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As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and disrupts traditional business models, one thing is clear. That means leadership requires more than technical know-how. In Harvard Business Publishing’s latest global leadership survey, 70% of respondents said it is important or very important that leaders learn a broader range of effective behaviors to meet current and future business needs. states that it is important. But in the race to deploy AI, many are overlooking an important element: the human element.
True leadership in the age of AI is not about mastering algorithms. It’s about being authentic – building trust, fostering a positive culture and leading with empathy. When everything else is changing rapidly, the ability to stay grounded and be an authentic leader becomes your most valuable asset.
AI can handle data processing, optimize workflows, and even predict customer behavior. But you can’t build relationships, develop loyalty, or make values-based decisions. These human qualities are the basis of true leadership. These help address the pressing challenges of the AI era, along with the broader complexities of the modern business environment. These four strategies will help you stay authentic and connect with your team on a more human level.
1. Lead like a human being
You’ve probably heard the argument that AI will replace many jobs. And in some cases they have already been replaced. But no matter how advanced AI becomes, it will never replace the qualities that make a true leader. You can’t trust a machine to build trust, inspire your team, and create a positive culture.
Kara Hertzog, president of Innovative Employee Solutions, a leading provider of remote and contingent workforce solutions, points out: “Although AI can provide insights and process vast amounts of information, it is still the human mind that generates innovative ideas and strategies. Great leaders bring people together and think outside the box. Someone who can encourage non-conventional thinking and create an environment where creativity and innovative ideas can flourish.”
Herzog believes the real challenge for leaders today is finding the balance between making the most of AI while keeping the human touch at the center of leadership. AI can help leaders make more informed decisions, but true innovation—the spark that moves organizations forward—comes from human connection and leadership.
2. Build trust through transparency and consistency
In a world where data breaches and AI mistakes are increasingly common, trust is a rare and precious currency. As an authentic leader, you build trust through transparency, honesty, and consistency. If your team knows they can trust you to be upfront through good times and bad, they’re more likely to stick by your side even when the future feels uncertain. It will be expensive. “The impact of AI will not look the same for everyone on the team,” warns Matt Strain, CEO of The Prompt – AI for Real People. “While some people may embrace new tools enthusiastically, others may have deep concerns about job security, team dynamics, or ethical implications. We create space for these different perspectives, recognizing that understanding their unique journeys builds trust.”
AI can process information and make decisions quickly, but it can’t reassure teams overwhelmed by rapid change. Your role as a leader is to provide stability by being open to challenges and clarifying your vision. “Being able to demonstrate your team’s vision for the team, new AI tools, and how they complement each other through transparent communication will go a long way toward building trust in the company’s leadership,” Herzog says. explains. Trust helps you overcome unknown situations. Trust is built through authentic and consistent leadership.
3. Inspire your team with passion and purpose.
Authentic leaders go beyond trust and have the power to inspire others. And let’s be honest: In a rapidly changing, technology-driven world, inspiration can feel like a precious commodity. Herzog agrees that morale can be low during AI integration due to the uncertainty that comes with new technology. But if you lead with passion and purpose, your team will take notice. It’s not about setting goals or hitting KPIs. It’s about connecting your team to a larger mission.
“In an era when AI can feel impersonal, authentic leaders can bring their teams together, share concerns, and collaboratively explore how AI can enhance its value rather than detract from it.” It creates an intimate space,” Strain added. This human-centered approach transforms AI from a threat to an opportunity for growth and innovation. If your team sees your sincerity, your true passion for your work, you’re more likely to handle this situation. They will work harder, think more creatively, and come together to overcome the challenges ahead. AI supports decision-making, and true leadership motivates teams to execute those decisions with energy and dedication.
4. Maintain ethical leadership
Ethical leadership has always been important, but it has become even more important in the AI era. Concerns about bias, data privacy, and the ethical use of technology require leaders to be more vigilant than ever. Your decisions set the tone for your organization, and ethical mistakes can quickly erode trust with your team as well as your customers and stakeholders.
“Authentic leaders practice transparency across the board, and AI data decision models are no exception,” says Herzog. “Explaining how decisions were made, for example why a job applicant wasn’t selected, helps build trust.”
Leading with integrity will ensure that AI and other technologies are used responsibly and fairly. Authentic leaders understand that it’s not about what technology can do, but what it should do. In the long term, ethical leadership is more than just a moral imperative; it becomes a competitive advantage that builds sustainable and trustworthy brands.
As AI transforms the business world, true leadership remains a constant. Empathy, trust, and ethical decision-making are qualities that cannot be replicated by machines. These characteristics form the basis of effective leadership in any era, but are especially important in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
A pioneer in personal branding and virtual presentation skills, William Arruda helps professionals stand out in the digital world. Download his free guide, 9 Fun and Easy Ways to Rev Up Your Online Meetings and Presentations, to turn your online events into powerful and engaging brand experiences.
