As I wind down my doctoral coursework and move into my dissertation, I’m pretty excited that this work…my work—is becoming quite relevant. Recent headlines about DOGE and Musk potentially accessing vast amounts of secure personal data and using AI to review documents such as the demanded accomplishments to determine a human’s significance (yes, the algorithms might actually decide if you keep your job!) have made the need for practical, ethically grounded leadership in AI-enabled environments exponentially apparent.
So…without further ado and my own drum roll….Let me share something I've been developing through my doctoral research: the AI-Integrated Leadership Competency Model, or AILCM.
Why We Need a New Leadership Model
Because I said so! Well, it’s more than that, honestly. Traditional leadership frameworks were designed for a different era, one that doesn’t necessarily exist anymore. While principles like integrity and communication remain vital, leading in an AI-integrated workplace demands a nuanced set of competencies that bridge today's organizations’ human and technological dimensions seamlessly…where AI is not taking jobs but enhancing jobs.
Think about it: How would you feel if you learned that an AI system reviewed your performance and made recommendations about your future at the company? Who ensures these systems operate ethically? Who balances efficiency with fairness? Who trained them? What were they trained on? Does someone validate the results? What does a machine know about me or what I do? These questions highlight a leadership gap that exists in many organizations.
The AILCM: A Three-Dimensional Approach
My research has identified three critical and interconnected competency domains for leaders navigating AI-enhanced environments: Human-Centric Leadership, AI and Digital Acumen, and Strategic Adaptability.
1. Human-Centric Leadership
At its core, leadership remains fundamentally about people and probably, or hopefully at least, always will. If we evolve into AI-powered gray bots, I will definitely be open to renaming this pillar. The Human-Centric Leadership domain emphasizes:
Emotional intelligence for ethically sound AI decisions (because algorithms don't understand human consequences)
Clear vision-setting and communication about AI implementation
Change management capabilities to guide teams through technological transitions
In the words of a healthcare leader, "The technology was the easy part. Helping our staff understand why we were implementing it and how it would support, not replace, their expertise was the real challenge."
2. AI and Digital Acumen
As times change and the world turns, leaders need new skills…this revolution is no different. So, get ready to code! Hopefully, it’s actually quite fun and soothing. Despite how fun it is, leaders don't need to code neural networks, but they do need sufficient technical literacy to:
Make informed decisions about AI implementation timing and scope
Evaluate AI systems for potential biases and risks
Develop and implement AI governance frameworks
A mid-level project manager shared, "I initially delegated all technical decisions to our IT team. That was a big mistake. Without understanding the basics, I couldn't effectively advocate for my team's needs or evaluate the systems we were implementing."
3. Strategic Adaptability
Ah, STRATEGERY…thanks President GW! An exciting pastime enjoyed by leaders worldwide, regardless of sector or industry. Yes, it is essential, and considering the pace of AI advancement, it empowers leaders who can:
Navigate ambiguity and continuous change
Balance innovation with operational stability
Develop contingency plans for AI system failures
A leader at a financial services company I previously worked with would colorfully describe this competency as "keeping one foot on the gas and one on the brake, while steering through fog."
The Magic Is in the Integration
As I envision it, what makes the AILCM powerful isn't each domain individually, it's the interaction or teaming that gives this model its efficacy…like human-machine teaming!. A leader might have strong technical knowledge but lack the human touch to implement AI systems in ways that build trust. I think most of us have interacted with such a leader or encountered him years prior when calling a helpdesk! Conversely, a people-focused leader without technical understanding might struggle to make informed decisions about AI governance as Ai is truly unlike anything humans have experienced in our history.
My research indicates that leaders who excel in all three domains achieve significantly better outcomes in AI implementation. When human-centric leadership is combined with strong digital acumen, employee trust in AI systems increases by nearly 50%. Organizations experience substantial improvements in sustained AI adoption when these capabilities align with strategic adaptability.
What's Next?
As AI continues to reshape the world of work and all of life, the AILCM provides a structured framework for developing leaders who can navigate this complex landscape ethically. In future posts, I'll share more about the assessment tools I'm developing to measure these competencies and how organizations can build development programs to cultivate AI-ready leaders. We need and deserve exceptional AI leaders…not BigBallz playing with my personal info.
Until then, I'd love to hear which of these three competency domains you think is most challenging for leaders in your organization. How are you preparing to lead in an AI-enhanced workplace?
This blog post is based on my doctoral dissertation research at the University of the Incarnate Word, where I'm investigating leadership competencies required for success in AI-enabled environments.
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