Leading Smarter Not Harder: Ethical Ways to Use AI
Jun 20, 2025
If I told you I could help you save 10 or more hours a week, would you want to learn how?
One simple tool can help you do it and sharpen your leadership impact at the same time. You might already be using it. My friend David from California got me hooked on it over a year ago. I’m talking about artificial intelligence (AI).
Before you roll your eyes or think, “That’s for tech companies,” hear me out. Leaders in every industry from healthcare to nonprofits are discovering how to ethically use AI to lead more efficiently and strategically. The key word here is ethically.
Let’s unpack how, with four real-world examples that I use almost EVERY WEEK. I’ll give you the estimated time saved, and a little advice from trusted sources.
Decision-Making with Better Data—Faster
AI isn’t here to make decisions for you, but it can gather and organize information at lightning speed. Think of it as your leadership research assistant. Who doesn’t need a FREE assistant?
Example: Suppose you're preparing for a board presentation and want a competitive landscape overview. Instead of Googling for an hour, AI tools like ChatGPT can provide summaries of trends, risks, and market insights in minutes.
My Estimated time saved: 2–4 hours per week
Ethical Tip: Always verify AI-provided data. As Harvard Business Review reminds us, “AI can mislead if data sources are biased or incomplete. Human oversight is non-negotiable.”
Writing with Ease—Without Losing Your Voice
From newsletters to performance reviews, to grants and annual reports, leaders spend a surprising amount of time writing. While I love to write, I need to save time. AI helps me draft clear, professional copy so I can focus on strategy. It even helps me with my outlines for my weekly blog to YOU.
I’m always finding new ways to use it. This week I used it to create and write an 11-part promotional campaign that I’m completely in love with. I’ll be releasing it on social media soon. Let me know what you think of it. I also used it to write two documentary synopses for a major donor fundraising ask as well as a recommendation letter for a beloved consultant.
Example: You can feed ChatGPT a few bullet points and ask it to draft an internal memo or social media post. You still edit it for tone and accuracy, but the heavy lifting is done.
My Estimated time saved: 3–6 hours per week
Ethical Tip: Be transparent. If you're using AI-generated content, let your team or audience know. As Microsoft’s Chief Responsible AI Officer Natasha Crampton says, “Trust in AI requires clarity about how it's used.”
Coaching and Development—AI as a Conversation Starter
This one’s a biggie for me. Leadership is about developing people. AI can help generate coaching questions, performance feedback prompts, or even simulate difficult conversations so you can prepare with confidence.
Example: Before a 1:1 with a struggling team member, I ask AI for constructive feedback phrases or conflict resolution strategies.
My Estimated time saved: 1–2 hours per week
Ethical Tip: Never outsource empathy. AI can help frame the message, but human connection must lead the way.
Creating Inclusive Content
AI can help flag bias in language and suggest inclusive alternatives. Tools like Grammarly’s Bias Detector or GPT-4’s style checkers can catch unintended wording that may alienate parts of your audience.
My Estimated time saved: 1–2 hours per week (plus the reputational benefit of more thoughtful messaging)
Ethical Tip: Inclusion isn't just about checking boxes. Use AI to support your equity goals, not shortcut them.
AI isn't the enemy of ethical leadership—it’s a tool. Like any tool, it depends on the hand that wields it. Used with intention and integrity, it can help you lead more efficiently while keeping your values front and center.
My Cumulative time saved: 7–14 hours per week
That’s about one full workday back in my schedule to focus on relationships and vision. Could you use an extra day to get your work done without taking over your weekends?
As leaders, we've got to always ask: Just because we can, should we? With AI, the answer is yes—when it’s used ethically, transparently, and with purpose.