Executives pivot to AI‑driven, human‑centric leadership models

A new Boston Consulting Group (BCG) survey finds that three‑quarters of senior executives worldwide now see themselves as active decision‑makers in artificial‑intelligence (AI) initiatives, and 90 % plan to increase AI investment. The study warns that successful digital transformation depends less on strategy alone and more on how leaders and employees think, feel, and behave during change.

Respondents stress that leadership must shift from task‑focused management—where AI automates routine work—to managing human energy and fostering self‑leadership. Soft‑skill development, such as self‑awareness, empathy, psychological resilience, critical and strategic thinking, and coaching abilities, is linked to better AI adoption outcomes. Companies that invest in these capabilities outperform those that rely solely on technology.

In Slovenia, the prevailing directive style is still dominant, with limited use of coaching and delegating approaches, which the report identifies as the most effective for employee engagement and autonomy. The authors conclude that future leaders will need to blend data‑driven decision‑making with empathetic, adaptable leadership to navigate AI‑related uncertainty.