3 Effective Leadership Skills You Need in the Age of AI

While the benefits of AI are undeniable, it will also change how decision-makers do their jobs. In this context, the leaders of tomorrow will need a very different set of skills to succeed.

• The changing nature of leadership
• Three effective leadership skills in the age of AI
• Tips to prepare for this change

The artificial intelligence (AI) market is growing at a rapid pace, and this has a significant impact on leadership roles. AI uses technologies like machine learning (ML), object recognition, and advanced data analytics to simplify decision-making. You can use powerful AI models to recommend the next best action in several enterprise scenarios.

So, what does this mean for the next generation of C-level executives or even line managers?

Is the workforce equipped with effective leadership skills to steer a company to success in the age of AI?

Let’s start the discussion with a look at the changing nature of leadership.

Learn More: How is Artificial Intelligence Replacing Business Management?

Say Hello to a Brand-new Definition of Leadership

As technology becomes more intelligent, leaders won’t just be in charge of making everyday decisions. In fact, the next generation of leaders – be it team managers, business unit heads, or C-level executives – must reinforce the human aspect of decision-making as AI takes over data-driven and contextual decisions.

That’s not to say that business leaders aren’t gaining from the advent of AI. An Infosys studyOpens a new window (email required) found that 90% of the C-suite surveyed reported measurable benefits from AI technology, and 77% of IT decision-makers are sure that employees can be trained for new, AI-driven roles.

Therefore, to gain from AI and offset any disruptive impact, the current workforce must carefully hone effective leadership skills with a focus on AI and automation readiness.

Learn More: 4 Trends Shaping the Future of Work

Three Effective Leadership Skills to Prepare for the Age of AI

Soon, AI will replace multiple traditional aspects of leadership. For example, For example, any processing of historical facts to derive data for the next best business move will become automated. AI’s predictive capabilities will even be able to prepare the workforce for upcoming changes.

1. Learning to unlearn

In the age of AI, technology and business models will transform at lightning speed. This means that knowledge gathered through experience will fast become redundant. Leaders cannot afford to hold onto outmoded ideas – in fact, they must “learn to unlearn.” This implies letting go of preconceived notions (some even backed by years of on-ground expertise) and seeking knowledge in new areas. The old way of doing things must give way to new – sometimes risky – approaches. This also requires an open attitude – where leaders accept meaningful contributions from employees as well as external workers at all levels.

2. Envisioning a long-term plan, but one that’s not set in stone

Foresight has always been a valued leadership skill, but it takes on a new dimension in the age of AI. While it’s important to know exactly where your team/ organization is headed, the roadmap must be open to frequent change. Tomorrow’s effective leaders will be agile visionaries – building strategy that adapts to rapid changes in the business, socioeconomic, or political environment.

3. Developing soft skills to navigate through the newness of AI

Interestingly, the rise of advanced technologies such as AI has made soft skills only more critical. As automation streamlines process-based tasks, it will change the role of leaders and how they interact with employees.

For HR, it will require helping employees overcome their fears of AI. For line managers, it will require being able to train employees to work with larger volumes of data and think more strategically. Being able to mediate these interactions, resolve conflicts, and bring out the best in people will be a key leadership skill.

And this isn’t limited to just a single workforce type or horizontal category. C-level leaders must regularly connect with frontline workers and department heads who’ve been with the organization for many years will be responsible for leading a massive gig workforce. As a result, constant engagement with people as well as surroundings will be central to effective leadership.

Learn More: 5 Ways AI Can Transform Leadership

Steps Toward an AI-ready Succession Plan

You could take several measures to equip your workforce for the leadership needs of the AI age. These include:

• Reverse mentoring to instill empathy and openness to change
• Leadership coaching with a focus on soft skills such as creativity, communication, and foresight
• Hiring for leadership by assessing candidate personalities using AI screening software
• Crowdsourcing ideas, either through physical forums or using software
• Data literacy to ensure leaders are equipped to understand the impact of AI and capably guide the workforce towards success

As AI becomes a transformative force across industries, today’s leaders must sit up and take notice. It is estimated that nearly every industry, starting from the public sector (56%) to retail and consumer packaged goods (85%)Opens a new window , is using AI for process automation to some extent. Very soon, this will go beyond bottom-line efficiency and take on a more strategic avatar.

Learn More: How To Develop Great People Managers

Toward Greater Synergy Between Human Leaders and AI

It’s vital to reiterate that AI won’t replace the need for human leaders at any level of the organizational hierarchy. It will only act as a partner and enabler towards success in a competitive business environment. This is why it’s so important to redefine leadership skills for effective operations in the AI era. From hiring and employee development to succession planning – every aspect of your workforce must be redesigned for the age of AI.