5 Compassionate Moves Leaders Can Make Now to Prepare for AI Change

Matthew Jones
Jun 6
4 min read

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept; it's rapidly reshaping workplaces across New Zealand and globally. This transformation brings immense opportunities for productivity and economic growth, but it's also naturally stirring up feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and even fear among many employees about what the future holds for their jobs. As leaders, navigating this period demands more than just implementing new technology; it requires a deliberate, compassionate, and people-first approach.

Theres a crucial paradox at play here: while New Zealand workers are showing remarkable willingness to adopt AI in their daily tasks, with 91% already using generative AI and nearly half using it regularly. a significant number still express fear of job losses (65%) and nearly half lack confidence in using AI tools effectively. This emotional landscape is just as critical as the technological one. It’s our responsibility as leaders to bridge this gap, not just with tools and training, but with empathy, transparency, and proactive guidance.

Here are five actionable moves you can start implementing today to help your team feel more secure, prepared, and empowered to thrive alongside AI.

1. Openly Communicate and Address Fears with Empathy

Fear of job displacement is a genuine and growing concern. While AI in New Zealand’s private sector is currently more focused on augmenting human capabilities than replacing jobs outright, there's a noticeable trend toward reduced hiring as AI-driven efficiencies take hold. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the recent public sector redundancies may be influenced by expectations of future AI disruption — a topic we’ll explore in more depth in a future post.

This shift can still feel like a threat. Leaders must foster a high degree of transparency about how AI is being explored or implemented within the organisation.

Instead of avoiding the topic, initiate open and honest conversations about AI's potential impact. Share what the company is learning and planning. Actively involve employees in the discussion and listen to their concerns. Emphasise that the goal is often to augment roles, freeing up time from repetitive tasks for higher-value work. Building trust around AI implementation is crucial, and this starts with open dialogue and addressing anxieties directly.

2. Prioritise and Invest in Accessible Upskilling and Reskilling

The phrase "AI won't replace you, but someone who knows how to work with AI will" resonates strongly in the current climate. Employees know this, with 87% believing that developing generative AI skills is necessary for career success. They are increasingly looking to their employers for guidance and training.

Make continuous learning a core part of your team's development. Identify the skills needed for an AI-augmented future, focusing on both technical interaction with AI tools (like prompt engineering and critically evaluating AI outputs) and distinctly human skills (critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence). Support AI training for your staff. Consider allocating a dedicated portion of any AI implementation budget towards staff development, sources suggest 15-20%. Offer practical, accessible training pathways, whether through internal programs, external courses, or micro-credentials. Actively work to bridge the skills confidence gap by providing confidence-building initiatives.

3. Guide Your Team in Leveraging AI for Augmentation

AI's power in the workplace currently lies largely in enhancing efficiency. Workers report increased efficiency due to AI, and it could potentially free up significant hours annually per worker by automating routine tasks. This time can then be strategically reinvested in more complex, strategic, or creative work.

Help your team identify specific tasks where AI tools can automate the mundane, allowing them to focus on higher-value contributions. Encourage them to view AI as a collaborative partner. Demonstrate how AI can enhance their specific roles and workflows. This involves practical guidance on how to integrate AI tools effectively and ethically into their daily work routines. By proactively showing how AI makes their jobs more interesting and impactful, you shift the narrative from fear to empowerment.

4. Cultivate an Adaptive Mindset and Resilience

Beyond specific skills, the ability to adapt is paramount. The pace of technological change is rapid, and fostering resilience is key to navigating future disruptions. This involves a fundamental shift in perspective to view AI not as an existential threat, but as an enhancement.

Leaders can help by promoting a culture of curiosity and openness towards integrating AI into daily routines. Encourage experimentation and learning from both successes and challenges. Frame change as an opportunity for growth and reinvention. Recognise and address the psychological impact of change; a "people-first" approach prioritises human well-being throughout this transition. Support for resilience might include access to resources that help staff cope with anxiety and navigate career uncertainty.

5. Develop and Communicate a Clear, Ethical AI Adoption Strategy

Implementing AI without clear guidelines can lead to significant risks, including data breaches and misuse. Furthermore, employees need to trust that AI is being used responsibly and ethically within the organisation.

Develop clear internal policies and guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of AI. Engage with relevant frameworks, such as those focused on transparency, fairness, and accountability. Ensure transparency about how AI decisions are made and what data is used, particularly in areas that impact employees or customers. Educate employees on safe and ethical AI practices, including how to spot misinformation or avoid feeding sensitive data into public models. A robust ethical framework builds trust with your team and demonstrates a commitment to using AI for good.

Conclusion

Navigating the AI future requires proactive leadership that focuses just as much on people as it does on technology. By fostering open communication, investing in skills, promoting augmentation, cultivating adaptability, and adopting ethical frameworks, you can empower your team to face the AI tides with confidence and turn potential disruption into an opportunity for shared growth and success. The time to act is now.

OU8 can help you here with steps 2 , 3 and 5.

Step 2 - We can help with training. Step 3 - We can help your staff identify AI opportunities and Step 5 - We can help you develop policies and standards.

We help organisations harness the power of AI for Modern Workplace securely, effectively, and responsibly