The Trailhead AI Compass
The Trailhead AI Adoption Compass is a practical framework for understanding the human and organizational conditions required for successful AI adoption.
Rather than focusing on tools or use cases, it looks at five interdependent factors that shape whether AI efforts gain traction, stall, or create unintended risk.
When these elements are balanced, organizations are able to experiment, learn, and scale responsibly. When one or more are underdeveloped, progress often feels harder than it should.
The Five Factors of AI Adoption Readiness
Leadership Vision & Alignment
Do leaders share a clear, consistent view of why AI matters and how success will be defined?
Psychological Safety & Trust
Do people feel safe raising concerns, asking questions, and experimenting without fear?
Skills, Fluency & Role Modeling
Are leaders and managers modeling appropriate AI use and building confidence across roles?
Culture of Experimentation & Collective Learning
Does the organization reward learning and collaboration — not just outcomes?
Employee Engagement & Governance
Are employees involved in identifying value and shaping guardrails, or is AI something being “done to” them?
