Managing AI So It Doesn’t Manage You

Cathie Leimbach • November 13, 2023

"The biggest mistake you can make is thinking AI is just another chatbot."

-Dr. Radhika Dirks

Dr. Radhika Dirks sees AI as both a valuable aid and a dangerous tool. Who is Dr. Radhika Dirks? She is a leader in multiple AI companies and is considered one of the top women in the AI world by both Forbes and Deloitte.


Dirks believes humans do, and always will, have the potential to add value at a higher level than machines. However, she warns that realizing this potential requires people to proactively develop their potential. It requires organizational leaders to be intentional about leveraging human capacity rather than blindly trusting AI technology.


Dirks suggests that there are three waves of AI and that we, humans, need to strengthen our skills to respond to each wave prudently.


Wave 1 – Explosion of Creativity: AI creates content creatively. AI generates pictures, websites, and text which challenge the human identity. Many are questioning the future of human work. 


  • Leaders need to be adaptable and have a growth mindset to add value in the world around us


Wave 2 – The World of Illusions: AI generates fake news and realities, posing a threat to our ability to distinguish between fake and truth.  Many of the pictures which have accompanied media stories in the last month are computer generated. Many of the articles references in AI writings do not exist.


  • Leaders must rely on intuition and ethical decision-making as well as develop guidelines for the use of AI within their organizations.


Wave 3 – The Race to Intimacy: AI mimics human emotions and forms connections, posing a challenge to genuine human relationships. To truly feel cared about and connected with others, we need to hear the human voice. Machines can’t fill a relationship void.


  • Leaders must prioritize in-person interactions, emotional intelligence, and intuition.



What is one step you will take in your organization to use AI wisely and help people develop the skills to have meaningful lives in a world in which AI has an expansive reach? 

Leadership Development: The Hidden Superpower for Your Business

By Cathie Leimbach • April 29, 2025
Ever wonder why some companies consistently outperform their competitors? According to Ram Charan's "Leaders at All Levels," the secret often lies in their approach to leadership development. Think about it: when organizations invest in developing leaders at every level, they're not just checking a box for HR—they're directly fueling their economic engine. Charan says that leadership talent is actually the biggest constraint on business growth worldwide. Too many companies treat leadership development as a nice-to-have program rather than a strategic necessity. But those who get it right create a continuous chain reaction of leadership excellence throughout their organization, resulting in measurable business advantages. The most successful companies don't just develop executives at the top. They identify potential leaders early, move them through increasingly challenging assignments, and ensure they gain the necessary skills to drive performance at every level. In today's competitive landscape, your leadership pipeline isn't just about succession planning—it's about creating the sustainable competitive advantage that drives superior business results and economic performance right now.

The Power of Reflective Listening at Work

By Cathie Leimbach • April 22, 2025
Have you ever felt like someone wasn't really hearing you? Reflective listening can fix that problem in the workplace. Reflective listening means truly understanding what someone is saying before you respond. When a coworker is speaking, focus completely on their words instead of planning what you'll say next. Many of us start forming responses while others are still talking, which means we miss important parts of their message. True listening requires patience and practice. To become a reflective listener, start by giving your full attention. Put away your phone, turn away from your computer, and make eye contact. Then, after the person finishes speaking, briefly summarize what you heard. You might say, "So what I'm hearing is..." This shows you were truly listening and gives them a chance to clarify if needed. The benefits of reflective listening are huge. It reduces misunderstandings, builds trust between coworkers, and helps solve problems more effectively. People feel valued when they're truly heard, which creates a more positive workplace. With practice, reflective listening becomes a habit that improves all your work relationships. Remember: listen first, respond second. Your workplace will be better for it.
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