The Role of AI & Leadership Intelligence in Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies continue to rapidly advance, they have significant implications for the nature of leadership and the skills future leaders will need to be successful. This article explores the concept of "leadership intelligence" and its importance for nurturing emerging leaders who can guide organizations navigating an AI-infused world of work. Through a review of recent research on how AI may enhance as well as challenge traditional views of leadership roles and capabilities, the article defines leadership intelligence as encompassing emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, strategic thinking, creativity/innovation, and lifelong learning abilities. It argues cultivating these broad intellectual, social-emotional, and practical capacities in developing leaders will distinguish their potential to inspire and mobilize talent amid ongoing disruption. The article then offers recommendations for how organizations can begin fostering leadership intelligence early in high potentials' careers through experiences, coaching, global exposures, leadership development programs, and emphasis on cultivating a growth mindset. By prioritizing holistic leader formation, organizations will groom pipelines of diverse, adaptable talent poised to realize AI's full benefits.