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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? 

The Four Cs of Effective Conversation

By Cathie Leimbach • February 18, 2025
Based on “Four Cs of Effective Conversation” - The Ohio State University Leadership Center. Ever walked out of a meeting thinking everything was settled, only to realize later that key actions didn’t happen, or alignment was off? That’s because effective conversations require four key elements: clarity, candor, commitment, and completion. Clarity: Make Sure Everyone’s on the Same Page Miscommunication is one of the biggest productivity killers. It’s easy to assume people understand what’s being said, but without clear expectations, mistakes happen. Take the time to check for understanding—what’s obvious to you might not be obvious to everyone else. Candor: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say Honest, direct conversations build strong teams. When people hold back their real thoughts or concerns, issues fester, and progress stalls. Creating a culture of candor—where people feel safe to speak openly—makes teams more effective and relationships stronger. Commitment: Get Specific About Next Steps A vague “I’ll handle it” often leads to dropped balls. When commitments are specific—who will do what by when—things actually get done. Leaders sometimes hesitate to ask for deadlines, fearing it feels like micromanagement, but clear commitments drive accountability without overstepping. Completion: Don’t Move On Too Soon Before wrapping up a discussion, check that everything’s been addressed. Did we answer all key questions? Does everyone know what happens next? Ensuring a topic is fully covered prevents confusion later and keeps teams aligned.  Mastering these four Cs can turn routine workplace conversations into powerful tools for productivity and collaboration.

Improve Leadership to Boost Workplace Productivity

By Cathie Leimbach • February 11, 2025
Today's workplaces are changing, and managers play a key role in increasing workplace morale and productivity. Research shows that managers impact 70% of what affects how engaged and effective employees are. Surveys show many employees are dissatisfied. They say that expectations are unclear, they don’t feel respected by management, they don’t get enough training, and they don't see how their work matters. With the increasing number of seniors and fewer people in the workforce, increased productivity is essential. Strong leadership is more important than ever. Managers need to develop skills to help their teams succeed. This includes: • Setting clear goals, • Showing appreciation, • Providing good training, and • Helping employees see the purpose of their work. The innovative Conversational Management program helps managers build these leadership skills. It focuses on the leadership practices which boost engagement and productivity. Managers can participate in a virtual Test Drive to see how these strategies can improve teamwork and performance. If you want better results and productivity, REGISTER HERE to join a Test Drive and learn about this highly effective leadership approach! 
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