Build a Champion Program: Peer learning for AI adoption Success
Build a Champion program that helps Copilot adoption stick. Get your complimentary copy of the "Build a Champion Program: Program Guide Overview" to learn how peer learning, early feedback, and trusted support can help employees build awareness, confidence, and engagement with Microsoft 365 Copilot. Complete the short form.
What is a Copilot Champion and why does my organization need one?
A Copilot Champion is a peer advocate who helps colleagues adopt Microsoft 365 and Copilot in their day-to-day work. Champions focus on people and business outcomes, not just the technology. They are often called User Enablement Specialists and act as trusted resources inside their teams.
Champions help your organization to:
- Build awareness and engagement by explaining what Copilot and Microsoft 365 can do in practical, business-focused terms.
- Support peer learning through informal coaching, lunch-and-learn sessions, and sharing real scenarios that work.
- Identify business challenges and suggest ways Copilot and Microsoft 365 can address them.
- Provide early feedback to project teams and sponsors so you can adjust your rollout based on real user experience.
- Reduce strain on IT and project teams by handling many day-to-day “how do I…” questions from colleagues.
Champions are motivated by helping others succeed. They help you reimagine how work gets done with AI and Microsoft 365, while keeping the focus on people as your main competitive advantage.
How do we build and sustain a Champions community?
Building a sustainable Champions community is a structured process. A practical five-step approach looks like this:
- Set the context
Align the Champion community with your organization’s objectives and your vision for Copilot and Microsoft 365. Make it clear how Champions support business goals, not just tools.
- Identify Champions and get buy-in
Look for enthusiastic people who are willing to commit time and effort. Make sure their managers support the role, since Champion duties sit alongside their core job.
- Build a plan with Champions
Co-create a simple plan that covers communication, training, feedback loops, and how they’ll support teams.
- Skill them first and often
Formally train Champions so they have both depth and breadth of knowledge. Use resources like adoption.microsoft.com, the Interactive Prompt Gallery, and Microsoft 365 training materials. Encourage them to earn credentials such as the MS-4007 User Enablement badge.
- Execute and share feedback
Run the plan, gather Champion feedback, and share it with leaders and through Service Health Reviews so it informs ongoing decisions.
To keep the community active:
- Create a dedicated Viva Engage community or Microsoft Teams group where Champions share updates, questions, and success stories.
- Set a regular rhythm of discussions (for example, monthly calls) to review what’s working and what’s not.
- Provide ready-to-use materials such as slide decks, email templates, and lunch-and-learn kits so Champions can easily run local activities.
- Integrate Microsoft 365 training resources into your internal learning site so Champions can point colleagues to consistent content.
Over time, this structure helps Champions support the human side of AI adoption and keep momentum going beyond the initial rollout.
How should we recognize and position Champions inside the business?
Positioning and recognition are critical to Champion morale and effectiveness.
How to position the role:
- Describe Champions as business representatives and advocates for the employee experience, not as an extension of the help desk.
- Communicate clearly to all employees what Champions do: they guide, teach, and coach peers on using Copilot and Microsoft 365 to solve business problems.
- Ensure you have representation across business units so you capture diverse viewpoints and can spot risks and issues early.
- Align the naming of your program (for example, “Copilot Guides” or “Digital Work Champions”) with your company culture.
How to recognize and motivate Champions:
- Offer badges for engagement (such as digital badges or internal credentials) that Champions can showcase.
- Use tools like Praise in Viva Insights to publicly acknowledge their contributions.
- Provide privileged access to relevant events, previews, or speaking opportunities so Champions see a clear development path.
- Run light engagement programs such as contests, scavenger hunts, or giveaways between departments to encourage interaction with Microsoft 365 and highlight Champion-led initiatives.
- Give Champions consistent positive reinforcement and a clear plan so they understand the impact of their efforts.
When you recognize Champions and clearly define their role, they are better equipped to help colleagues rethink everyday work with Copilot and Microsoft 365 while staying closely aligned to business priorities.
Build a Champion Program: Peer learning for AI adoption Success
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