Summary
Artificial intelligence is now part of nearly every leadership conversation, yet clarity about how to use it remains elusive. Leaders are faced with competing tools, conflicting advice, and little consensus about what thoughtful adoption actually looks like in practice.
Some leaders are choosing to avoid AI altogether, while others are experimenting with it in limited, surface-level ways. Both approaches are understandable, but both are often based on an incomplete picture of what AI is capable of when applied intentionally to real leadership work.
These insights were written to clarify that gap. They explore the two most common mistakes leaders make with AI, what becomes possible when AI is used as a thinking and systems tool rather than a shortcut, and why most organizations never experience its full potential. The goal is not to advocate for adoption, but to help leaders see what is available before making decisions that carry long-term implications.
About the Author
Dr. Steve Troyer is a superintendent of schools and the founder of Willow Run Group. His work focuses on leadership clarity, systems design, and the responsible use of emerging tools in real organizational contexts.
Willow Run Group
Willow Run Group works with leaders and organizations to design systems that support clarity, sound decision making, and responsible use of AI. Our approach is grounded in understanding context before implementation, and in building intelligent systems that align with how real organizations think and operate. Learn more about the WRG AI Audit