Today, leadership development is more than just teaching traditional management skills. In a world that is increasingly characterised by digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI), the integration of AI skills into leadership development is becoming increasingly important. Without the right skills in dealing with AI, managers quickly reach their limits. This is why the ninth step in the KIROI concept focusses on leadership development with AI skills.
Why AI expertise is essential in management development
The demands placed on managers change fundamentally when AI technologies enrich everyday working life. Not just simple automation, but data-based decisions and the ability to integrate AI into the team are now core competences. Managers must learn to use AI as a collaborative tool, support employees in their dealings with it and address ethical issues at the same time.
In this way, management development ensures that managers can sustainably expand competitive advantages through AI. This is achieved, for example, through the early identification of market trends and precise competitive analyses using intelligent algorithms. AI takes the pressure off routine tasks, giving managers more time for strategic and transformational tasks.
An example from industry: A manufacturing company integrates AI-controlled systems for process monitoring. Targeted development measures enabled managers not only to understand these technologies, but also to proactively integrate them into transformation processes. This enabled them to increase efficiency and innovative capacity in the company.
Practical methods for integrating AI expertise in management development
Effective leadership development combines formal and informal learning processes. Coaching, mentoring and practice-orientated learning formats can be used to promote AI skills in a targeted manner. Continuous reflection and realistic application are important here.
- Coaching supports managers individually in dealing with AI-based tools. For example, a coach trains managers to critically scrutinise AI outputs and develop convincing communication strategies.
- Mentoring by experienced managers who have already built up AI expertise offers valuable experience for younger managers. Practice shows that reverse mentoring - where younger employees support older employees in dealing with AI - is becoming increasingly important.
- Learning on the job and job rotation enable managers to familiarise themselves directly with AI applications in various areas of the company and work on real projects.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A multi-stage management development programme was implemented in a medium-sized IT service company. This included online modules on AI basics, face-to-face workshops on the ethical use of AI and accompanying coaching. The participants were able to apply their new AI expertise directly to existing projects and thus generate sustainable innovations in customer service.
AI mentoring as an innovative approach
Artificial intelligence is also increasingly supporting individualised leadership development. AI-based mentoring apps can provide reflection impulses around the clock and support decision-making processes. This creates learning environments that are tailored to the specific needs of the manager. For example, such an application promotes self-reflection, provides specific recommendations and analyses management decisions - all in a natural dialogue format.
In this respect, the integration of AI-based tools significantly increases the importance of management development. Traditional knowledge building becomes a flexible, agile learning system that keeps pace with the challenges of digitalisation.
Important skills for managers in the age of AI
In addition to technical knowledge, the following skills in particular need to be developed as part of management development:
- Critical reflection on AI recommendations to avoid misjudgements.
- Clear communication and precise briefing of AI systems for effective results.
- Acting responsibly to ensure data protection and ethical standards.
- Promoting a learning organisation in which uncertainties are addressed openly and innovations are driven forward together.
This is exemplified by a service company that optimises processes with the help of AI-supported analysis tools and at the same time sensitises its managers to data ethics issues using practical scenarios. This not only increases efficiency, but also strengthens trust among employees and customers.
My analysis
Leadership development remains an indispensable field for effectively preparing managers for the complex requirements of digital change. Incorporating AI expertise into this development helps managers not only to master technological tools, but above all to promote their responsible and strategic use in their teams. In this way, the combination of traditional leadership work and modern AI approaches helps to secure sustainable competitive advantages and establish a sustainable leadership culture.
Further links from the text above:
AI for managers: AI demands new leadership skills
Leadership development: Comprehensive guide
Management development: trends and measures
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