Leadership development in the age of AI
Today's managers face a multitude of new challenges, especially in the context of digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Management development has therefore expanded significantly and requires a deep understanding of technological innovations in addition to traditional skills. Many are discussing how they can meaningfully integrate AI into their day-to-day work and guide teams through the change. Management development provides support by giving impetus, offering individualised support and thus helping to think and shape new paths.
Design of management development for AI competence
An important step in management development begins with a careful needs analysis. It shows which competences are already available and where specific knowledge and skills relating to AI are still required. This allows individual development plans to be drawn up that are tailored to the manager in question. Typical formats for leadership development include workshop series, digital learning modules and personalised coaching. Practical exercises and feedback loops are used to train confidence in using AI systems. This form of management development makes it possible to understand AI not only as a technology, but also to shape the interaction between man and machine in a productive way.
Specifically in various sectors
In the logistics sector, management development helps to make targeted use of AI algorithms to optimise planning and resource management. This allows transport routes to be organised more efficiently and costs to be reduced.
In the energy sector, training courses are helping people to better understand digital control systems and use automated analyses to help use environmental resources more sustainably and minimise operating costs.
In the financial services sector, the focus is on developing secure AI-supported decision-making processes. Managers are empowered not only to ensure that regulatory requirements are met, but also to take ethical and social aspects into account when dealing with AI.
KIROI BEST PRACTICE at ABC (name changed due to NDA contract)
A specific management development programme was introduced at an energy supply company to strengthen AI skills. Managers were able to expand their technological skills through targeted coaching and practical application scenarios. This promoted trust in the exchange with technical experts and created an innovation-friendly corporate culture.
The role of managers in the digital transformation
Managers are not only users of AI, but also play a key role as shapers. Leadership development helps them to show attitude, take responsibility and courageously lead the organisation through change. Especially in the area of ethical considerations, managers are supported in making reflected decisions and maintaining a balance between technological progress and human needs.
In many conversations, managers report how valuable it is to regularly share experiences and learn methods that help to minimise uncertainty when dealing with AI. This boosts self-confidence and promotes an agile management style, which is essential in digital times.
Impulses for successful management development
Management development should not only teach technical content, but also take a holistic approach. This means promoting leadership skills, agility, empathy and ethical awareness in equal measure. Individual support and practical learning formats - such as simulations and targeted feedback - accompany development over a longer period of time. This creates confidence in dealing with AI and a willingness to actively manage change.
KIROI BEST PRACTICE at DEF (name changed due to NDA contract)
In the financial sector, a modular coaching programme was used to develop managers in such a way that technological knowledge and ethical reflection were taught in equal measure. Managers reported that they felt more confident in explaining AI-supported processes transparently and using them responsibly as a result.
KIROI BEST PRACTICE at GHI (name changed due to NDA contract)
A logistics company relies on a series of digital workshops to teach managers how to use AI-supported planning tools. The practical support led to measurable improvements in efficiency. Managers found the combined teaching of technical and leadership skills particularly helpful.
My analysis
Leadership development with a clear focus on AI expertise can help to meet the challenges of digital transformation. It has been shown that individualised support and practice-oriented learning formats not only increase technical understanding, but also strengthen social and methodological skills. In dynamic industries in particular, this development contributes to rethinking leadership and anchoring it sustainably. Clients often report that they gain more confidence in dealing with AI through targeted impulses and continuous reflection, enabling them to lead their teams better.
Further links from the text above:
[1] Mastering the AI transformation: your roadmap for managers
[2] KIROI step 9: Leadership development through AI expertise
[4] Leadership development: KIROI 9 - Competences for the digital transformation
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