The concept of an AI-augmented leader revolves around the idea of combining the strengths of artificial intelligence with the unique qualities of human leadership. According to Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter, authors associated with Potential Project, AI can be a powerful tool for leaders, but it's essential to develop core human qualities to maximize its benefits.
Awareness, wisdom and compassion are key qualities that leaders must possess to effectively leverage AI. Awareness involves observing internal and external experiences, providing context to AI-generated content and understanding the broader environment. Wisdom enables leaders to form sound judgments, leveraging insight, experience and critical thinking to ask thoughtful questions and discern AI-provided answers.
Compassion allows leaders to provide genuine care, leading with heart and leveraging AI insights to create a positive, human experience. By integrating these qualities, leaders can harness the power of AI to enhance their leadership, rather than replacing it.
AI can strengthen cognitive powers, allowing for swift processing of vast amounts of information and informed decision-making. It can also deepen understanding of employees and advise on the best path forward, fostering diverse thinking and psychologically safe environments.
The benefits of AI-augmented leadership are significant, with studies showing higher trust in leadership, increased organizational commitment, improved psychological safety and reduced intention to quit. To become effective AI-augmented leaders, individuals must develop their human potential alongside leveraging AI capabilities, adopting a both/and approach that enables them to provide context, ask insightful questions and lead with heart.
