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EI in the Age of AI: The Increasing Significance of Emotional Intelligence for Leaders and Organizations

Artificial Intelligence has been one of the hot topics amongst leaders in the last few years. As the field makes big strides, some companies and leaders are adopting it, some are fascinated by it, others are rightfully asking hard questions on ethics and bias, and others are wondering when it will make us irrelevant in the future of work. 


One thing remains true though in all of these, leaders can no longer ignore the impact AI will have on how we work and live. In fact, Gartner’s report on HR’s Top Priorities for 2024 states that a staggering 76% of HR leaders agree they will be lagging in organizational success if they don’t adopt and implement generative AI in the next 12 to 24 months.


Open book, hardback books on wooden table


What leaders can consider to succeed in adopting and implementing Generative AI


In the age of AI, where machines can learn and think, leaders who master emotions and sharpen their Emotional Intelligence (EI) will win bigger. 


While it is essential for leaders to adopt and implement AI so that the organization doesn’t lag behind, it's absolutely critical for leaders to be emotionally intelligent enough to 


  1. make rational and ethical decisions as they implement AI, 

  2. understand the nuance and human impact of these decisions and changes and make decisions with empathy and compassion, 

  3. influence their team and employees and get strong buy-in to make these required changes, 

  4. effectively manage changes and minimize the change fatigue that may result from these changes.


Emotional Intelligence, EI, is important during the adaptations/implementation of AI, however, it doesn’t stop there. Emotional Intelligence is one of the top soft skills that AI is not yet able to replace. While good leaders are actively learning AI and how they can adopt and implement AI to increase efficiencies, get more results, streamline processes, and decrease costs, great leaders ought to think beyond that.  


Great leaders ought to think how they can ensure that they remain relevant, and how their employees can be re-skilled and up-skilled to remain relevant. 


AI will not make humans irrelevant, but in this age of augmented intelligence, great leaders ought to think how they can make the most of humans and machines mix to make the most results, and that will mean ensuring the human workforce is well equipped and re-skilled and up-skilled on the human only skills such as EI, critical thinking, and communication.



N-BAC is a business advisory and consulting firm that helps organizations get sustainable results by helping them transform the way they lead. Book an appointment to see how we can help you develop emotionally intelligent leaders or enroll your leaders in our EIQ leadership development program. 





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