Skills That Matter: AI-Augmented Leadership

Read time: 4 minutes.

Hi 👋

Welcome to Build Things That Matter, where you will receive weekly tips on developing the mindsets, systems, and skills that matter to build a thriving, impact-driven business.

Today, you’ll get insights about how AI can make you a better leader (and practical ways to use it).

I’ve been part of several fast-growing teams, including as an early employee at the quick-service chain freshii and then building my own organization teaching technical skills.

I’ve worn countless hats, had to learn the ins-and-outs of different industries, optimize for different KPIs, work across national and international boundaries and manage everything from menu redevelopment to non-profit fundraising to mobile app development.

Of all the things I’ve had to learn, the most important thing I’ve learned is that it’s all made of people.

No matter what your organization does or your role, people are at the centre of it.

The real competitive advantage in any business is one word only, which is “people.” — Kamil Toume

Once I realized that, I made it my goal to be the best people leader I could and to show up for my team as the leader they need today and they will need next year.

To help me, I've always relied really heavily on technology for as long as I can remember.

So, when I came across this framework in the Harvard Business Review, it really resonated and knew I’d have to share it with you.

THE SKILL

I don’t think AI will ever replace humans as leaders, but as we’re discovering in other knowledge work, I think humans using AI will surpass humans or AI alone.

The framework starts with the three uniquely human core qualities of leadership: awareness, compassion, and wisdom. It then combines the unique capacity of technology to deepen leadership - human leadership.

Here's how:

#1 Awareness:

Awareness is the ability to observe and understand experiences and navigate complex dynamics with clarity and insight.

↳ AI is great at creating and analyzing vast amounts of data. You could use it to seek recommendations or provide insights before a difficult team conversation or meeting. For example, I've used it to look for trends in engagement data - not like basic data analysis but deeper analysis, approaching from different viewpoints and angles.

#2 Compassion:

Compassion is the ability to provide genuine care and empathy, ensuring you act in ways that make your employees feel respected and valued.

↳ You could combine AI's data insights with your authentic leadership. For example, you could leverage AI to help you role-play important discussions or communications with your team before you have them. This is especially valuable before a high-stakes convo or announcement. I’ve done this, and it’s been really helpful.

#3 Wisdom:

Wisdom is the ability to form sound judgments, balancing short-term gains with long-term sustainability and ethical considerations.

↳ You can use AI’s immense data processing power to help you get answers and ask thoughtful questions for various use cases. For example, if you're planning a new project, you could ask AI to consider the staffing resources you might need proactively to help you staff properly. This huge insight can help you avoid burning out your team in the long run. It’s great at helping you discover gaps or think you might not have considered.

These are just a few simple ways you might use AI to help you deepen your leadership. There are countless more.

That said, AI alone cannot make us better leaders.

"Relying only on AI, without doing the inner work of human development, would be like buying a top-of-the-line Ferrari while ignoring our driving skills" - Rasmus Hougaard

Alone, neither is sufficient; both are necessary.

However you use it, it’s important that we all strive to be both/and leaders.

Are you using AI to help you be a better leader? I'd love to hear about it!

Until next week, let’s keep building together 🫶🚀

Mel

P. S. Building things is hard, and we need more people to do it. If you enjoyed this newsletter, consider forwarding it to a friend. Thanks in advance!

If you’re looking for more bite-sized weekly tips, you can follow me on LinkedIn.

If you want to dive deeper, you can work with me for 1:1 coaching.

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