There’s a lot of fear and hype about AI in workplaces right now. Some people are worried it’ll take their jobs. Others think it’ll solve all their problems. The truth, like most things, sits somewhere in the middle.
AI is a tool. And like any tool, its value depends on how you use it.
Used smartly, AI can take a heap of grunt work off your plate. Admin, meeting notes, first-draft comms, scheduling, sorting data...
I used to run a whole workshop on written communication for business success. Now, my first question to people who ask about getting tone right in emails is, “Are you allowed to use AI?”
Because if you are, why wouldn’t you use it to get started faster, write more clearly, or check your tone? It’s like having a junior comms officer on tap.
The secret is knowing what to keep, what to cut, and how to make sure it still sounds like you.
And that frees you up to do the real work of leadership: showing up for your people.
We all know the hard bit isn’t filling in spreadsheets or replying to emails. The hard bit is leading humans. Having tough conversations. Supporting someone through change. Managing conflict. Building trust. Being visible.
But here’s the kicker – one of the most common things I hear from leaders is, “I don’t have time for that.”
And one of the most common things I hear from staff? “I never see my leader.”
That’s not a coincidence. It’s a leadership gap – and AI is one way to help close it.
No, it won’t do the human work for you. It won’t build relationships or show empathy. But it can free you up to do those things better.
And as AI keeps advancing, your human skills will be the thing that sets you apart. Emotional intelligence. Communication. Self-awareness. Influence. These are the skills that can’t be automated. They’re what make you valuable, relatable, trusted, and hard to replace.
So ask yourself honestly: What can I delegate to AI so I’ve got the bandwidth to lead well?
Because your people don’t need a robot. They need a leader who’s present, real, and ready to do the work.
Let AI handle the mundane, while you handle the meaningful.
Leah Mether is a communication and soft skills trainer obsessed with making the people part of leadership and work life easier.
With more than 15 years’ experience working with thousands of clients, and an two acclaimed books to her name, Leah knows what it takes to communicate under pressure. Like you, she knows the challenge of conflict, personality clashes, and difficult conversations.
Leah is renowned for her practical, engaging, straight-shooting style. Utilising her Five Cs® model of communication, she helps leaders and teams shift from knowing to doing, and radically improve their effectiveness.
