Newsletter

We are aboard a runaway train towards collective intelligence. If you are reading this as a business leader, you know the rapid convergence of human and artificial general intelligence (AGI) is reshaping the way we do business. Whether we are ready or not, the momentum is undeniable—AGI is inevitable, and it is changing the game. Facts.

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Okay; so what is a skill I can develop in the face of such an inevitability? We, seemingly, cracked the code on developing AGI, but have we cracked the code on the oldest skillset … understanding human dynamics? Read on for some encouragement.

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What is abundantly clear from the research and empirical data is that the most successful leaders of this new era will be those who have mastered the most timeless of all leadership skills: people skills. How you deal with people in the face of this AGI revolution.

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If you want to truly advance yourself and your organization, you must also focus on how you engage with people in the face of this revolution. The best leaders synthesize and leverage human input, emotion, and production to drive performance.  Effective leaders in the age of AGI must know what incentives and motivates their best people.

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Ask yourself these questions:

 

• Do you bring out the best in your people with the energy you bring to your organization?

• Do you have the ability to not just manage AI, but to synthesize human intelligence with the power of technology?

• Can you synthesize diverse perspectives from your team?

• Can you draw out the emotional and creative insights of your team while leveraging the raw processing power of machines?

• Can you navigate the emotional complexities of leadership in a tech-driven world?

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Do you want to slingshot your individual performance and the performance of your business? Develop your people skills.
 

Here are a few of the strategies that will set you apart in the AGI age:

 

• Lead with care, clarity, and connection

• Foster a shared vision, mission, values and PLAN

• Prioritize developing your emotional intelligence and active listening skills

• Promote transparency and trust

• Encourage continuous learning and experimentation

• Invest in training and development

• Facilitate open communication and collaboration

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It’s easy to talk about Why and What … so let’s talk HOW.  Here are a few ways you can develop these strategies and enhance your people skills in the digital age:

 

1. Deliberately Practice. 
   Growth requires continuous effort. Focus on developing skills such as empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution through intentional practice - one micro-skill at a time. If you missed it, check out our last edition on deliberate practice and how it can transform your leadership capabilities.  It starts with behavior change which leads to habit change which, ultimately, leads to mindset change.
    

2. Hire a Coach (or have a mentor)
   Working with a coach provides personalized feedback, accountability, and guidance tailored to your unique strengths and weaknesses. In my 30 years of experience in working with leaders, the best leaders have a coach and/or a therapist.
    

3. Leverage Digital Tools Use technology to your advantage.
   From AI-driven assessments to collaboration platforms, digital tools can offer valuable insights into how you communicate and engage with others, enabling you to identify blind spots and areas for improvement.

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At the end of the day, leadership will still hinge on human factors. The future of leadership isn’t about choosing between human or artificial intelligence. It’s about blending them. Mastering people skills is a key to unlocking both personal and organizational success.

Leaders who can effectively facilitate collaboration, leverage diversity, promote continuous learning, utilize technology, and navigate change will be best positioned to harness the power of collective intelligence and drive their organizations forward.