Leadership development is gaining a whole new significance today, especially when it includes competencies in dealing with artificial intelligence. A central building block is the targeted development of AI competence, as carried out in AIROI Step 9. This allows leaders in various industries to be successfully supported in actively shaping digital transformation.
Leadership Development in Transition – AI Competence as the Key
The demands on leaders are changing rapidly because digitalisation and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly integrated into everyday work. Therefore, leadership development can no longer be limited to traditional management methods. It is important that leaders understand how AI works, how it supports decision-making, and what opportunities and risks are associated with it. In logistics, for example, leaders use AI to plan transport routes more efficiently and conserve resources. In the financial services sector, AI helps analyse large amounts of data to better assess risks and opportunities. At the same time, leaders in the healthcare sector support AI-based systems to optimise treatment processes and act in a patient-centred manner.
AI literacy doesn't just mean technical knowledge, but also the ability to deal responsibly with this technology. Leadership development in this field offers impulses and supports individual further development. Clients often report that targeted support gives them more confidence in using AI and thus enables them to manage their teams more effectively.
KIROI Step 9: Measuring the Success of Leadership Development
An elementary aspect of leadership development is measuring the success of programmes, particularly when AI competence is the focus. Step 9 in the KIROI process supports this with practical evaluation methods. It is not only about short-term results, but also about long-term developments and changes in leadership behaviour.
An example from the energy sector shows: Following the introduction of an AI-oriented development programme, feedback from team members was systematically evaluated. This demonstrated how trust in automated systems increased and how managers better integrated technological tools. In the automotive industry, such a process led to managers being able to better ground their strategy development with AI data. Likewise, managers in the IT sector report that thanks to the support of KIROI Step 9, they have improved their communication skills with technical teams.
BEST PRACTICE at ABC Company (name changed due to NDA agreement):
An energy company launched an executive development programme specifically designed to enhance AI competencies. Through individual coaching and simulation-based exercises, executives improved their confidence in handling new technologies. This fostered a collaborative corporate culture and strengthened cooperation between specialist and technical departments.
Practical examples that demonstrate the value of AI competence
In the logistics industry, executives often report that thanks to AI-powered planning tools, they can identify supply chain bottlenecks early and take countermeasures. This helps reduce costs and improve time management. Executive development supports this process by providing impetus for critical reflection and the use of new technologies.
In the banking sector, advantages are emerging in that executives can better assess complex risks and make decisions based on them through AI-based analyses. Executive development supports both the imparting of technical know-how and the training of social skills, for example in communicating decisions to employees and customers.
In healthcare, leadership development and AI literacy complement each other, enabling medical teams to respond more quickly to changes through the targeted application of AI systems. Leaders learn how the use of AI can streamline workflows without losing sight of the human factor.
Transruptions Coaching as supportive accompaniment
Many managers are turning to specialised consultancies like transruptions for questions regarding AI integration. These organisations support leadership development projects, provide impetus, and assist in designing complex change processes. It is important that coaching not only imparts technical aspects but also addresses the social and emotional sides of digital transformation, ensuring managers remain capable and can adopt their roles in a way that shows appreciation for their teams.
BEST PRACTICE at XYZ Company (name changed due to NDA agreement):
A medium-sized logistics company worked with transruptions-Coaching on improving the AI competence of its executives. Through regular dialogues and targeted workshops, uncertainties about AI technology were reduced. The executives reported increased confidence and improved decision-making in their day-to-day business.
My analysis
Leadership development with a focus on AI competence significantly supports companies in mastering the challenges of digital transformation. It guides leaders in a practical way, without promising easy solutions, and strengthens not only technical understanding but also social and methodological skills. Business sectors such as energy, logistics, and financial services particularly benefit from this support. Leaders often report that through continuous reflection and stimuli, they gain more confidence in dealing with AI and can thus lead their teams more effectively. Transruption coaching proves to be a valuable tool for sustainable support.
Further links from the text above:
Leadership Development: Optimising Staff Potential
[2] AI Competence – What does that actually mean?
[3] KIROI Step 9: Leadership Development with AI Competence
[4] Leadership Development: KIROI 9 – Competencies for Digital Transformation
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