Last week, I asked, Are you ready to compete with AI? With powerful AI agents emerging—capable of acting independently and without human oversight—leaders must prepare. But here’s the good news: some AI agents and tools are already available to give you an edge. Let’s get specific about how to equip your team for what’s next.

1. IDENTIFY TASKS FOR AI  – As I shared, you’re now competing against AI agents, but there are also agents and tools you can leverage to stay ahead. Take Perplexity, an AI research tool providing real-time insights, or ChatGPT for task automation. AI agents like these handle data-heavy, repetitive tasks such as scheduling, data entry, and initial customer inquiries, freeing up your team for high-value, strategic work. When you delegate the routine to AI, your team can focus on impact.

2. DEVELOP A STRATEGY AND SWOT PLAN – Don’t wait. The more you delay integrating AI, the further behind you risk falling. Establish an AI committee or bring in an AI consultant or leadership coach to conduct a customized SWOT analysis that reveals where AI can strengthen your team’s capabilities—and identifies potential risks. A well-developed strategy to harness AI isn’t just a plan; it’s a competitive advantage.

3. SET ETHICAL STANDARDS – Protecting trust and transparency with AI is essential. The AI Ethics Guidelines from the U.S. National AI Initiative Office provide a strong framework. You might also consider an AI ethics consultant or leadership coach to help tailor these guidelines to your organization’s needs, ensuring your team navigates AI’s potential responsibly and with confidence.

PROACTIVE LEADERS DON’T JUST RESPOND TO CHANGE—THEY DRIVE IT. What are you doing to prepare your team to thrive in an AI-driven world?