/ai-adoption-roadmap)
Go deeper in the booklet
A Leader's Roadmap to Human-Centered AI
The Explore chapter walks through this phase with a worked example, plus the field kit: survey, rubrics, and worksheets.
[Get the booklet on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXGN86YZ)