Intentional shepherds
First posted on LinkedIn.
As AI transforms our industry and society, leaders can’t simply mandate change. We have to shepherd our people through it — intentionally, patiently, and with clarity.
If we want our teams to adapt meaningfully, leaders must be intentional shepherds.
1. Name the Fear, Frame the Growth
The fear of being replaced or left behind is real. Pretending it doesn’t exist breaks trust.
But once we surface it, we can redirect the conversation towards the new identities and new capabilities being formed.
2. Use Language that Lifts
We talk about how AI:
- augments existing capabilities with new capabilities.
- amplifies existing capabilities so that we can do more, faster, and at a higher quality.
- advances our career and life as our capabilities extend and expand.
The last point is key: AI should allow us humans to spend more time and space on the best things that make us human.
3. Coach, not Command
Leaders need to model the same curiosity we ask of our folks.
We need to walk just a little bit faster but with them. To show they are not alone, aren’t that far behind, and provide something close enough to aspire to.
Constant repetition and celebration is key. This transition won’t be easy — we have to celebrate the wins, especially the small ones.