Written by Adam Markel, Author & Wellness Expert
Bestselling author, keynote speaker, workplace expert and resilience researcher Adam Markel inspires leaders to master the challenges of massive disruption in his new book.
Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t some far-off sci-fi concept anymore; it’s here, and it’s changing the way we live and work every day. Whether it’s automating tedious tasks, uncovering hidden insights in data, or helping businesses stay ahead of the competition, AI is a game-changer.
But with great opportunity comes great responsibility. As a leader, you’re not just deciding whether to adopt AI; you’re shaping how your team embraces it, how they trust it, and ultimately, how your organization thrives because of it.
So, how do you lead in this new era? It’s not just about introducing new tools; it’s about creating a culture where AI is seen as an asset, not a threat.
Here’s how to do it right.
1. Lead with vision, not just technology
AI isn’t just another tool in the company toolbox; it’s a transformative force. That means you need more than just a strategy; you need a vision. How does AI fit into your company’s goals? What real problems is it solving?
Take Microsoft, for example. They didn’t just add AI to their platforms for the sake of it. They integrated AI into Microsoft Viva to enhance employee engagement and learning, aligning the technology with their mission to empower people.
When your team understands AI as a way to enhance, not replace, their work, they’ll be more willing to embrace it. Frame AI adoption around a shared goal, and you’ll turn doubt into enthusiasm.
2. Build a culture that welcomes AI
AI can spark fear, fear of job loss, of being replaced, of feeling left behind. Your job as a leader is to extinguish those fears and give everyone peace of mind.
Begin with open conversations. Why is AI being adopted? How will it impact daily work? What’s being done to support employees during the transition? Remember, transparency builds trust.
The next step is to invest in AI literacy. Many employees feel uncomfortable using AI tools effectively. Start by offering hands-on workshops, training programs, and role-specific guidance to make AI accessible to everyone. When people feel equipped to use AI, they’re more likely to welcome it.
3. Encourage AI as a collaborator, not a competitor
The real power of AI is its ability to complement human skills. It’s not about replacing people; it’s about freeing them from repetitive tasks so they can focus on creative, strategic, and high-quality work.
For example, tools like Slack’s AI-powered integrations automate routine communication, helping teams stay organized without drowning in messages. Zoom’s AI Companion provides real-time transcription and summaries, making meetings more productive.
When your team sees AI making their work easier, adoption will happen quickly and naturally.
4. Lead with empathy and inclusion
AI adoption isn’t just a technical shift; it’s an emotional one as well. People fear what they don’t understand, and rapid technological change can feel overwhelming.
The solution? Listen. What are your team’s concerns? What excites them? By addressing their worries and showing them the opportunities AI creates, such as new career paths and skill-building, you can turn uncertainty into motivation.
And don’t leave anyone out. An AI strategy should include employees at all levels, from interns to executives. When everyone feels like they have a stake in the future of AI, they’re more likely to support it.
5. Standardize AI adoption across your organization
One of the biggest roadblocks to AI success is inconsistency. Different teams using different tools lead to confusion and disarray.
To avoid this, develop a company-wide AI strategy. Define which tools to use, how they should be implemented, and what best practices to follow. For instance, companies using Microsoft Viva or Slack with AI integrations ensure that all teams, from marketing to IT, work within the same ecosystem.
This doesn’t mean stifling innovation; it means providing a strong foundation that enables teams to explore AI within a structured, cohesive framework.
6. Address AI ethics and security from the start
AI isn’t just powerful; it’s complex and sometimes risky. Issues like data privacy, algorithmic bias, and cybersecurity threats can destroy trust and put your company at risk if not handled properly.
Be proactive. Establish clear policies around AI usage, transparency, and ethical considerations. Involve diverse perspectives when developing and overseeing AI systems to minimize bias and unintended consequences.
Trust is the foundation of AI success. If employees and customers don’t trust how AI is being used, adoption will not happen, no matter how advanced the technology is.
7. Measure, learn, and adapt
AI isn’t a one-time implementation; it’s an ongoing journey. Regularly evaluate its impact:
Is it increasing efficiency?
Is it improving customer experience?
Is it making employees’ jobs easier?
Use these insights to refine your approach. For example, if an AI-powered customer service tool speeds up response times but doesn’t improve customer satisfaction, dig deeper. It’s possible that AI needs better training data or more human oversight in such cases.
By treating AI as an evolving process, you’ll stay agile and ensure it continues to provide value.
The future of leadership in an AI-driven world
AI is moving fast, and leaders who embrace it will be the ones who thrive. But success isn’t just about adopting new technology; it’s about guiding people through change, fostering trust, and ensuring AI is used as a tool for empowerment, not disruption.
Leadership in the AI era isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, staying adaptable, and creating an environment where people and AI work together to achieve more than ever before.
The future isn’t just AI-driven; it’s human-led. And as a leader, your role is to ensure that the future is one where everyone wins.
Adam Markel, Author & Wellness Expert
Bestselling author, keynote speaker, workplace expert and resilience researcher Adam Markel inspires leaders to master the challenges of massive disruption in his new book, “Change Proof — Leveraging the Power of Uncertainty to Build Long-Term Resilience” (McGraw-Hill, Feb. 22, 2022). Adam is author of the 1 Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller, “Pivot: The Art & Science of Reinventing Your Career and Life.” Learn more at AdamMarkel.com.
