AI for Leadership: New Survey Signals a Cultural Shift SAP Is Ready to Lead
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Key Takeaways
A Google study shows that 82% of professionals are already using AI at work, with 88% willing to use it to overcome task paralysis and enhance managerial skills.
SAP emphasizes AI as a strategic enabler for leadership, focusing on building AI-literate leaders to enhance emotional intelligence, support team dynamics, and foster inclusive leadership practices.
The introduction of SAP's AI Leader Foundation Program and other training initiatives illustrates a commitment to integrating AI into leadership development, encouraging a shift towards an 'AI-first' mindset in organizational training.
A recent Google Workspace-commissioned study has started a discussion about the changing relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and leadership in the workplace. The research, conducted by The Harris Poll, found that 82% of surveyed professionals are already using AI at work. Even more striking, 88% said they would use AI to overcome task paralysis, with 86% seeing it as a way to improve managerial skills.
The study points to a rising demand for AI-powered solutions that enhance business leadership. Nearly all respondents (98%) expect AI to impact their industry significantly in the next five years. This aligns with SAP’s own vision: AI as a co-pilot for leaders navigating hybrid work, cross-cultural collaboration, and increasingly complex digital environments.
AI as a Catalyst for Collaborative Leadership
SAP has long viewed AI not just as a technology solution, but as a strategic enabler for modern leadership. Markus Marsch, Global Head of Product and Solution Learning at SAP, said, “AI won’t replace human learning; it will enhance it, but only if we apply it with purpose. As leaders, we must measure success not just in speed, but in sustained capability.”
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SAP’s approach demonstrates how AI can enhance emotional intelligence, improve team dynamics, and provide actionable insights for leaders. Rather than replacing human decision-making, AI offers tailored guidance and contextual support that can potentially lessen cognitive load while fostering inclusive leadership practices.
This is especially relevant for global leaders managing cultural nuances and decentralized teams. AI tools can identify potential collaboration friction points, suggest inclusive communication styles, and provide real-time data that informs strategic decisions. In this model, AI becomes a true partner in achieving leadership excellence.
Building AI-Literate Leaders at SAP
To support this shift, SAP has introduced a range of AI education initiatives aimed at all employee groups, especially leadership roles. The AI Leader Foundation Program, launched in June 2025, encourages an “AI-first” mindset among SAP executives. It complements SAP’s broader training offerings, which include modules on strategic AI implementation, ethical considerations, and AI-assisted decision-making.
“At SAP, we are empowering aspiring leaders with AI training, equipping them to lead with confidence and mentor their teams effectively,” said Andre Bechtold, President, SAP Industries and Experience.  “This approach demonstrates AI’s potential to drive cultural transformation, inspire collaboration, and strengthen leadership at all levels. Ultimately, AI is not just a tool for efficiency but a catalyst for collaborative innovation in leadership development.”
What This Means for SAPinsiders
AI is quickly becoming crucial for leadership development. The Google survey indicates a wider trend toward AI-powered leadership, and SAP is adjusting its internal training and external offerings accordingly. SAP’s customers should anticipate increased pressure to integrate AI into their training efforts. For IT and HR teams, this might mean rethinking how leadership potential is evaluated, nurtured, and measured.
AI-driven decision support tools will influence SAP platform integrations. Leadership-oriented AI applications, like intelligent assistants, will need to be incorporated across SAP solutions. This includes SAP SuccessFactors for performance reviews, SAP Analytics Cloud for scenario planning, and SAP Build Work Zone for personalized, role-based access. Companies that pilot these use cases now will gain early operational and cultural advantages.
SAP learning programs provide a blueprint for scalable AI upskilling. With the introduction of the AI Leader Foundation Program and related ethics and strategy courses, SAP has created a model that other companies can adapt. These initiatives promote a consistent, values-driven approach to AI adoption. Investing in structured AI training for leadership roles sends a clear message about readiness and resilience. The sooner AI-literate leadership develops, the more adaptable and future-ready the organization becomes.
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