With AI increasing influence, people with leadership aspirations need to elevate their skills and leverage unique human qualities to maximize their impact, opportunities, and the creation of new value
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries, improving and expediting innovation, plus changing what we do and how we work – at unprecedented speed. For many people this triggers the question – if AI does my work, what will I do ? The answer lies not in being replaced by AI or competing with AI, but focussing on leveraging our human qualities with AI for better outcomes. For leaders this is about stepping into a technology-centric future to benefit humanity and raising the bar for better business outcomes. How so ? While AI can process, predict, and optimize – but it cannot lead, inspire, or create meaning in the way that humans can.
In this context, here are 5 human leadership skills needed to gain advantage –
1. Be Empathic
While AI can simulate human responses, it cannot feel. Empathy, the ability to truly sense and connect with the emotions of others, is foundational in relationships, building trust and fostering a sense of belonging. Even though Research consistently shows that workplaces where people feel understood and valued, they perform better – yet empathy is a skill that many leaders overlook (and don’t develop). To improve at being more empathic, leaders need to move beyond surface-level questions or discussions by developing practices or habits that encourage active empathy, plus taking the time to connect with people by asking open questions and encouraging dialogue. Listen for what they do and don’t say, be good at reading situations, be aware of underlying concerns, being good at dealing with adversity, and demonstrate insights to help with understanding and having shared experiences. While it takes time and intention, human empathy matters and is irreplaceable.
2. Excel at Contextual Judgement
While AI excels in patterns and algorithms, it struggles with nuance. And in an increasingly complex world, few things are black or white. An AI algorithm might be able to analyze millions of data points, but it can’t weigh organizational history, cultural dynamics, ethical dilemmas, or interpersonal relationships in the same way a human can. Contextual judgment is the art of knowing not just what to decide, but when, why, and how to execute on that judgment. Slow down decision-making when the stakes are high, and don’t be fooled into the belief that a fast decision is always a good one. Review how to think fast and slow by being mindful of your initial reactions and making an effort to help. As well, be curious and good at making inquiries, assessing assumptions, being open minded, plus understand the thinking and various scenarios or options to widen the perspective and avoid being boxed in or seeking simple answers or a binary outcome.
3. Be Good at Creativity and Providing Meaning
While AI can generate reports, images, songs, strategies, etc., it cannot interpret or assign meaning. Recognize Human creativity isn’t just about producing novelty – it’s about storytelling, showing understanding, using symbolism, setting objectives, having shared experiences, and inspiring purpose. Leaders who can craft a vision that resonates intellectually and emotionally give people a reason to care and engage – not just to comply. If you’re struggling with creativity, have narratives and routines that tie day-to-day work back to a greater mission, a reason for being or choosing to define and accept a challenge. Whether it’s connecting a team’s project to customer impact or designing a shared symbol of progress, your ability to make it meaningful is uniquely human. And recognize it’s the combination intellectual, insightful and emotional connection that drives motivation, encourages people to engage, and strive for more.
4. Be Humble and Self-Aware
While AI doesn’t have self-doubt, it does have blind spots. Since the more aware people are, this is viewed as a strength as well as encouraging learning and new thinking. Leaders who practice humility are open to feedback, adaptable to change, and better at building psychological safety within teams. Leaders should show an interest in learning by asking questions and demonstrating vulnerability by admitting they don’t have all the answers. For example, ask – What are we missing ? What do you see that I don’t ? What more should we consider ? This not only builds trust but also elevates collective intelligence and empowers everyone.
5. Be Accomplished at Making Connections and Instilling a Sense of Belonging
While AI can simulate conversation, it can’t forge authentic relationships. Humans are hardwired for connection with belonging a key driver of performance and wellbeing. Leaders who invest in cultivating genuine connections foster loyalty and resilience that no algorithm can replicate. People do their best work when they feel appreciated, included, seen, valued, and understood. It’s important tovalue relationships and create moments of connection by starting meetings with personal check-ins, celebrating events or wins, mentoring emerging talent, etc. With this, recognize the importance of touch points and genuine connection – for yourself with others, and others with you. And recognize, nothing beats human interaction, face to face connections, or experiencing the many nuances of being human.
Leading in the age of AI
Fear of being replaced by AI is real, but if we understand our strengths, we not only diminish the threat but are able to raise the bar – for ourselves, others, and the organization. Recognize AI is not a rival to human leadership – but a tool to make us better, be more aware, and to have more opportunities. The danger isn’t that AI will replace leaders, but that leaders will not utilize the very skills that make them indispensable. The future belongs to leaders who embrace technology and can elevate humanity. By leaning into empathy, contextual judgment, creativity, humility, and connection, we not only ensure our relevance, we redefine what leadership looks like for us to evolve in the age of AI. And recognize people don’t follow algorithms, they follow humans – a key attribute of a leader !
Dec 10, 2025 by Alexis Zahner / CAIL CAIL Innovation commentary
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