In my last article, I said that AI has the power to make leaders more human, rather than the opposite. Now I want to offer you seven skills that can make you a better leader in an AI-powered environment.
1. BE A RECEPTIVE LISTENER
Humans, being social creatures, rely heavily on communication, which serves as a fundamental technology. Genuine listening—characterized by attentiveness, interest, absorption, and empathy—is a rare trait. In individualistic cultures, where the spotlight often falls on assertiveness and self-expression, listening takes a back seat to talking. Conversations become competitions, where the loudest voice and the most ideas reign supreme.
This talk-centric culture extends to business environments, where leadership is equated with speaking prowess. Leaders who prioritize listening over talking can be better positioned to navigate today’s intricate landscape.
Challenge: Stay silent in your next meeting, listen to your employees, and take note of the results.
2. BE CONSIDERATE
Treat people with decency and respect, acknowledging their worth regardless of their status or background. In a world consumed by individual pursuits and self-interest, it’s easy to overlook the humanity in others. This tendency is pervasive within corporate environments, with leaders often neglecting the personal aspect of their team members’ lives amid the demands of tasks and objectives.
Research indicates that practicing kindness and consideration yields numerous benefits, including fostering employee well-being, engagement, and productivity.
Challenge: Ask your colleagues how they are, demonstrating genuine interest in knowing the answer.
3. BE DETACHED
Human beings inherently possess convictions and certainties, pivotal for navigating life’s uncertainties and dangers. However, our strong attachment to these beliefs can hinder adaptability in today’s rapidly changing and complex world. Embracing detachment doesn’t mean abandoning our convictions but being open to different perspectives and ideas. By gradually relinquishing attachment to your beliefs, you can cultivate a virtuous cycle of enhanced contributions, adaptive leadership, and profound fulfillment, ultimately evolving into a leader capable of navigating the complexities of the modern world with agility and effectiveness.
Challenge: Ponder the real value of sharing an idea before you do so. Honesty in this self-reflection may reveal unexpected insights.
4. UNLEASH MEANING
The pervasive discourse on the quest for purpose has become overwhelming, and, in most cases, lacks authenticity. The shift from imposing purpose to nurturing personal meaning reflects a broader acknowledgment that pre-packaged corporate rhetoric no longer resonates, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. People seek genuine meaning in their work, not just the company’s stated purpose.
Challenge: Question if you are puppeteering people.
5. UNLOCK POTENTIAL
The onset of the pandemic triggered significant shifts in the workplace, prompting reflections on past practices and the opportunity to redefine work for the better. As AI streamlines the process of matching professionals with job descriptions and company cultures, new expectations emerge for professionals to contribute to and shape the organizational fabric.
This departure from the traditional notion of fitting into existing structures toward collective building marks a pivotal evolution in workplace dynamics, challenging companies and leaders to adapt accordingly. As organizations strive to become learning- and growth-oriented environments, leaders should prioritize empathy, open-mindedness, and a genuine interest in individuals’ personal and professional development.
Challenge: Ask someone who works with you what talent they want to develop. You might be surprised by their answer.
6. BE A RESOURCE
People are increasingly seeking leaders to work with, not for, reflecting a profound shift in employee expectations and dynamics. The pandemic catalyzed this transformation, prompting individuals to reassess their priorities and seek environments where they can thrive.
Moreover, with the emergence of AI and increasing complexity, the role of leaders is evolving from directing to orchestrating—a shift toward leaders who serve as resources rather than authority figures. Embracing this change is imperative for remaining relevant and fostering a thriving, innovative environment. Clinging to outdated leadership paradigms will lead to mediocrity and irrelevance in today’s complex world.
Challenge: Ask people what you can do for them to help them succeed in their mission.
7. SPARK AUTONOMY
Leadership, as defined by McKinsey, revolves around behaviors aimed at aligning collective direction, executing strategic plans, and renewing organizations continually. However, the essence lies not in what leadership is but in how it manifests.
Traditionally, leadership centered on an inspirational, guru-like approach, but this is shifting. People are no longer enthused about fulfilling someone else’s agenda; instead, they seek autonomy and meaning in their work.
Contrasting with traditional leaders, work to empower your employees by providing space, listening, and aiding them in finding personal meaning. This approach helps foster stronger bonds and lasting company cultures, emphasizing collaboration and individual empowerment over top-down control.
Challenge: Refrain from attending some meetings, incentivizing people to make decisions on their own.
FINAL THOUGHTS
These are ultimately the seven drivers to becoming an Orchestrator—someone I believe embodies better leadership qualities conducive to thriving in a post-pandemic AI-driven world, as described in my most recent book, The Art of Business and People Orchestration.
The more leaders embrace their humanity, the better equipped they can be to navigate uncertainties and emerge as disruptor leaders rather than being disrupted.