How AI in Leadership Development Creates Better Leaders

The Rise of AI in Leadership Development Training

Companies are using AI across many business functions, but many leaders miss the chance to use these same tools for personal growth. Used well, AI supplements human expertise — it doesn’t replace it. As a leadership coach, I’ve seen how AI can help leaders prepare for tough situations, turn feedback into action, and plan their careers with greater clarity.

This article shares five practical, human-first ways to use AI to strengthen your leadership.

TL;DR

• Practice difficult conversations with AI role-play tools to prepare for the real thing — while keeping your values and judgment in the driver’s seat.

• Get more value from personality assessments by using AI to translate results into clear, doable actions. AI supports the coach’s interpretation; it doesn’t replace it.

• Transform 360 feedback by asking AI to surface patterns and themes from anonymized data — as a starting point you refine with your expertise.

• Plan your career advancement with AI-aided brand discovery, skills mapping, and job exploration.

• Build your influence with AI-assisted storytelling and content creation — while keeping your authentic voice.

• Bottom line: AI is a power tool for leadership development. The human leads; AI assists.

AI‑Powered Practice for Difficult Conversations

Having tough conversations is part of leadership, yet many of us avoid them or handle them poorly. AI gives you a safe “flight simulator” to practice without the real‑world risk.

How to try it:

1. Describe the situation (person, role, context, desired outcome, values to emphasize).

2. Ask the AI to generate a conversation partner and a scenario.

3. Role‑play and dial up the difficulty (e.g., “push back harder,” “be more skeptical”).

4. After a few rounds, ask the AI to summarize principles that led to success.

   
   

Human first: These rehearsals sharpen your thinking and confidence, but they don’t replace empathy, presence, or judgment in the real conversation.

Getting More Value from Personality Assessments

Personality assessments have long supported leadership development. AI can help convert raw results into practical, personalized action steps.

What this looks like:

• Feed de‑identified assessment outputs (scores, scales, role context) into AI.

• Ask for strength‑based micro‑actions (5–10 minute behaviors) tailored to your goals.

• Request potential derailers to watch for and counter‑strategies.

Human first: A qualified coach still interprets nuance, context, and ethics. AI supports analysis and planning; it does not substitute for professional judgment or proprietary tools. (Note: We intentionally avoid naming specific assessment vendors or private AI features.)

Transforming 360 Feedback with AI Analysis

360 feedback helps leaders see how others experience them. Whether your 360 data comes from interviews or surveys, AI can accelerate the pattern‑finding.

Coach’s workflow (what I do):

1. Anonymize interview notes or survey comments and share only what’s necessary.

2. Ask AI to propose a brand statement, 3–4 development themes, and illustrative quotes.

3. Use AI to draft a short action plan, then audit and edit it for accuracy, tone, and feasibility.

   
   

Human first: When I (Dr. Kaplan) use AI to identify themes, it is to supplement my analysis — never to replace it. I validate findings, add context, and ensure the plan fits the leader and culture.

AI for Career Advancement Planning

Every leader needs a career plan that aligns strengths, values, and opportunities. AI can help you clarify your brand and explore roles.

Try this prompt set

• “Interview me to surface my top 5 strengths and unique contributions.”

• “Draft three concise personal brand statements based on my stories.”

• “Given my background, suggest role types and environments where I’m most likely to thrive — and questions I should ask in interviews.”

• “Using my brand statements, outline a 90‑day learning plan to close gaps.”

  
  

Human first: You decide what resonates. A mentor or coach pressure‑tests the plan with you.

Build Your Influence with AI‑Assisted Storytelling

LinkedIn remains the primary professional network; consistent, credible content helps others understand your expertise.

A simple story arc

1. Hook: “One panelist said something I can’t stop thinking about …”

2. Insight: Share the idea and why it matters.

3. Application: Offer a brief example or next step.

Helpful tools: Third‑party platforms (for example, MakeMedia.ai, which is independent and not affiliated with Leading with Heart) can interview you about your ideas, capture your words, and draft posts or articles. Many leaders find talking easier than writing — tools like these can help convert spoken insight into authentic, on‑brand copy. Human first: Use AI as a drafting partner; keep your voice, stories, and ethics front and center.

Finding the Right Balance with AI

• Augment, don’t outsource. Leaders who combine judgment with AI tools will outpace those who either ignore AI or delegate their thinking to it.

• Verify facts and protect privacy. Treat AI outputs as drafts to review. De‑identify sensitive data before sharing.

• Design for authenticity. The most engaging content and actions come from real experiences and values — AI helps you structure and sharpen them.

Start Your AI Leadership Journey Today

Whether you’re early‑career or a seasoned executive, a few evenings of deliberate practice with AI can make a meaningful difference. Begin with one use case — role‑play a difficult conversation, turn a 360 into a tight action plan, or translate your stories into helpful posts. As you build comfort, expand from there.

Dr. Jeff Kaplan is the CEO of Leading with Heart and was recognized as America’s 2022 Leadership Coach of the Year by CEO Today Magazine. He helps leaders and organizations strengthen influence through heart‑centered leadership.