Why Becoming an AI Power User Matters More Than Just Trying It Out

Depth beats dabbling. Here's why consistent AI use drives real results.

AI is everywhere these days. The headlines promise it will change everything, and vendors push quick fixes. I've seen plenty jump in, curious but cautious. From my years as a CIO and CISO, I can tell you: just trying AI here and there won't make a difference. The real advantage comes from making it part of how you work, day in and day out.

If you want AI to matter, you have to commit.

Why Dabbling Doesn't Cut It

Using AI once or twice might give a quick answer or a spark of an idea. That's fine, but it's surface-level. It's like learning a language by memorizing a few phrases—you don't get fluent.

I've noticed too many people treat AI as a one-off tool: open it, ask a question, maybe generate an outline, then stop. They don't stick with it long enough to learn how to ask better questions, improve the results, or build AI into their regular routine. The payoff? Inconsistent benefits and frustration when it doesn't deliver as expected.

The Six-Month Point: Where Things Change

I came across some recent research from Anthropic showing that people who use AI regularly for six months or more see about a 10% boost in task success compared to casual users. That's not trivial.

In our fast-moving world, six months can feel like forever. But that's when you start to get a feel for what AI can really do—and what it can't. You learn to phrase prompts in ways that work. You figure out when to trust it and when to double-check. You build workflows that naturally include AI, not just as an add-on.

From what I've seen, that's when AI stops being a novelty and becomes a tool you own.

Moving from Skepticism to Ownership

When I first started leading teams, AI was met with a lot of skepticism. Concerns about privacy and job security were real, and honestly, I heard people dismiss it as just another tech fad.

My approach was simple: focus on real work and clear outcomes. I never pushed AI adoption just because it was trendy. Instead, I asked teams, "What eats up your time? What repetitive tasks slow you down?"

The change happens when AI stops feeling like an experiment and starts making a real difference. That's when people shift from seeing AI as a threat to treating it as a partner. Some become what I'd call "power users," not because of a title but because they take the time to figure it out and share what they learn with others.

Seeing resistance as feedback rather than a barrier helped me understand where AI truly fits. — Justin Lahullier, CIO/CISO | Vice President

What Being a Power User Really Means

Power users don't take AI's first answer at face value. They push back, adjust prompts, and test different approaches until the tool fits their needs. They know where AI stumbles and find ways around those blind spots. AI becomes a reliable part of how they get things done—not some magic wand.

They also pass on their insights, helping raise the whole team's capabilities.

This level of engagement doesn't happen overnight. It takes time and effort. But those who stick with it become faster, sharper, and more confident in their work. And that makes a difference.

Power users don't just accept AI's first answer. They push, tweak, and test until the tool works for them.

+10% task success rate lift after 6 months of consistent AI use — Anthropic Research — Justin Lahullier, CIO/CISO | Vice President

It's About Depth, Not Just Exposure

AI isn't something you check off after a quick try. It's a skill that grows when you invest time and thought. From what I've seen, dabbling only scratches the surface. The real gains come from digging in and making AI part of your workflow.

The difference is clear: when you focus on actual work and measurable results, AI shifts from a skeptical experiment to a practical advantage. I'm confident others will see this too if they're patient enough.

For me, the bigger question isn't how fast someone tries AI—it's how long they're willing to learn it and make it their own.