Ai is no longer a distant future; It is firmly integrated in the way we work.
From the rationalization of the administrator to the interpretation of data and the management of customer interactions, IA is transforming workflows and releases routine leaders. But its greatest contribution is not efficiency, its capacity. The ability to focus on work that really moves people and organizations forward.
As a leader, creator of content and leadership expert, I am not in AI to generate my central intellectual property, that remains a clearly human trade. But I hug the AI for what it does best: clear the disorder, create space and return the time where it matters most.
After more than two decades supporting leaders and teams, one thing is clear: being for time is one of the greatest barriers for effective leadership. And the problem is not just how time is managed, this is how it is invested.
Recently duration of our EQ in a World of Ai program, a CEO shared that the tools of AI were saving it up to five hours a week. But when I asked how I was using that time recovered, his answer was to tell:
“Put up with emails, concentrate on sales and publish fires.”
That answer is common and understandable. But it also reveals a lost opportunity. Ai shouldn’t just help us do more. It should help us lead better.
Leaders who have the greatest impact at this time are not using AI to add tasks to their list, are using it to reconnect with what matters most: their people.
Because although AI can improve performance, it cannot replace the presence, empathy or trust, the foundations of high performance equipment.
We need to bring the human touch back
In all the industries we support, a worrying pattern is emerging: many workplaces are experiencing a disconnection crisis, and AI, its value is accelerating drift.
This is what I am seeing:
- Soft skills fade: empathy, influence and conflict resolution are increasingly marginalized as Ia assumes more “conversational” roles.
- Communication is becoming messages of shallow displacement and zoom calls have replaced deep dialogue in person. Trust and collaboration are receiving success.
- Information overload is real: with constant data influx, approach, commitment and critical thinking are more difficult to maintain.
- Less significant conversations: automation is replacing the genuine human connection.
- Emotional disconnection is increasing, AI lacks emotional intelligence, and without intention, so do some teams.
- Creativity is the decrease in the solutions generated by the machine, the solutions that limit opportunities for original thought.
- Exhaustion is increasing: digital noise is too possible, which leads to mental fatigue.
- The presence is decreasing: the leaders are busy but they are rarely present. This undermines psychological security.
- The culture is eroding the exchanges driven by the AI, lack the rituals and stories that create the identity of the team.
- Excessive dependence on critical thinking AI refuses when the teams differentiate too fast for automated responses.
But here is the good news: visionary leaders are already changing the course. They are hepiating the time that the AI saves to reinvest in what cannot be automated and that is a real human connection.
7 ways to claim the human touch
Be present, not just available
Being “available” in Slack or email is not the same as really present. Create an intentional space for conversations focused on real time. Minimize distractions. Whether it is a five -minute or longer phone call, presence makes people feel viewed and heard.
Master Verbal Communication
The tone, energy and response capacity are more than ever. However, written communication often dominates. Leaders who raise their verbal skills generate faster trust and lead more influence and impact.
Ask better questions
Ai gives answers. Leaders ask the questions that matter. Go beyond the metrics and cause significant conversations:
- “What feels heavy right now?”
- “What are we not talking about what we should be?”
- “What does it turn on?”
These questions create psychological security and encourage honest dialogue.
Create humans centered rituals
AI can optimize tasks, but cannot build belonging.
Human rituals restore connection and culture. Attempt:
- Weekly circles of gratitude
- Monthly “wins on Wednesday”
- Open microphone sessions to share ideas
- Storytelling around lessons and learning (hugging a gift mentality)
These micro-moments create meaning and reinforce shared values.
Lead with emotional intelligence
Efficiency is not equal to empathy. Great leaders know that people matter more than processes. Build the equalizer being curious, not just reactive.
Ask: “What else is happening here?” – And listen deeply.
In a world driven by AI, emotional intelligence is not a soft skill, it is a central leadership capacity.
Be concentrated, not only busy
Constant notifications make us feel productive but scattered. The most effective leaders claim the presence stopping:
- Block 15-20 minutes every day to disconnect
- Walking programming meetings
- Take time to reflect reflective and uninterrupted
This space is not wasted, it is where clarity and creativity prosper.
Rebuild culture through connection
Culture cannot be subcontracted. It is formed through shared moments, live values and significant connection.
Reigne the culture of your team through simple but powerful rituals such as:
- Team story narration
- Celebrating small victories
- Collecting the daily impact
- Reinforcement purpose
These practices create cohesion and a strong sense of identity, only in a digitally driven world.
Leading with humanity in a digital world
Ai is here to stay and that is good. It is powerful, practical and can increase productivity in a deep way. But it will never replace what makes leadership really shocking: empathy, trust, presence and connection.
Unlimited leaders do not choose between AI and humanity.
They are using ia to make more space for humanity.
They are asking:
“What do I want to do with the time I claimed?”
And more and more, the answer is:
Connect more deeply. Driving with more sense. Communicate more powerful.
Written by Renée Giarrusso, have you read?
The best medicine schools in the world.
The best universities in the world.
The best international secondary schools in the world.
The best business schools in the world.
The best fashion schools in the world.
The best hospitality and hotel management schools in the world.