AI Fluency: A Key Leadership Skill

Every era in sports and technology experiences defining shifts that change the game. Innovations like smartphones, analytics, and social media have reshaped how we work and live. Now, artificial intelligence is creating another shift. Sports executives are being asked to integrate this technology into their work, teams, and culture.

Some see AI as a spark of possibility, while others find it overwhelming. That's where AI fluency becomes essential. This isn't about code or algorithms, but about strategic, thoughtful leadership. AI fluency is becoming a necessary leadership skill.

You don't need to be a technology expert to have AI fluency. You need to know how to use AI tools to enhance your leadership. This includes recognizing where AI adds value and where human judgment is crucial. It means understanding how to prompt AI and knowing when to use your own voice. Leaders will shape the culture around AI, influencing whether it fuels curiosity or erodes original thinking. Leaders understand AI is essential, but often don't know where to start. You need a starting point.

Building AI Fluency

Here are three ways to build your fluency:

1. Sharpen Thinking with AI

AI can help when drafting a pitch or prepping slides. Its value is in clarifying your thinking. Use AI as a whiteboard to pressure-test your logic and challenge your framing.
Try this: After outlining key points, ask AI: “What assumptions am I making here?” Use the response to refine your message.

2. Empower Experimentation

Create an environment where people feel safe trying new things with AI. Enable others to use it with confidence. Encourage experimentation and responsible use. Give your team permission to learn and share best practices.
Try this: Ask each team member to bring an AI-generated idea to a meeting.

3. Strengthen Collaboration with AI

AI can change how your team works together. When used intentionally, it can surface perspectives and challenge blind spots. Think of it as a virtual strategist that brings a fresh perspective.
Try this: During a brainstorm, use an AI tool to generate different ways to approach a campaign. Share the outputs and use them as jumping-off points.

How you lead through this moment matters. Leading with curiosity and openness builds a culture that grows with the technology. Leaders who embrace fluency will set the pace. AI should be seen as an assistant coach, helping you call the plays with clarity and confidence.

Matt Dubin, Ph.D., is an organizational psychologist and the head of client partnerships at culture and leadership development firm The Venn Collective. He is the co-author of “Flow 2.0: Optimal Experience in a Complex World.”