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KIROI - Artificial Intelligence Return on Invest: The AI strategy for decision-makers and managers

Start » Leadership Development: Achieving AI Competence with KIROI Step 9

11 January 2025

Leadership Development: Achieving AI Competence with KIROI Step 9

Digital Leadership Digital transformation HR work and Teams 4.0 Artificial intelligence AI Glossary

Leadership development plays a central role in the targeted fostering of skills that are indispensable in today's dynamic world of work. Especially in the context of digitalisation, the integration of AI competence is becoming increasingly important. The KIROI Step 9 supports the systematic embedding of this innovative claim into leadership development programmes. This creates a contemporary leadership culture based on profound knowledge and responsible handling of artificial intelligence.

AI competence as a key competence in leadership development

The ability not only to understand AI systems technically, but also to use them meaningfully from an ethical and organisational perspective, is fundamental for leaders today. Companies are increasingly demanding that leaders can recognise and appropriately manage the risks, opportunities, and legal requirements involved in dealing with AI. The KIROI Step 9 picks up here and helps to analyse existing competencies and develop them in a targeted way.

For example, an industrial group uses this approach to support divisional managers in their digital transformation. They learn to evaluate AI-powered production data and make data-driven decisions. At the same time, the managers are made aware of legal and ethical issues, which promotes the sustainable implementation of AI applications within the company.

Even in the financial sector, executives gain practical insights into the use of AI systems for risk assessment through personalised training based on KIROI Step 9. This not only strengthens competence in handling innovative technologies but also increases the confidence of customers and teams in digital transformation.

Best practice in leadership development arises when technical knowledge is combined with social and ethical competencies. A medium-sized software company, for instance, supports its leaders with workshops that focus on AI application, team communication, and awareness of societal impacts. Leaders often report increased capability and improved collaboration.

Method diversity in the KIROI-supported development process

Successful leadership development combines various learning formats that address individual needs and objectives. As part of KIROI Step 9, personalised learning paths are the focus. They combine on-the-job training with structured knowledge transfer and regular feedback loops.

For example, an energy company is using job rotation to give executives a broader understanding of AI application areas. Changing roles allow for practical experience, which is accompanied by coaching to reflect on individual challenges.

In the public sector, learning workshops based on AI orientation concepts foster the development of organised AI competencies. They teach how processes can be optimised using data and how legal requirements can be met. Participants report that this makes them feel more confident in independently managing AI projects.

Another example is digital learning platforms, which are used in an international pharmaceutical company. Here, managers complete learning tasks based on real-life scenarios, which specifically prepare them for the use of AI technologies in research and development. The combination of theory and practice supports the sustainable development of competencies.

Practical examples of modern support through transruption coaching

Transruptions-Coaching supports leaders individually and practically through change processes related to AI competence development. A major telecommunications provider uses this method to help leaders integrate new AI-based management tools. The coaching sessions help to reduce uncertainties and foster an open change culture.

In the automotive industry, area managers benefit from such coaching by reflecting on their leadership behaviour in the context of AI applications. This allows them to make their decisions more transparent and better involve employees in digital transformation projects.

BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A medium-sized technology group used transruption coaching to strengthen leadership development with a focus on AI competence. The process included several online modules, practical exercises, and individual coaching sessions. This enabled leaders to use AI tools confidently while simultaneously assessing their impact on team dynamics.

Leadership Development with a Focus on AI Competence: Tips for Implementation

For sustainable leadership development, it is advisable to conduct a needs analysis at an early stage. This identifies existing knowledge and needs in order to design targeted learning measures. The combination of training, coaching, and on-the-job learning ensures practical and individual competence development.

It is also important to provide continuous support for leaders, rather than leaving them to deal with individual measures alone. Regular feedback sessions and adjustments to learning paths provide direction and increase motivation. This allows companies to better exploit the potential of AI while acting responsibly.

For instance, companies organise integrated development programmes that address ethical aspects and social competencies alongside technical skills. This builds holistic leadership competence that is fit for future challenges.

Leadership development, incorporating the KIROI Step 9, offers valuable support in unlocking the full potential of digital transformation. Systematically fostering AI competence creates a leadership culture that combines innovation and responsibility.

My analysis

Leadership development is one of the crucial topics for shaping change. The integration of AI competence through KIROI Step 9 makes an important contribution here. It supports leaders in seizing the opportunities of digitalisation while mastering ethical and organisational challenges. Practice-oriented learning formats and individual support create sustainable impetus for future-oriented leadership. Companies benefit when they pursue this process holistically and systematically.