The AI Holdout

They don’t lead change. They follow... reluctantly. AI feels optional, even threatening. They do just enough to keep up. Their hesitation creates subtle friction. If left unsupported, they slow adoption and set the tone that AI is something to avoid.

How to spot them

Signature behaviours:

Last to adopt – Only touches AI when there’s no workaround.
Uses with discomfort – Shows visible frustration or distrust.
Avoids AI tasks – Delegates or delays anything AI-related.
Rarely explores – Doesn’t try new tools or features unless forced.
Downplays AI’s value – Often says, “It’s quicker to do it myself.”

What this means for you:

• They create drag on adoption, especially in teams that look to others for cues.

• Their avoidance can influence peers to hold back too.

• But if you push too hard, they’ll shut down completely.

• With the right approach, they become low-key consistent users—on their own terms.

The challenges they create

⚠️ Passive resistance – Doesn’t push back directly but avoids using AI at every turn.
⚠️ Low confidence – Assumes AI is too complex, risky, or irrelevant.
⚠️ Skill gap grows – Falls behind, creating more friction and dependency later.
⚠️ Cultural drag – Signals to others that AI isn’t necessary or worth it.

What to do

Lower the barrier

• Introduce AI through low-stakes tasks they already do.

• Use tools that require no prompts, settings, or steep learning.

• Offer “click and see” moments to build familiarity without pressure.

Show what’s in it for them

• Tie AI use to their personal pain points. Think time, workload, admin.

• Share simple before/after comparisons to highlight efficiency gains.

• Frame it as “help", not change.

Build routine, not reliance

• Set small weekly AI habits. “Try this feature once this week.”

• Pair with peers who can show rather than tell.

• Celebrate consistent use over advanced use, it’s about momentum, not mastery.

Success looks like this

✔️ They use AI with confidence in specific, routine tasks.
✔️ They ask for help or training when needed, instead of avoiding.
✔️ They become open to new tools, even if not early adopters.
✔️ They model steady, realistic adoption for others like them.

Methods that use the profiles

More profiles to explore

Get all 42 patterns, 14 profiles and more in the HAP Behaviour Kit

A digital card kit that spots human friction, flips the behaviour, and turns AI skeptics into everyday users.

Works remote, hybrid, or in‑room.

£365

(+ applicable taxes)