Being a leader isn’t just about making decisions and running meetings. It’s about developing people – helping them grow, unlocking their potential, and building a team that can thrive even when the world throws curveballs. And here’s the kicker: AI can make that process smarter, faster, and more effective – IF you know how to use it.
Now, I’m not talking about AI as some futuristic magic wand or replacement for human judgment. That’s not coaching. That’s science fiction. The real power comes when leaders combine their human insight with AI’s ability to analyze, summarize, and surface patterns that we humans can’t see on our own.
Here’s how I see it working in practice.
1. Personalized Coaching at Scale
One of the biggest challenges for any leader is giving meaningful, personalized attention to each team member. AI can help by surfacing insights that let you coach smarter.
For example:
- Tools like Lattice, 15Five, and Culture Amp can analyze performance data, feedback trends, and communication patterns to show you where someone might need guidance before a problem even shows up.
- AI can summarize project updates or team metrics so you spend less time digging through spreadsheets and more time actually coaching.
Think of it as your “coaching assistant” that frees you to focus on the human side – the conversation, the encouragement, the challenge, the inspiration.
2. Real-Time Feedback and Micro-Coaching
Coaching doesn’t only happen in scheduled 1:1s. Some of the most powerful moments are in the flow of work. That’s where AI can step in.
Imagine this: Your team is drafting a presentation, writing code, or putting together a proposal. AI tools can:
- Highlight strengths and gaps in real time
- Suggest improvements or best practices
- Provide examples of effective approaches
Tools like ChatGPT and CoachBot are great for generating coaching prompts, structuring feedback conversations, or even simulating practice scenarios. This doesn’t replace your input – it amplifies it, helping you give feedback that’s specific, actionable, and timely.
3. Identifying Strengths, Growth Areas, and Hidden Potential
AI is exceptional at spotting patterns. Over time, it can help you see things that might be invisible in day-to-day interactions:
- Who consistently comes up with creative solutions under pressure
- Which team members thrive when given autonomy
- Where skill gaps are emerging before they become bottlenecks
Armed with these insights, you can tailor coaching plans, assign projects that stretch people, and create learning opportunities that actually stick. Platforms like Workday and Peakon can give you a clear view of these patterns across your team.
4. Enhancing Learning and Development Programs
Forget generic training sessions. AI lets you design learning experiences that are:
- Personalized: Recommend courses, reading, or exercises based on the individual’s role, skills, and career goals. Tools like Degreed, EdCast, and Coursera for Teams are perfect for this.
- Adaptive: Track progress and suggest next steps dynamically.
- Practical: Link learning to real work projects and feedback, making it immediately applicable.
Your team no longer has to wonder, “Is this relevant to me?” Every recommendation comes contextualized for them, which increases engagement and results.
5. Encouraging a Growth-Oriented Mindset
Here’s the subtle but powerful part: AI can help normalize curiosity and experimentation.
When teams see AI as a partner that can suggest solutions, test ideas, and analyze results, it encourages a mindset that’s:
- Proactive rather than reactive
- Curious rather than fearful of mistakes
- Focused on growth rather than just outputs
As a leader, you can leverage this cultural shift by framing AI as a tool for learning, reflection, and improvement – not just efficiency.
See my video on How to Build an AI Literate Team for more on how to encourage curiosity and experimentation with AI.
6. Making Coaching Data-Driven (Without Losing the Human Touch)
Some leaders shy away from AI because they fear it makes coaching “cold” or impersonal. It doesn’t.
AI gives you insights, not answers. You’re still the human in the loop, interpreting the data, connecting with your team emotionally, and creating trust. The difference is you do it informed, prepared, and more impactful.
It’s like the difference between teaching from memory versus teaching with a crystal-clear picture of where each student is excelling and struggling.
Bottom Line: AI + Leadership = Amplified Impact
AI is not here to replace leaders. It’s here to make great leaders even better.
By combining your coaching instincts with AI’s analytical power, you can:
- Give timely, relevant guidance
- Spot growth opportunities before they become problems
- Tailor learning and development to each individual
- Build a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and continuous improvement
The result? Teams that aren’t just performing – they’re learning, growing, and thriving, and leaders who are strategic, confident, and more effective.
In the end, AI is just a tool. But the real magic happens when a human leader knows how to use it to bring out the best in people.