AI Leadership Series
Develop Leadership Skills in the Age of AI
AI is exposing leadership gaps as organizations work to turn new technology into business results. Leading in the age of AI requires leaders to translate AI strategy into action while helping teams navigate uncertainty and adapt.
The AI Leadership Series is a specialized set of courses, each one combining focused virtual sessions, realistic practice, and peer learning to build skills leaders can apply right away. Anchored in leadership science, it’s part of DDI’s broader leadership development solutions, helping organizations:
- Coach teams to advance AI strategy.
- Guide AI adoption with sound judgment.
- Prepare leaders for real-world application and impact.
By the Numbers
Leadership Skills Drive AI Success
See why organizations need to prepare frontline leaders to guide people through AI-driven change—and apply new skills where they matter most.
9.1X
MORE LIKELY TO SUCCEED
AI success is 9.1 times more likely when leaders combine change readiness and empathy.
Global Leadership Forecast
3X
MORE ANXIOUS ABOUT AI
Frontline leaders are three times more likely than senior leaders to be anxious about AI.
Global Leadership Forecast
92
APPLIED NEW SKILLS FAST
92% of frontline managers apply new skills on the job after their DDI leadership development program.
DDI Impact Evaluation Data
AI Leadership Courses Built for Today's Workplace Challenges
Unlike courses focused on concepts alone, the AI Leadership Series immerses leaders in interactive experiences based on realistic AI challenges. Through AI-enhanced practice and peer learning, leaders build practical skills they can apply immediately at work.
Building Trust in the Age of AI
Apply trust-building behaviors to support AI adoption
AI may introduce uncertainty, but trust is built through leadership behavior. Leaders learn to strengthen trust, address concerns, and create an environment where people feel heard, respected, and willing to move forward through change.
Helps leaders:
- Recognize trust builders and trust breakers.
- Demonstrate personal integrity.
- Advocate for people and their ideas.
- Create an open exchange of perspectives.
- Acknowledge concerns and encourage disclosure.
- Apply one trust-building action at work.
Competency developed:
- Creating a Culture of Trust
Coaching an AI-Ready Team
Guide teams through AI change with confidence
Leaders learn strategies to guide their teams through digital change, replacing technology anxiety and tool avoidance with confident adoption and effective human-in-the-loop practices.
Helps leaders:
- Understand how AI transformation impacts team Practical and Personal Needs.
- Diagnose team friction using the Team Effectiveness Factors.
- Apply leader actions to resolve AI-related team symptoms.
- Maintain human accountability, role clarity, and trust across automated workflows.
- Commit to a Pause, Connect, and Commit action plan for your team.
Competency developed:
- Guiding Team Success
Communicating Through AI Transformation
Use empathy and clarity to guide AI change
When answers are incomplete, leaders still need to provide direction. Leaders learn to create clarity without overpromising, address uncertainty with confidence, and help teams move forward during AI-related change.
Helps leaders:
- Distinguish clarity from certainty.
- Decide what can responsibly be shared.
- Use Empathy and Share to maintain trust.
- Use Clarify and Agree to create direction.
- Apply one communication action at work.
Competency developed:
- Emotional Intelligence Essentials
Making Better Decisions with AI
Evaluate AI insights and make sound decisions
AI can accelerate decision-making, but it cannot replace human judgment. Leaders learn to evaluate AI-supported recommendations, challenge assumptions, manage risk, and make well-reasoned decisions with confidence.
Helps leaders:
- Recognize where AI can support better decisions.
- Evaluate information, alternatives, and risks.
- Intervene when human judgment is required.
- Own the final decision and consequences.
Competency developed:
- Decision Making
How it Works
Turning Leadership into AI Confidence
Leaders build skills by working through realistic AI-related scenarios in an interactive app. They reflect on their decisions, explore different responses, receive personalized feedback, and gain confidence handling the leadership challenges AI creates. Here's how each virtual classroom session works:
AI Workplace Scenario
Explore a realistic workplace challenge.
Small-Group Discussion
Discuss possible approaches with peers.
Individual Questions
Select the best response to address the challenge.
Private Feedback
Get personalized insights from the web app.
Group Debrief
Learn from facilitator-reviewed responses and peer discussion.
The organizations that succeed with AI will be those that prioritize the leadership [development] infrastructure as much as the tech stack.
Tacy M. Byham, PhD, CEO of DDI
Ready to Get Started?
Have a Question?
Frequently Asked Questions about the AI Leadership Series
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What is leadership in the age of AI?
Leadership in the age of AI is the ability to guide people through AI-driven change while using human judgment, empathy, and accountability. Effective AI leaders translate strategy into action, communicate clearly through uncertainty, build trust, and help teams adopt AI responsibly.
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What is the AI Leadership Series?
DDI’s AI Leadership Series is a leadership development solution that helps organizations prepare leaders for AI-driven change. Its short, interactive virtual courses combine realistic scenarios, AI-enhanced practice, personalized feedback, peer learning, and facilitated discussion.
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Why do leaders need AI leadership skills?
Leaders need AI leadership skills because technology alone cannot drive successful AI adoption. Leaders must help people adapt to new ways of working, evaluate AI-supported recommendations, manage risk, communicate through uncertainty, and remain accountable for decisions and outcomes.
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What courses are included in the AI Leadership Series?
The AI Leadership Series includes four virtual courses. Communicating Through AI Transformation: Create clarity and help teams move forward when answers are incomplete. Coaching an AI-Ready Team: Guide teams through digital change and encourage confident, responsible AI adoption. Making Better Decisions with AI: Evaluate AI-supported recommendations, challenge assumptions, and apply human judgment. Building Trust in the Age of AI: Address concerns, strengthen trust, and help people navigate AI-driven change.
Explore all DDI courses.