Generative AI for Professionals - Facilitator Guide

Generative AI for Professionals

Facilitator Guide

Lincoln Financial Implementation

Facilitator Guide

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Your Role as Facilitator

You're not here to be an AI expert. You're here to guide discovery.

Core Responsibility: Create a space where people feel safe to experiment, ask questions, and figure out how AI fits into their actual work.

What You Will Do

  • Moderate discussions and keep conversations focused on application, not theory
  • Field questions and redirect when needed (you don't need all the answers)
  • Connect course concepts to Lincoln's real work and priorities
  • Adapt pacing based on your group's engagement and understanding
  • Create psychological safety for people to try new approaches

What You Won't Do

  • Lecture about AI technology or try to be a technical expert
  • Convince skeptics that AI is magic (it's not)
  • Answer every question perfectly (saying "I don't know, let's explore that" is fine)

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Course Module Breakdown

Understanding the complete course structure and timing.

Module Duration Content Focus
1.X Introduction 4:29 Welcome and course orientation
2.X Generative AI Explained 11:48 What is generative AI and how it works
3.X We've Been Using It Wrong 18:16 The mindset shift from search to thinking partner
4.X The AI Mindset Framework 43:46 Structured approach: Learn + Execute + Strategise
5.X Prompt Frameworks 16:23 Techniques for better AI interactions
6.X Trust 20:14 Limitations, bias, hallucinations, security
7.X Conclusion 1:19 Course wrap-up

Core Course Total: 1 hour 56 minutes (Modules 1-7)
Bonus Content: "Next Steps" (20:45) + "Awesome Features" (19:59)

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Four Rollout Options for Lincoln

Choose the approach that fits your team's schedule and learning style.

Option 1: Watch Party Series

Format: 3 interactive 90-minute sessions

Best For: Teams that can commit to live learning

Engagement: Highest - includes discussion, activities, peer learning

Time: 4.5 hours over 2-3 weeks

Option 2: Self-Paced + Office Hours

Format: Independent viewing with weekly check-ins

Best For: Distributed teams or varied schedules

Engagement: Moderate - requires self-motivation

Time: ~2 hours self-paced + 30 min weekly

Option 3: Hybrid Cohort Model

Format: Self-paced viewing + 3 application workshops

Best For: Exempt staff who need flexibility

Engagement: High for application, lower for theory

Time: 2 hours self-paced + 3x 60-min workshops

Option 4: Microlearning (Hourly Workers)

Format: 15-20 minute modules with immediate application

Best For: Non-exempt employees with limited time

Engagement: Highest ROI for time invested

Time: 6-8 sessions of 15-20 minutes

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Watch Party Series Overview

Three 90-minute interactive sessions that build on each other.

Watch Party 1: The AI Mindset Shift ~35 min video
Modules: Introduction (4:29) + Generative AI Explained (11:48) + We've Been Using It Wrong (18:16)
Focus: Understanding what AI is and why we've been thinking about it wrong
Watch Party 2: The Framework for Action ~60 min video
Modules: The AI Mindset Framework (43:46) + Prompt Frameworks (16:23)
Focus: Hands-on practice with structured approaches to using AI
Watch Party 3: Strategy and Trust ~22 min video
Modules: Trust (20:14) + Conclusion (1:19) + Optional: Next Steps (20:45)
Focus: Building team strategy and understanding AI limitations

Lincoln Integration: Built-in spaces between modules for Lincoln leaders to share company-specific examples and connect to current initiatives.

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Watch Party 1: Detailed Agenda

Total: 90 minutes | Video: ~35 minutes | Discussion: ~55 minutes

0-10 min: Opening & Temperature Check
Set honest tone, quick poll on AI experience, explain session goals
10-15 min: Video - Introduction (4:29)
Course welcome and orientation
15-30 min: Video - Generative AI Explained (11:48)
Understanding what generative AI actually is
30-45 min: Discussion - What Just Changed?
Small group discussion: AI as pattern recognition, not knowledge
45-65 min: Video - We've Been Using It Wrong (18:16)
The mindset shift from search engine to thinking partner
65-85 min: Activity - Wrong vs. Right Approach
Groups identify search-engine thinking vs. thinking-partner approach
85-90 min: Close - One Thing to Try
Individual commitment to experiment before next session

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Watch Party 2: Detailed Agenda

Total: 90 minutes | Video: ~60 minutes | Discussion: ~30 minutes

0-10 min: Opening - What Did You Try?
Quick share of experiments from Watch Party 1, celebrate attempts
10-55 min: Video - The AI Mindset Framework (43:46)
The structured approach: Learn, Execute, Strategise
55-65 min: Live Demo - Framework in Action
Facilitator or Lincoln leader demonstrates framework on real task
65-82 min: Video - Prompt Frameworks (16:23)
Specific techniques for better AI interactions
82-88 min: Hands-On Practice
Participants apply frameworks to their own work scenarios
88-90 min: Share & Close
Quick share of one approach they'll implement

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Watch Party 3: Detailed Agenda

Total: 90 minutes | Video: 22-43 minutes | Discussion: 47-68 minutes

0-10 min: Opening - Framework Check-In
Quick discussion on what worked, what didn't with frameworks
10-32 min: Video - Trust (20:14)
Understanding limitations, bias, hallucinations, and security
Note: Watch before or after strategy discussion based on group needs
32-62 min: Strategy Workshop
Teams identify 3 specific use cases for their work area and establish guardrails
62-84 min: Optional Video - Next Steps (20:45)
Putting AI to work in daily practice
Include if time permits or assign as follow-up viewing
84-90 min: Close + Conclusion Video (1:19)
Team commits to continuing exploration, identify champions

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Adapting for Different Audiences

Not all Lincoln employees learn the same way. Adjust your approach.

Hourly/Non-Exempt Workers

  • Time Constraint: Limited availability for training
  • Approach: Microlearning format, 15-20 minute modules
  • Focus: Immediate application to daily tasks, skip theory
  • Example: "How AI helps you draft emails faster" not "Understanding transformer models"

Exempt Staff/Knowledge Workers

  • Time Constraint: Busy but can carve out dedicated time
  • Approach: Full watch party series or hybrid model
  • Focus: Framework application, experimentation, strategy
  • Example: Using AI to analyze data, create presentations, write reports

Senior Leadership

  • Time Constraint: Very limited, need executive summaries
  • Approach: 90-minute workshop before rollout (hybrid/virtual)
  • Focus: Strategic implications, decision-making, team productivity expectations
  • Example: How AI changes expectations for team output and timelines

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Microlearning for Hourly Workers

Break the course into bite-sized pieces focused on immediate wins.

Session Duration Topic Immediate Application
1 15 min What is AI, really? Try one prompt for your work
2 20 min AI for better emails Draft your next email with AI
3 15 min AI for problem-solving Brainstorm solutions to a work challenge
4 20 min Getting better answers Practice one prompting technique
5 15 min When NOT to use AI Identify 3 tasks AI shouldn't do
6 20 min Building your AI habit Set one recurring use case

Delivery: Can be done during shift, at workstation, or during team huddles. No need for dedicated training time away from work.

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Discussion Prompts That Work

Use these to generate real conversation, not just recap.

For Understanding (Watch Party 1)

  • "If AI doesn't actually 'know' anything, how does that change how you'd use it?"
  • "What's a task you do that you think AI absolutely couldn't handle? Why?"
  • "What's the difference between asking AI to search and asking it to think with you?"

For Application (Watch Party 2)

  • "Walk me through a specific task you did this week. Where could the framework have helped?"
  • "What happened when you tried the thinking partner approach? What surprised you?"
  • "Show me a bad prompt and a good prompt for the same task. What's different?"

For Strategy (Watch Party 3)

  • "If everyone on this team used AI well, what would be different about our work?"
  • "What's one thing we should never use AI for? Why?"
  • "What rules do we need as a team to use AI responsibly?"

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Handling Common Challenges

Challenge Your Response
The Dominator
One person answers everything		 "Great point. I'd love to hear from someone who hasn't spoken yet. [Name], what do you think?"
The Skeptic
"This won't work for us"		 "Valid concern. For this exercise, assume it could work. What would need to be true?"
The Silence
No one responds		 "Let's do a quick pair-and-share. Two minutes with the person next to you, then we'll share back."
The Derailment
Off-topic conversation		 "Fascinating topic. Let's park that for later so we can cover today's core material."
"It's Too Hard"
Overwhelmed participants		 "You don't need to master everything. Pick one technique that feels useful and try just that."

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will AI take my job?

People who learn to work well with AI will be more valuable. People who ignore it will fall behind. That's what this training is about.

What about confidential information?

Don't put anything into public AI tools you wouldn't put in an email. We'll cover security in detail in Watch Party 3.

How do I know if AI's output is good?

You're still the expert on your work. AI is a tool, not a replacement for judgment. If something feels off, it probably is.

I tried ChatGPT and it was terrible

That's because you probably used it like Google. That's what today's session is about - using it differently.

Do I need to be technical?

No. This isn't about coding or understanding algorithms. It's about using a new tool effectively.

What if I don't have time for this?

Learning to use AI well will save you time in the long run. Start with one small use case and build from there.

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Optional Enhancements

Layer these on for deeper engagement and sustained impact.

Leadership Workshop (90 minutes)

  • When: Before general rollout
  • Who: Senior leaders and managers
  • Focus: Strategic implications, setting expectations, leading by example
  • Outcome: Leaders understand what they should expect from teams using AI

Peer Learning Sessions (Monthly)

  • When: After initial training
  • Who: Anyone who's experimenting
  • Focus: Share what's working, troubleshoot challenges, learn from each other
  • Outcome: Sustained momentum and continuous improvement

Superuser Training

  • When: 4-6 weeks after rollout
  • Who: Employees showing advanced interest
  • Focus: Advanced techniques, custom GPTs, integration with workflows
  • Outcome: Internal champions who can support others

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Pre-Session Checklist

Technology Setup

  • Test video playback with audio in the room or virtual platform
  • Ensure whiteboard (physical or digital) is ready
  • Configure breakout rooms if virtual, arrange tables if in-person
  • Have backup plan if technology fails (printed discussion prompts)

Content Preparation

  • Review the session template for this watch party
  • Prepare 2-3 Lincoln-specific examples to connect to real work
  • Brief any Lincoln leaders who will contribute between modules
  • Print feedback forms or prepare digital survey link

Room Setup

  • Arrange seating to encourage discussion (U-shape or small tables)
  • Post session agenda where everyone can see it
  • Have materials ready (pens, paper for those who want to take notes)

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Measuring Success

How do you know if your sessions are working?

During the Session

  • Are multiple people contributing, not just the same three voices?
  • Can participants explain concepts in their own words?
  • Are discussions focused on application, not just theory?
  • Do people seem engaged or are they checking phones/laptops?

After the Session

  • Can participants name one specific thing they'll try?
  • Do feedback forms show relevance to their work?
  • Are people coming back for the next watch party?

Long-Term Impact (30-60 days)

  • Are team members actually using AI in their work?
  • Can they describe specific examples of how AI helped?
  • Are they teaching others what they learned?
  • Has team productivity improved in measurable ways?

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Lincoln-Specific Implementation

LMS Integration

  • Course delivered as SCORM packages in Lincoln's LMS
  • Available in MP4 format for flexible viewing
  • Modules 1-7 appear initially, marked complete at Module 7
  • Bonus modules ("Next Steps" and "Awesome Features") launched separately
  • Independent viewing available for those who can't attend live sessions

Data and Security

  • All Lincoln data stored on US servers
  • User data anonymized when tracked (completion rates only, no PII)
  • Remind participants: don't share confidential Lincoln data with public AI tools

Course Navigation

  • Module 1 includes guidance: "To navigate this course, use the orange boxes at top right"
  • Transcript skip-through feature locked to encourage full viewing

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Sample 4-Week Rollout Timeline

Week 0: Pre-Launch
Senior leadership workshop (90 min) | Facilitators review materials and prep | Communications sent to participants
Week 1: Watch Party 1
The AI Mindset Shift (90 min) | Participants commit to trying one thing | Feedback collected
Week 2: Watch Party 2
The Framework for Action (90 min) | Hands-on practice with frameworks | Feedback collected
Week 3: Watch Party 3
Strategy and Trust (90 min) | Team identifies use cases and guardrails | Final feedback and next steps
Week 4+: Follow-Up
Optional office hours for questions | Bonus content available for self-paced learning | Identify candidates for superuser training

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Facilitator Resources

Session Templates

  • Watch Party 1 detailed agenda with discussion prompts
  • Watch Party 2 detailed agenda with activity instructions
  • Watch Party 3 detailed agenda with workshop framework

Supporting Materials

  • Promotional slide for internal communications
  • Post-session feedback form
  • Discussion prompt cards (printable)
  • Troubleshooting guide for common technical issues

Microlearning Packages

  • 6 standalone 15-20 minute sessions
  • Activity worksheets for immediate application
  • Manager's guide for hourly worker training

Access: All materials available through Lincoln's facilitator hub. Contact your program administrator for specific file access.

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Final Tips for Success

Remember: Your job is to create the conditions for learning, not to have all the answers.

Before Each Session

  • Come with your own example of trying AI that week
  • Admit when something didn't work for you - vulnerability builds trust
  • Review the session template but don't over-script yourself

During Each Session

  • Focus on drawing insights from the group, not lecturing
  • When someone asks a question you can't answer: "Great question. Let's explore that together"
  • Constantly redirect to application: "How would this help with actual work?"
  • Watch for the quiet people and create space for them to contribute

After Each Session

  • Read the feedback forms and adjust for next time
  • Share participant questions with other facilitators
  • Celebrate small wins and experiments, even failed ones

You're Ready

Now go create some AI mindset shifts

Questions? Contact your program administrator or fellow facilitators

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