Tag Archives: LeadershipDevelopment

9. Leadership Training in the Age of AI

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Part 9 of 17 of a research-based series exploring AI’s impact on leadership This post summarises the article Leadership training and development in the age of artificial intelligence by Sposato (2024)

In the fast-evolving AI landscape, is the biggest challenge redesigning business processes, or redesigning the leader? This article highlights the critical imperative for leaders to adapt and commit to continuous learning, emphasizing the necessity of updating leadership training in the AI era. The core finding suggests that as AI automates regulatory and transient data-driven tasks, the next generation of managers must shift their focus to higher-level liabilities. These include fostering innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, and concentrating on strategic employee development. This redirection requires directors and leaders to understand the technical roles of AI and intentionally fill the human gaps left by automation, transitioning effectively to a data-centric decision-making approach.

This evolution makes sustained critical thinking synonymous with future leadership viability, specifically demanding the cultivation of a culture of continuous learning. Leaders must use critical judgment to invest in technologies that genuinely streamline operations, freeing them up to focus on strategic planning and innovation, rather than simply replacing tasks. The “so what” for critical thinking is that it ensures leaders assume the role of guardians of powerful machines, continuously questioning and adapting their skill set, and resisting the urge to rely on AI without contextual validation.

The author, M. Sposato, implicitly suggests that whether leaders are born or made, structured development is needed to address the challenges of staff shortages and technological change. What elements of traditional leadership training must be unlearned immediately to cultivate the critical, adaptive mindset required by the AI era? Share your opinion.

Reference: Sposato, M. (2024). Leadership training and development in the age of artificial intelligence. Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, 38(4), 4–7.