AI is no longer just a tool; it’s part of your workforce. If you want to lead effectively in this new era of “agentic AI”—AI systems that can act independently, without constant human supervision—you’ll need to treat AI agents as teammates, not just software. That starts by rethinking how you structure and source work.

Map tasks and outcomes, not just roles. Break down each job into its individual tasks. Then, determine which of those are best handled by AI, which need human skills, and which require both. You’re no longer buying “digital labor”—you’re buying results. Start your workforce planning by defining the outcome you need, then build the right combination of people and AI to deliver it.

Understand your AI capability needs. Build a catalog of AI tools that align with your organization’s roles and needs. Some tasks—like writing, quality control, or customer support—may require entirely different AI models. This helps you choose the right tools and partners, avoiding generic solutions that don’t actually fit.

Create seamless hybrid workflows. Clearly define who (or what) owns each task. Set escalation rules, hand-off points, and responsibilities so human–AI collaboration runs smoothly. This clarity reduces confusion, builds trust, and increases performance.

Adapted from Agentic AI Is Already Changing the Workforce by Jen Stave et al.

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