Lolly Daskal's Blog, page 2
June 17, 2025
Why Employees Are Done with Traditional Leadership (What to Do About It)
Your leadership approach might be driving away top talent without you realizing it. While you maintain that your methods work because they always have, your employees are quietly updating their resumes. This disconnect isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s threatening your organization’s future.
Stanford research reveals that 67% of employees who quit in the past year cite outdated leadership practices as their primary reason for leaving. More telling, companies that have modernized their leadership approaches report 41% higher retention rates and 38% better productivity metrics among their teams.
In the last four decades, I’ve developed frameworks that consistently transform struggling teams into high-performing, resilient groups through direct leadership intervention. The pattern is clear: leaders clinging to outdated command-and-control models face accelerating talent loss, while those who embrace modern approaches outperform despite market pressures.
You Worship Authority, They Crave AuthenticityWhen you believe your title alone commands respect, you’ve already lost. Modern employees assess leaders by their actual contributions, not their place on the org chart. They want evidence that you add value beyond simply directing others. Successful leaders today earn authority through demonstrated expertise and by actively removing obstacles for their teams. They publicly acknowledge when team members know more than they do on specific topics.
Your Process Addiction Kills InnovationYour rigid processes might create predictability, but they crush the innovation you claim to want. Employees feel micromanaged when you focus more on how work happens than what it accomplishes. Top leaders now establish clear outcomes and give teams substantial freedom in execution. They regularly ask: “What outdated rules are blocking progress?” then take action to eliminate these barriers.
You Demand Loyalty, They Craves ConnectionWhen you expect unwavering loyalty without building genuine connection, you create transactional relationships that dissolve under pressure. Modern workers seek leaders who foster communities, not just workplaces. Strong leaders invest time understanding individual motivations beyond professional goals. They create environments where people bring their authentic selves to work because they feel truly valued for their unique perspectives.
Your “Transparency” Hides ControlYour closed-door decisions and selective information sharing signal distrust even when you claim otherwise. Today’s employees expect involvement in decisions that affect their work. Effective leaders now bring problems to teams before solutions are determined. They share business realities both positive and challenging and invite collaborative problem-solving rather than presenting pre-determined answers.
The leadership approaches that worked five years ago have rapidly become obsolete. Your willingness to evolve isn’t just about staying current. It’s about organizational survival. The most successful leaders I work with continually ask themselves uncomfortable questions about whether their practices match modern expectations.
Lead from Within: When you update your leadership approach, you don’t just retain employees. You unlock their full potential and commitment.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post Why Employees Are Done with Traditional Leadership (What to Do About It) appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
June 6, 2025
How AI is Changing What Makes Leaders Successful
The myth that leaders can wait to adopt AI skills is costing your leadership now. While you delay learning these critical tools, your competitors are rapidly transforming their capabilities and leaving you behind. This isn’t about keeping up with trends; it’s about protecting your leadership edge in a transformed workplace.
A recent McKinsey study revealed that companies with AI-proficient leadership teams are 3.5 times more likely to achieve revenue growth above industry averages. The data is clear: 76% of organizations where leaders personally engage with AI tools report accelerated decision-making processes compared to just 24% of companies where leaders remain hands-off. This isn’t speculative; it’s creating measurable performance gaps across industries.
Having advised Fortune 500 executives through multiple technological shifts, I see the same pattern emerging: those who personally engage with AI tools make dramatically better strategic decisions than those who delegate understanding to others.
From Optional to UrgentWhen you treat AI skill development as a “nice to have” rather than essential, you miss critical opportunities to solve problems faster and more effectively than your competition. Your team notices this gap, and it undermines your authority as they increasingly bring solutions you don’t fully understand. Strong leaders recognize that personal AI competency isn’t about technical mastery; it’s about understanding possibilities. You need enough knowledge to ask the right questions, recognize opportunities, and evaluate the work properly.
Procrastination Kills ProgressMany leaders freeze because they believe they must become AI experts overnight. This perfectionism becomes procrastination in disguise. The most successful leaders I work with commit to 15 minutes daily of hands-on practice with AI tools. Start with simple applications like having AI summarize long reports or analyze data patterns you’re reviewing. This builds your confidence while delivering immediate value. The goal isn’t expertise; it’s enough competency to integrate these tools into your thinking process.
Close the Blind SpotsLeaders who view AI as purely technical create dangerous blind spots. The fastest-moving executives partner with technical experts, learning alongside them while constantly asking how AI could reshape workflows and business strategies. They read case studies, apply insights, and bring fresh perspectives to their teams.
Stop Reading, Start UsingReading articles about AI isn’t the same as developing actual skills. Many leaders I coach proudly share the latest reports they’ve read while never actually using the tools themselves. Commit to implementing one new AI application weekly in your workflow — for meeting summaries, data analysis, or brainstorming. Direct interaction creates insights you will never get from secondhand information.
This is not just another tech trend. Missing out on AI fluency brings career-altering consequences. Leaders who wait for formal definitions of AI fluency will only fall further behind.
The leaders who will dominate in the coming years are not just adapting to AI. They are fundamentally rethinking what leadership means today. The rules that brought you success before will no longer carry you forward. Your personal commitment to building AI skills will decide whether you remain relevant and effective.
AI Leadership Edge Tip: Developing AI skills does not just add new tools. It transforms how you lead, how you decide, and how you achieve success.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post How AI is Changing What Makes Leaders Successful appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
Why AI Skill Growth Is Rewriting the Rules of Success for Leaders Today
The myth that leaders can wait to adopt AI skills is costing your leadership now. While you delay learning these critical tools, your competitors are rapidly transforming their capabilities and leaving you behind. This isn’t about keeping up with trends; it’s about protecting your leadership edge in a transformed workplace.
A recent McKinsey study revealed that companies with AI-proficient leadership teams are 3.5 times more likely to achieve revenue growth above industry averages. The data is clear: 76% of organizations where leaders personally engage with AI tools report accelerated decision-making processes compared to just 24% of companies where leaders remain hands-off. This isn’t speculative; it’s creating measurable performance gaps across industries.
Having advised Fortune 500 executives through multiple technological shifts, I see the same pattern emerging: those who personally engage with AI tools make dramatically better strategic decisions than those who delegate understanding to others.
From Optional to UrgentWhen you treat AI skill development as a “nice to have” rather than essential, you miss critical opportunities to solve problems faster and more effectively than your competition. Your team notices this gap, and it undermines your authority as they increasingly bring solutions you don’t fully understand. Strong leaders recognize that personal AI competency isn’t about technical mastery; it’s about understanding possibilities. You need enough knowledge to ask the right questions, recognize opportunities, and evaluate the work properly.
Procrastination Kills ProgressMany leaders freeze because they believe they must become AI experts overnight. This perfectionism becomes procrastination in disguise. The most successful leaders I work with commit to 15 minutes daily of hands-on practice with AI tools. Start with simple applications like having AI summarize long reports or analyze data patterns you’re reviewing. This builds your confidence while delivering immediate value. The goal isn’t expertise; it’s enough competency to integrate these tools into your thinking process.
Close the Blind SpotsLeaders who view AI as purely technical create dangerous blind spots. The fastest-moving executives partner with technical experts, learning alongside them while constantly asking how AI could reshape workflows and business strategies. They read case studies, apply insights, and bring fresh perspectives to their teams.
Stop Reading, Start UsingReading articles about AI isn’t the same as developing actual skills. Many leaders I coach proudly share the latest reports they’ve read while never actually using the tools themselves. Commit to implementing one new AI application weekly in your workflow — for meeting summaries, data analysis, or brainstorming. Direct interaction creates insights you will never get from secondhand information.
This is not just another tech trend. Missing out on AI fluency brings career-altering consequences. Leaders who wait for formal definitions of AI fluency will only fall further behind.
The leaders who will dominate in the coming years are not just adapting to AI. They are fundamentally rethinking what leadership means today. The rules that brought you success before will no longer carry you forward. Your personal commitment to building AI skills will decide whether you remain relevant and effective.
AI Leadership Edge Tip: Developing AI skills does not just add new tools. It transforms how you lead, how you decide, and how you achieve success.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post Why AI Skill Growth Is Rewriting the Rules of Success for Leaders Today appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
June 3, 2025
The One Shift That Turns Micromanagers Into Great Leaders
The difference between micromanagement and true leadership comes down to one fundamental shift: moving from controlling processes to empowering outcomes.
I’ve worked with thousands of executives who genuinely believe they’re fostering teamwork when they’re actually micromanaging. They use the language of collaboration while maintaining rigid control. The consequences are predictable: innovation suffers, engagement plummets, and your best talent starts updating their resumes.
You Call It Input, They Call It ControlAs a leader, you may believe you’re gathering perspectives, but if you’ve already decided the outcome, you’re not collaborating. You’re controlling. When every idea must pass through your filter, you’ve created a performance where team members guess what you want rather than offering their best thinking.
True collaboration doesn’t mean directing traffic. It means trusting the collective wisdom of your team enough to be proven wrong. Your value is not in having all the answers but in creating space where the best solutions can emerge, regardless of their source.
If you want innovation, stop controlling every idea.
You Say “Ask Anytime” But Reject Every AnswerAs a leader, your accessibility matters, but there’s a crucial difference between offering guidance and demanding control. When your team needs permission for routine decisions, you’re not building capability. You’re breeding dependency.
If you want capable people, let them decide without waiting for you.
Your “Just Checking In” Is Actually SurveillanceAs a leader, your intention should always be to support, but when monitoring becomes constant, trust breaks down. Even casual “how’s it going” messages feel like surveillance to your team members, especially when they become too frequent.
If you want trust, step back and let them work.
Your “Standards” Are Just Your PreferencesAs a leader, having high standards is admirable, but demanding everything be done your way isn’t about quality. It’s about control. When you confuse your preferences with objective standards, you silence the diverse talents your team brings to the table.
If you want better results, let your team’s strengths shape the approach.
Your Grip Is Strangling Your Team’s PotentialAs a leader, your need to control everything isn’t creating excellence. It’s preventing it. The strongest teams aren’t directed by micromanagers but are empowered by leaders who establish trust and clarity, then step back.
If you want to multiply your impact, stop making yourself the bottleneck.
Leadership is not measured by how tightly you hold the reins but by how effectively you equip others to lead alongside you. The true mark of a great leader is seen in a team that thrives through trust, autonomy, and shared purpose. When you shift from controlling every detail to empowering meaningful outcomes, you create a culture where people bring their best, not because they are forced to, but because they are inspired to.
The challenge is simple: will you let go of control to unlock your team’s full strength?
Lead From Within: Your greatest leadership achievement is not making yourself necessary. It is building a team that excels even when you are not there.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post The One Shift That Turns Micromanagers Into Great Leaders appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
May 27, 2025
The Hidden AI Skills Gap That’s Holding Your Team Back
Companies invest millions in AI technology, then wonder why results fall short of expectations. They blame poor data quality, inadequate infrastructure, or insufficient budgets. The true obstacle isn’t found in your systems or your software. It’s missing in your talent strategy.
While leaders pour money into tools, 90% of employees with AI training report better performance, yet most companies leave their people underprepared. This isn’t just a training issue. It’s a strategic blindspot that undermines your entire AI investment.
As an AI business consultant and leadership coach working directly with Fortune 500 companies and startups, I solve this problem daily. I tell my clients: “Technical skills get AI built. Human skills get AI used.” Here’s where winning teams set themselves apart:
Speaking Two LanguagesThe best teams bridge technical expertise and business priorities. Translating complex AI capabilities into clear business value creates trust and speeds execution. When engineers understand the “why” behind requests and executives understand the “how” behind solutions, implementation accelerates. Miscommunication, not technology, is what kills most AI projects.
Navigating Ethical ComplexityEthical challenges appear long before most companies are ready. Strong teams build ethical thinking into every phase, preventing risks that can quietly derail progress. Teams without this discipline often create solutions that technically work but collapse under public, ethical, or regulatory scrutiny.
Designing for Human AdoptionTechnology succeeds only when people use it. Smart organizations design AI systems that reduce friction and fit naturally into daily work, so they are embraced, not resisted. Even the most powerful AI fails if users avoid or misuse it. The best companies build systems employees want to engage with, not just tolerate.
Quantifying the InvisibleTop teams track both technical performance and business impact. They measure how AI improves decisions, time, and outcomes, making it a true strategic asset. Without this discipline, companies waste resources and miss chances to scale the projects that matter most.
Balancing Protection with ProgressStrong companies balance data privacy and governance with innovation. They move forward while managing risk, not by freezing progress out of fear. Fear of mistakes stops many organizations before they even start. Winning teams know how to stay responsible without losing momentum.
The AI skills gap isn’t about technical expertise. Most companies already have enough engineers and data scientists. What they lack are professionals who can bridge technical capability with human readiness, ethical clarity, and practical execution. Close this gap, and your AI investments will finally deliver results.
AI Leadership Edge Tip: Invest in developing human-centered skills as aggressively as you invest in technical tools.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post The Hidden AI Skills Gap That’s Holding Your Team Back appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
May 20, 2025
Leaders Who Win With AI Share This One Mindset Advantage
Remember when finding information meant opening encyclopedias? When reaching someone required a landline? Now we face a more profound shift. The AI revolution is not just changing our tools; it is transforming how we think. The competitive advantage does not belong to those with better technology; it belongs to those who adopt an AI-First mindset.
McKinsey data shows only 10% of companies achieve significant ROI from AI investments. The gap isn’t about tools or talent. It’s about mindset. In other words, 90% are missing out not because they lack technology, but because they fail to lead with it.
This mindset gap shows up in every company I advise. As an AI business coach working directly with Fortune 500 companies and startups, I help leaders build this exact capability. I always tell my clients: “This isn’t about technology. It’s about how you think.” That mindset shapes everything they do next.
They Focus On Behavior Not ToolsLeaders stuck in the old mindset obsess over which AI platform to buy. Winners understand that technology without behavior change delivers nothing. They don’t just deploy AI; they transform how decisions get made.
These leaders ask different questions. Not “Which AI should we implement?” but “How must we work differently when intelligence becomes abundant?” This shift changes everything about how they lead.
They Make AI A Daily HabitTop performers create systems that make AI engagement automatic. They set AI platforms as homepages, place visual reminders on monitors, create keyboard shortcuts, and build AI into daily workflows.
One CEO I work with starts each morning by asking three AI-generated questions that challenge his assumptions. Another uses AI to summarize every meeting automatically. These aren’t special projects they’re habits that compound over time.
They Lead By Learning Not KnowingTraditional leaders believe they must understand AI completely before using it. AI-First leaders jump in and learn through direct experience. They experiment constantly, share discoveries openly, and normalize learning from AI interactions.
This approach builds organizational confidence. Teams follow leaders who demonstrate curiosity over certainty. When the boss openly experiments with AI, everyone gets permission to do the same.
They Build Intelligence PartnersThe most advanced leaders don’t see AI as a subordinate tool. They treat it as a thinking partner with complementary strengths. They know when to leverage AI’s computational power and when to apply human judgment.
These leaders create clear roles where AI handles volume and patterns while humans drive purpose and ethics. This clarity produces results neither could achieve alone.
The difference between AI success and failure isn’t what tools you deploy. It’s whether those tools have fundamentally changed your decision-making. This is the mindset advantage that separates winners in the AI era.
AI Leadership Edge Tip: Winning leaders use AI mindset shift to fundamentally change how they think, not just what they can produce.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post Leaders Who Win With AI Share This One Mindset Advantage appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
May 13, 2025
How AI Is Winning (and Struggling) Across Companies of Every Size
Recent research shows small, medium, and large companies are all racing to implement AI. Among small and medium-sized businesses, 42% are using AI, and over half report financial savings. Nearly three-quarters of employees say it boosts their productivity, and 60% report higher satisfaction at work. Meanwhile, large companies are even further ahead, with McKinsey’s 2025 Global AI Survey showing 78% deploying AI across at least one business area.
But results are uneven. Some companies are racing ahead, pulling clear value from their AI investments, while others are struggling, stuck in pilot mode or seeing little payoff.
As an AI business and leadership coach, Fortune 500 advisor, and startup AI strategist, I believe AI is not just a tech story but a leadership test that separates winners from the rest. Based on what I have seen firsthand, success depends on how companies integrate AI across their systems. The best-run organizations use AI to rethink how everything connects, rather than just patch weak spots. Here is how they do it:
Leaders Who Hold Back Lose BigThe best leaders do not play small. Instead, they take bold risks and embrace innovation because they know results come from driving change. Struggling leaders wait for the right time, the right tool, or the right team, and that hesitation keeps them stuck. To win, leaders must act decisively and commit to transforming their systems now.
Misaligned Teams Cancel Out AI GainsQuick decisions mean little if teams are not aligned. Strong leaders slow down just enough to set shared goals and create clarity. Many struggle because they chase quick wins without ensuring their people work toward the same outcomes. Without alignment, even the smartest technology will fail.
Scaling Without Structure Fails FastMany leaders want to scale AI but push teams without redesigning how work happens. Effective leaders understand that scaling demands more than pressure. It takes reshaping roles, adjusting workflows, and strengthening accountability to support AI success.
Data Without Strategy Wastes PotentialAI depends on data, but volume alone does not guarantee success. Forward-looking leaders know it is not about gathering the most data but using the right insights to solve the right problems. Without a focused strategy, even the most powerful AI underperforms.
Winning with AI is not about company size. It is about leadership that looks beyond the tools and drives the entire system forward. The most strategic leaders shape organizations that stay aligned, adaptable, and sharply focused. When they do, AI moves from isolated experiments to meaningful, lasting change that helps companies of every size achieve real success.
AI Leadership Edge Tip: Winning with AI has nothing to do with company size. It comes down to leaders who build the alignment, structure, and focus that let AI create real, lasting impact.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
How Smart Leaders Are Using AI to Make Better Decisions, FasterThe New Leadership Model for Managing Teams Powered by AI4 of the Most Important Skills of the FutureThe Future of Leadership Development: How to Prepare for What’s Next This is How AI Will Change the Future of LeadershipWhat Leadership Skills Will Be Needed In the FutureThe post How AI Is Winning (and Struggling) Across Companies of Every Size appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
May 6, 2025
The Surprising Reason 90% of AI Projects Fail (And How Leaders Can Fix It)
Leaders everywhere are pouring millions into artificial intelligence, convinced it will transform how their companies work. They hire top engineers, launch bold AI projects, and train their teams on the latest tools, believing these investments will make them faster, smarter, and more competitive.
But here’s the hard truth: most of these AI projects stall or fail, not because the technology is flawed, but because the thinking behind them is. The thinking that is missing is called systems thinking.
Systems thinking is the ability to understand how people, processes, data, and technology connect across the business. That is the missing ingredient.
MIT Sloan’s latest research shows that only 10% of companies report meaningful ROI on AI initiatives. Leaders assume they need more technical expertise or bigger tools, but the real failure runs deeper. Without understanding the larger system AI operates in, companies end up automating broken processes, amplifying inefficiencies, and adding speed to chaos.
As an AI business and leadership coach, Fortune 500 advisor, and startup AI strategist, I have seen this mistake play out inside boardrooms and innovation labs alike. What separates successful leaders is not their technical expertise but their ability to guide system-wide change and align AI efforts with the core of the business. This is where the real work begins, as leaders must think beyond tools and talent and lead across the full system their organization runs on.
Speeding Up a Broken System
Leaders often rush to automate without asking whether the underlying process should even exist. AI can speed up tasks, but if those tasks are flawed or outdated, all it does is lock in bad results faster. Systems thinkers challenge the process first, then apply technology wisely.
Talent Without AlignmentYou can hire the best engineers and data scientists, but if they are disconnected from the organization’s goals, they will deliver solutions that do not matter. Systems thinkers make sure technical teams stay aligned with what the business truly needs, focusing efforts on problems worth solving.
Big Wins Live Between TeamsThe biggest AI breakthroughs are rarely found inside a single department. They appear where teams connect between sales and operations, product and customer experience, finance and supply chain. Systems thinkers look for these intersections, knowing that cross-functional improvements generate the highest impact.
Projects Don’t Equal ScaleAn AI project that works in isolation can still collapse when pushed across the organization. Scaling requires redesigning workflows, roles, and accountability so that the change holds. Systems thinkers see the bigger picture, preparing the structure that AI will need to succeed at scale.
No Alignment, No FutureAI systems left unchecked will drift off course. Over time, they can become irrelevant, inefficient, or even harmful. Systems thinkers build feedback and alignment into every phase, making sure the technology adapts as the business and market shift around it.
AI success does not come from tools or talent alone. It comes from leaders who understand how to reshape systems, align people, and guide change with discipline. Without systems thinking, AI remains just another failed experiment. With it, AI becomes the engine for lasting transformation.
Ask yourself: What part of your system needs rethinking before you apply AI?
AI Leadership Edge Tip: The smartest leaders use AI to reimagine the system, not just improve the parts within the system.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post The Surprising Reason 90% of AI Projects Fail (And How Leaders Can Fix It) appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
April 29, 2025
How Smart Leaders Are Using AI to Make Better Decisions, Faster
Smart leaders aren’t using AI to replace thinking. They’re using it to enhance it. While many organizations race to adopt new tools, the executives getting ahead are focused on one thing: making better decisions, faster, with more clarity and less friction.
According to PwC’s 2024 Global CEO Survey, 68 percent of leaders say decision-making has become more complex over the last two years. The pressure to act quickly is growing. But moving faster doesn’t mean rushing. It means reducing noise, sharpening inputs, and improving the quality of every call you make.
In my work with senior executives and their teams, I’ve seen AI become a strategic force multiplier. Not because it replaces leaders, but because it supports them in high-stakes decisions. Here’s how today’s smartest leaders are using AI to guide stronger, faster, and more confident outcomes across their organizations:
Eliminate Guesswork by Feeding AI the Right SignalsAI doesn’t eliminate the need for good judgment—it demands it. Smart leaders know the output is only as strong as the input. They don’t rely on generic prompts or scattered data. They guide their teams to frame the right decisions, define the right questions, and deliver the right context. Precision on the front end leads to clarity on the back end. That’s where better decisions begin.
Use AI to Pressure-Test Your ThinkingSmart leaders don’t guess. They test. Before making a call, they use AI to model scenarios, surface blind spots, and challenge assumptions. The goal is better outcomes through faster, sharper thinking—backed by insight, not instinct.
Stop Asking AI for Answers—Start Asking It Better QuestionsAI doesn’t think for you. It responds to how you think. Smart leaders train their teams to ask clear, direct questions that drive relevant, actionable answers. Precision in the prompt drives precision in the decision.
Automate the Noise So You Can Focus on What MattersAI filters noise at scale—so leaders can focus on what matters. From complex datasets to dynamic workflows and real-time forecasting, AI processes what would otherwise slow a team down. Smart leaders use it to surface priorities, eliminate distractions, and accelerate the decisions that drive results.
The Faster AI Moves, the Smarter You LeadAI moves fast. So must leaders. It accelerates information, surfaces patterns, and shortens response time. Smart leaders use that speed to gain clarity, not lose control. With the right systems in place, faster inputs lead to smarter leadership. Speed doesn’t require sacrifice.
Keep Human Judgment at the Center of Every OutputAI can recommend. It can analyze. But it cannot decide what matters most. That’s still your job. The best leaders use AI to inform their thinking. They don’t hand over responsibility. Human values, strategic vision, and sound judgment remain the final filter.
Smart leaders aren’t chasing speed. They’re building systems that deliver clarity. AI doesn’t create better decisions on its own. It amplifies the thinking behind them. The real advantage isn’t in faster tools—it’s in sharper leadership that knows how to use them with discipline, urgency, and intent.
Leadership AI Edge Tip: AI doesn’t replace your thinking. It raises the bar for it. The leaders who rise are the ones who lead with clarity, not noise.
If you’re ready to explore this shift in a deeper, more meaningful way, join The AI Leadership Edge Mastermind.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post How Smart Leaders Are Using AI to Make Better Decisions, Faster appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
April 22, 2025
The New Leadership Model for Managing Teams Powered by AI
Most conversations about AI start with the technology. But the real disruption is unfolding inside teams. AI is changing how people contribute, how decisions take shape, and how leadership shows up. While many executives stay busy evaluating tools, the real challenge lies in how teams think, collaborate, and perform in an AI-integrated world.
In my work with senior executives and high-performing teams, I’ve seen how AI doesn’t just change tasks—it changes how teams operate, communicate, and succeed. For years, I’ve supported leaders in guiding their teams through complexity, pressure, and change. What we’re facing now is a new model of leadership—one that requires guiding teams who work alongside intelligent systems while staying grounded in human insight and performance.
According to Deloitte’s 2024 Global Human Capital Trends report, 72 percent of executives believe AI will significantly change how teams operate. Yet only 31 percent feel ready to lead in that environment. That gap isn’t technical. It’s leadership.
Here’s what today’s most effective executives are doing to lead high-performing, AI-powered teams:
Teamwork Is Changing—So Must Your ExpectationsAI isn’t your teammate. It’s a capability woven into workflows, decision cycles, and strategic operations. As a leader, you must redefine contribution, clarify how insight is created, and decide where human judgment plays the leading role.
Don’t Manage Tasks. Lead the Entire SystemAs a team, you are no longer managing isolated tasks. You are managing a dynamic system that blends human intelligence with machine input. The strongest leaders focus on coordination, not control. They know when to step back to empower their team, when to step in with guidance, and how to keep both human contribution and AI alignment working together in sync.
Clarity Is No Longer Optional. It’s OperationalAI cannot tolerate ambiguity. When teams receive unclear direction, they lose momentum and waste effort. Effective leaders set clear goals, structure prompts thoughtfully, and communicate with precision. In AI-powered environments, teams rely on that clarity to perform at their best. It’s not optional. It’s essential.
Your Team Still Needs What AI Can’t DeliverAI may process data with speed and consistency, but it doesn’t replace the human experience. Your team still navigates pressure, uncertainty, and change—and they look to their leaders for stability, understanding, and trust. Emotional intelligence is not diminished in an AI-integrated environment. It becomes more essential than ever, strengthening connection, communication, and team cohesion.
Make Prompting a Core Leadership SkillPrompting is no longer a technical trick. It’s a strategic advantage that strengthens how leaders guide their teams. The ability to ask the right question, in the right way, helps teams generate clarity, accelerate decisions, and extract real value from AI tools. This isn’t delegation. It’s leadership in action.
What AI Accelerates, Leadership Must AnchorAI can generate options, but it can’t determine what matters. Teams depend on leaders to bring clarity, consistency, and values to the decision-making process. Your judgment, ethics, and responsibility remain at the center of every outcome. These are not functions AI can perform. They belong to leadership.
This isn’t about managing machines. It’s about leading people in a new kind of environment—one where intelligence is shared, speed is amplified, and clarity is everything. The leaders who thrive will not be the ones who fear AI. They will be the ones who lead teams with wisdom, precision, and confidence alongside it.
Leadership AI Edge Tip: Technology may accelerate your output, but your leadership is what determines the impact your teams can achieve.
If you’re ready to explore this shift in a deeper, more meaningful way, join The AI Leadership Edge Mastermind.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post The New Leadership Model for Managing Teams Powered by AI appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
