5 Strategies for Authentic Communication in the Age of AI

Have you ever wondered why some leaders seem to effortlessly connect with their teams, even in the midst of technological upheaval? The secret might be simpler than you think: authentic communication.

As an AI researcher, I’m seeing new technologies shift the leadership landscape left and right. Tomorrow’s most effective organizations will be marked by their ability to leverage AI for their and their clients’ betterment. But even in today’s change-driven world, clear and genuine communication is one need that remains constant. And that means it isn’t just nice to have – it’s a leadership imperative. Let’s explore why this matters and how you can cultivate this skill in your organization.

The Power of Authentic Communication

As we navigate the complexities of the AI era, authentic communication will be a key differentiator for successful leaders. It humanizes our interactions in an increasingly digital world, fostering the trust and understanding necessary for organizations to thrive amidst rapid technological change. Authentic communication helps organizations in the areas of…

1. Trust Building: Clear, genuine communication builds trust between leaders, employees, and customers. This trust is crucial in navigating the complexities of AI integration.
2. Enhanced Engagement: When people understand the ‘why’ behind their work, they’re more likely to be invested in the outcome.
3. Clarity Amidst Complexity: As AI introduces new challenges, authentic communication helps cut through the noise, ensuring everyone is aligned.
4. Fostering Innovation: Open, authentic dialogue creates an environment where new ideas can flourish.

Authentic Communication in Action

Let me share a personal experience that illustrates the power of a more open, approachable style of leadership communication. During a series of outdoor walking meetings with my executive team, we had a breakthrough in how we approached customer feedback. The relaxed atmosphere allowed for more open exchange of ideas, leading to the creation of a new customer engagement program.

By using AI-powered tools to capture and summarize these informal discussions, we maintained the authenticity of the moment while still documenting key takeaways. This approach not only improved our decision-making process but also fostered a more collaborative and innovative environment within our team.

The result? We noticed a significant improvement in team morale and the quality of ideas being generated. Team members reported feeling more connected to our mission and more comfortable sharing their thoughts, which ultimately led to better solutions for our customers.

Implementing Authentic Communication

1. GROUND COMMUNICATION IN REALITY

Instead of talking about abstract concepts, use real experiences and examples. “We need to optimize our customer touchpoints,” is harder to visualize than “Let’s find ways to make our customers’ lives easier every time they interact with us.” Not only is the latter more practical, it also communicates more clearly regardless of the communication style of the listener.

2. CONNECT INDIVIDUAL ROLES TO BIG PICTURE OUTCOMES

It’s easy for the big picture to get lost in the details of team members’ daily tasks, leading to communication barriers. Encourage employees to understand how their efforts align with company objectives and enhance customer satisfaction.

3. EMBRACE INFORMAL SETTINGS

Conference rooms can be intimidating. Team members may have ideas that crumble under the pressure of speaking up in a formal setting. A change of scenery can lead to more authentic conversations. Consider holding meetings in more relaxed environments.

4. USE AI AS A COLLABORATOR, NOT A REPLACEMENT

AI can streamline tasks and unlock new ways to enhance face-to-face collaboration, rather than replace it. Incorporating AI tools enables more dynamic interactions—such as taking a walk during meetings—by handling tasks like capturing insights, organizing conversations, and identifying next steps. This frees participants to focus fully on the discussion, creating more authentic and engaging connections.

5. PRACTICE ACTIVE LISTENING

Encourage leaders at all levels to truly listen and understand before responding. John Maxwell shares that “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Those words remind us that authentic communication isn’t just about conveying information – it’s about showing genuine care and understanding for your team and customers. Attentive listening is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate that care.

The goal of authentic communication isn’t just to convey information, but to connect, inspire, and align your team around a shared vision. By grounding your communication in real experiences and leveraging AI to enhance rather than replace human interaction, you can create a more engaged, innovative, and resilient organization.

Your Challenge

How can you make your messages more authentic and relatable? What steps can you take to encourage more open, genuine dialogue within your team?

This week, try holding one of your regular meetings in a different, more relaxed setting. Pay attention to how the change of environment affects the authenticity and creativity of the conversation. You might be surprised at the innovative ideas that emerge when people feel truly cared for and understood.

Come develop your communication skills and learn to better connect with your team from one of the world’s foremost leadership experts!

Who you learn from matters. On November 6th at 3:30 PM ET, John Maxwell is doing a free, live call for leaders looking to grow personally and professionally. We invite you to join us for one hour of teaching and Q&A that will pay dividends to your leadership for years to come! Click here to join.

About the author

Daniel Englebretson is an AI researcher, innovator, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder and CEO of Elynox, the co-founder and managing partner of ShiftHX, and an adjunct professor of artificial intelligence and communications at Wake Forest University and Elon University. Daniel is committed to empowering and enabling others with the skills and mindset shifts required to create opportunities to collaborate more effectively with AI.