AI at work is here and it’s changing everything – the way we work with data, how we create content, how we manage our time, and how we solve complex problems.
But one thing doesn’t change: the importance of a human touch.
In fact, in the age of AI, the need for leaders with human skills has never been greater.
While AI can save time and potentially boost productivity, the heartbeat of the workplace is still human connection.
With all the change and uncertainty this technology brings, employees really need leaders who can relate to them, inspire them, and help them thrive.
Empathy, communication, and the ability to form real connections are where AI misses the mark – it's the unique role of leaders to step up and fill this gap.
So what human skills will make leaders stand out and succeed in an era of AI?
1. Leading with Empathy
While AI can provide quick answers, sort data, and even write a professional email, it cannot relate to people — that's a job only humans can do.
Leading with empathy means understanding your co-workers' emotions and building trust through active listening and genuine connection. Studies have shown that empathetic leaders are more successful in motivating and inspiring their teams, leading to increased productivity and innovation.
More than ever, empathy is one of the most critical leadership skills and one every human skills training program should focus on. As the use of AI at work increases, leaders need to understand the needs and challenges of their people, advocate for them, and have meaningful conversations around their career development.
Try this: The first step to understanding colleagues is to listen. By listening, you'll understand where people are coming from and why they feel the way they do. This will help you respond thoughtfully and build trust.
2. Leading with Communication
Ever used AI to write an email to your team? It can do it in a matter of seconds. But there's a catch – your AI-crafted email will lack the warmth, understanding and emotion needed in real human-to-human communication.
Crafting clear, concise, and persuasive messages that resonate with your employees is powerful, whether it's emails that inspire action, presentations that motivate, or conversations that build trust.
Try this: Use a leadership skills training program like Maxme's Lead & Succeed to hone your communication skills. Maxme helps you learn to communicate clearly and confidently to build meaningful connections.
3. Leading through Storytelling
It's not enough to win your people's minds; you must also win their hearts. As humans, we make decisions based on our emotions, even if we don't realise or want to admit it.
That's where storytelling comes in.
Compelling storytelling allows us to connect with others in a captivating way. As a leader, you need to be able to use stories to motivate teams, sell ideas, and communicate with impact. AI can generate content at scale (and even write a novel), but it lacks a human touch. As a leader, you have the power to craft engaging narratives that rally people and inspire action, not just deliver information. Read more…