Hybrid support: GenAI at the service of personalized learning

The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is beginning to transform how learning and professional development unfold. While still in the early stages for many, this technology offers the opportunity to innovate and augment traditional methods, paving the way for hybrid support that blends the strengths of both human and AI-driven approaches.

This model combines the efficiency of AI with the richness of human interaction, establishing new dynamics of human-machine collaboration. In coaching, talent management, and training, GenAI holds considerable potential to enhance learning experiences, streamline processes, and create personalized learning paths, addressing the evolving needs of learners in both professional and lifelong contexts.

Current leaders, faced with technological challenges, can leverage this AI to improve their practices and optimize corporate governance, as highlighted in the article AI Leadership and the Future of Corporate Governance by F. Torre, R. Teigland, and L. Engstam.

Personalizing coaching with GenAI

GenAI positions itself as a tool that enables the customization of coaching sessions to meet individual client needs. When a coach seeks to align their guidance with a client’s objectives and learning style, GenAI provides tailored analyses and recommendations. It identifies key themes, suggests reflective exercises, and guides clients to relevant resources such as articles or videos that deepen skill development. However, it's crucial to note that achieving such tailored support requires careful upskilling of leadership, HR, and talent managers, who may need more specialized training to harness GenAI's capabilities effectively.

According to the study Leadership in an Artificial Intelligence Era by T. Titareva, this personalization is central for today's leaders, who must not only anticipate the needs of their collaborators but also optimize the tools to support them effectively. GenAI thus allows for a more targeted approach, helping coaches adapt their interventions to the specificities of each individual.

Optimizing talent management in companies

Within the HR landscape, GenAI acts as a valuable ally for detecting training needs and spotting emerging talent within teams. It streamlines the analysis of evaluations, manager feedback, and current skill sets to suggest relevant development pathways. For example, it can recommend specific training programs or identify in-house experts suitable for mentorship roles. Importantly, leaders need to be aware that leveraging GenAI for proactive and personalized talent management doesn’t happen automatically; it calls for a paradigm shift and the careful development of new skills among HR and leadership professionals.

As outlined in the publication by S.R. Qwaider et al, Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Effective Leadership:Opportunities and Challenges, it is important for leaders to be aware that harnessing GenAI for proactive, personalized talent management does not happen automatically; it requires a paradigm shift and the careful development of new skills among HR and leadership professionals.

Combining in-person and digital for continuous support

Professionals in coaching, mentoring, and training are increasingly adopting hybrid approaches that blend face-to-face workshops with personalized digital follow-ups. GenAI plays a key role in extending learning beyond live interactions by providing tailored follow-up recommendations, such as practical exercises, interactive materials, and multimedia content to promote ongoing self-directed learning. 

The book The AI-Savvy Leader: Nine Ways to Take Back Control and Make AI Work by D. De Cremer emphasizes this approach, suggesting that leaders should integrate AI as an extension of human interaction, enhancing rather than replacing it. This requires thoughtful crafting of a new human-machine relationship where humans remain in control or involved in the decision-making loop.

Keys to integrating GenAI into hybrid support

To fully harness the potential of GenAI in professional support, several guiding principles must be adhered to:

• Clarify learning objectives: Define the goals before implementing GenAI, whether to personalize coaching sessions, highlight core competencies, or foster continuous learning.
• Complement, don’t replace: Use GenAI to enhance professional work rather than replace it. Human oversight ensures that AI biases do not dominate outcomes.
• Engage participants: Transparency about how AI contributes to learning bolsters trust and participation.
• Stay adaptable: Adjust AI-driven recommendations based on individual feedback to maintain learner agency and co-create personalized experiences.
• Scaffold co-creation: Building a framework for co-agency with AI is crucial, requiring the development of specific skills for both leaders and learners.

Strengths and limits of hybrid learning with GenAI

The hybrid approach, merging in-person and digital support, unites the depth of human connection with AI-driven efficiency. While this combination offers adaptability and personalization, it must be managed carefully to avoid over-reliance that diminishes the human aspect of learning. 

However, as highlighted in the How AI Can Make Us Better Leaders article from Harvard Business Review, technology should be used wisely to avoid excessive dependence that could dilute the human aspect of the interactions and personalized support that a leader or manager offers his or her teams or colleagues.

Strategic integration ensures that AI supports rather than overshadows human interaction, emphasizing skill development and reinforcing learning.

Towards balanced and effective hybrid learning

The integration of GenAI in professional support practices holds promise for more dynamic and tailored learning experiences. However, striking a balance between technological input and human interaction is essential to ensure that AI enhances without diminishing the quality of exchanges. By cultivating this balance and skillfully leveraging GenAI, leaders can guide enriched learning paths that align with the unique needs of individuals while remaining central to the growth and development process.

Authors: Carla Aerts Esteban Martinez-Querol