In todayās quick hit, Iām responding to a very interesting question I got from a friend-client on LinkedIn:
āIf AI can simulate different stakeholder perspectives, do we still need to engage them?ā
Hereās my take:
Yes, use AI for speed, but not as a substitute for relationships.
You can ask ChatGPT to pretend itās your procurement manager and offer adviceābut hereās what that misses...
AI gives you logic, but influence lives in the grey.
Stakeholder engagement isnāt just about getting facts or adviceāitās about pre-selling, building alignment, and navigating the real, messy dynamics of perception, politics, and respect.
Bring people on the journeyādonāt just show them the destination.
A huge part of change leadership is making people feel involved. AI canāt do that. You still need to read the room, have the conversation, pick up on energy shifts and tone.
š I also touch on the Benjamin Franklin Effectāthat people are more likely to support you if youāve asked them for something first. Itās a bit of psychology magic that AI canāt replicate.
š¤ Where AI is useful?
ā Roleplaying to surface objections
ā Helping you prepare
ā Sharpening your proposal
ā Making admin easier
But buy-in? Thatās still a human-to-human game.
Thanks for tuning in todayāand if this sparked any thoughts, Iād love to hear them!
Chat tomorrow š
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