The importance of leadership development in the new AI era
Management development plays a central role in preparing companies for the demands of digital transformation. When working alongside innovative technologies, it is important to support managers in their continuous development. Management development creates the basis for promoting new skills and understanding and utilising the use of artificial intelligence as an opportunity.
Many managers approach consultants with questions about their own role in an increasingly digitalised working world. They often want to develop skills that will allow them to lead teams safely through change and successfully integrate technological innovations. Management development offers impetus and support here in order to develop individual potential in a targeted manner and to organise barrier-free transitions into new working environments.
Requirements for modern managers in times of digitalisation
Traditional management models alone are no longer enough today. Leadership development means strengthening competences that focus on agility, willingness to learn and digital affinity. This also includes a greater understanding of data-driven decision-making processes and the sensible use of AI-supported tools.
In industry, for example, managers use AI tools to support the optimisation of production processes, product development and customer interactions. Managers there often report increased efficiency thanks to data-based insights, but at the same time remain on the lookout for methods to utilise artificial intelligence responsibly and strategically.
In the service sector, the role of managers is also changing as a result of digitalisation. They support their teams in learning new digital skills and establishing a culture of openness towards AI technologies. Such programme developments require targeted planning and individual support.
KIROI BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract)
In a manufacturing company, management development was systematically supplemented with AI training. Managers completed practical training sessions in which AI-supported tools for process optimisation were presented and applied. This enabled them to better understand technological innovations and use them as opportunities, which increased their willingness to engage in further digitalisation projects.
Key aspects of successful management development
Successful management development begins with a detailed needs analysis. The aim is to determine which competences are already available and which skills will be required in the future. This makes it possible to create personalised development plans that address the individual strengths and challenges of managers.
Measures can be varied: from workshops and digital learning formats to coaching sessions. Leadership development helps managers to try out new skills in practice and work confidently on new tools and concepts. Reflection and regular feedback are essential to ensure continuous progress.
In the logistics industry, for example, managers use development training to improve planning with AI-supported algorithms. In the energy sector, training courses help to understand the integration of digital control systems and automated analyses. In the financial sector, too, management development concepts focus on teaching how to deal confidently with AI-supported decision-making processes.
KIROI BEST PRACTICE at ABC (name changed due to NDA contract)
A development programme was implemented in an energy supply company to introduce managers to AI topics in a targeted manner. Through coaching sessions and simulated application scenarios, they were able to try out the use of new technologies in a practical way. The managers reported that they became more confident in communicating with technical teams and were able to support innovations more effectively as a result.
How leadership development supports change processes
Changes in the corporate environment require particularly stable leadership. Leadership development helps to establish agile and more resilient leadership cultures. It serves to strengthen managers in their role as facilitators of change and to manage conflicts constructively.
The development of emotional intelligence, the promotion of an innovation-friendly attitude and the strengthening of team leadership skills are therefore important building blocks. This is particularly true in the context of AI, as ethical issues take centre stage alongside technical ones. Leadership development creates a platform for dialogue and reflection on such complex topics.
In the healthcare industry, for example, managers use special programmes to better understand the use of AI assistance systems in everyday clinical practice. In the IT sector, the development of modern leadership is increasingly characterised by the promotion of creativity and innovative ability. In the retail sector, managers are empowered to successfully implement digitalised customer experiences.
KIROI BEST PRACTICE at DEF (name changed due to NDA contract)
A retail company supported its managers with a multi-stage coaching programme that deepened their knowledge of AI-supported customer analyses. This enabled managers to react more precisely to changes in customer behaviour and prepare their team for new sales strategies. The managers report that the support has given them the confidence to take innovative steps.
My analysis
More than ever, leadership development is a dynamic process that specifically supports the skills required to deal with artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Companies often report that targeted support and practical impulses enable managers to deal with complex changes with confidence. It is important to keep focussing on individual development paths and current requirements in order to achieve sustainable success.
Further links from the text above:
[1] Leadership development: The guide for HR
[4] Management development: the potential of personnel
[5] Seminar for modern leadership with artificial intelligence
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