Make learning personal
Our study shows AI can be a critical piece of a soft skills learning and development effort. It can provide extreme customization unachievable in human-only-led workshops or traditional self-paced learning.
AI research
What happens when
leadership learning
meets AI?
Our study explored how AI can help people develop and apply leadership skills—and where human connection still matters.
20 managers.
Seven modules.
One important question.
To what extent can AI impact soft-skills learning and application, particularly leadership skills?
Our participants represented a range of industries and averaged 12 years of leadership experience. They used the same free, publicly available AI chatbot for seven leadership modules, spending an average of 60 minutes.
Prewritten prompts started each module. Participants answered pre- and post-study questions, with no human intervention before or during the study.
Summary of reported results
58%
Increase in confidence using a leadership model with employees
187%
Increase in comfort talking to AI versus typing
9.2
Rating for AI’s helpfulness as a learning tool
9.4
Rating for AI’s helpfulness in preparing for employee conversations
What we learned.
AI can augment learning through customization, practical feedback, and opportunities for ongoing practice.
Rethink time and cost
AI can dramatically reduce the time and costs associated with learning and development.
Keep human connection
Participants made it clear that they want AI to be part of the learning and development process , not a replacement for live, interactive discussions and collaboration.
Build comfort with the technology
The particular platform is not as important as ensuring people are comfortable with the technology. While research shows talking to the bot provides greater benefits than typing, text is still powerful.
Connect learning and AI adoption
Using AI to teach soft skills can be a lever to drive AI adoption across the enterprise and promote organizational behavior change.
The opportunity
Our study points to the potential for AI-supported learning “at half the time, half the cost, with twice the impact.” Participants wanted AI to be part of a learning process that also includes live discussion and collaboration.
The AI bot gave practical feedback that I can use immediately.
More from the study.
All leaders reported a positive impact
Participants reported significant learning in a very short period of time , despite each having over 12 years (on average) of leadership experience. This greatly surprised us.
Customization stood out
Participants repeatedly cited AI’s level of customization and its ability to focus on any scenario as two of the most significant benefits. Some noted that the machine had “more knowledge than their manager or colleagues could provide.”
People wanted a human trainer, too
Although participants were “amazed” by how AI guided them through the process, EVERYONE indicated that augmenting the process with a human trainer, as part of a live workshop and/or an ongoing program where they could interact with colleagues, would be ideal .
Self-assessments shaped the experience
Participants said completing the self-assessments led to high levels of customization (DiSC, conflict (Thomas-Kilmann), and emotional intelligence). Some indicated a desire to dig deeper into these topics.
Small technology issues need attention
There were sporadic issues with speaking to the bot rather than typing, and a few instances of not being able to continue a session in private browser mode. These are easily rectified but technology issues must be addressed to prevent participants from becoming frustrated or discouraged.
Good prompts made a difference
Participants felt that the pre-scripted prompts at the start of each module helped provide better responses from the AI bot. One participant noted, “The hands-on nature and the mix of written prompts, but room to include your own personal details (styles) and AI convos made it a very impactful experience.”
Let learners find their rhythm
Participants noted that pace and frequency can promote habit building and behavior change, helping people become more comfortable using AI in their day-to-day jobs. People had varied opinions on how the learning should be structured. Some preferred to complete all seven modules in one sitting, while others indicated they would prefer to “have a module a day.”
When I first thought about a bot helping me learn, I thought that may not be as effective as a person. [After doing this] I would beg to differ.