At year-end, operational efficiency isn’t just about streamlining processes. It’s about understanding the emotional state of your workforce. When people feel energized, supported, and connected to their work, they perform at a higher level. The question leaders should be asking is simple: How will you make our people feel? It may be the most important performance driver of the entire year.

At its core, learning is what makes us human. It’s how we’ve evolved, adapted, and overcome challenges throughout history. It’s what enables us to dream, to innovate, and to connect with one another in meaningful ways. The act of learning—whether it’s mastering a new skill, exploring a fresh perspective, or finding a creative solution—reminds us of our shared humanity. It reminds us that growth is always possible, no matter where we start. Think about the breakthroughs that have shaped our world: the discovery of penicillin, the creation of the internet, the first steps on the moon. Each of these achievements began with learning—someone willing to ask questions, take risks, and push beyond the limits of what was known.

AI excels at logic, efficiency, and pattern recognition. But when it comes to nuance, cultural awareness, and contextual understanding, humans reign supreme. Human-centered leadership prioritizes these uniquely human strengths, ensuring that decisions and actions are informed by ethics, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the gray areas.

The bottom line? AI can crunch the numbers, but it’s humans who bring those numbers to life. It’s humans who can ask: Does this data align with our values? What’s the impact on our people? What story are we trying to tell?

Remember: People follow people, not algorithms.

Bad training sends a message that growth is secondary to process—and that’s a dangerous signal for any organization. In contrast, transformative training programs show employees that their development is a priority, and they create lasting value for the business.

For instance, Siemens, a global leader in technology and engineering, faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in maintaining its commitment to employee development. By swiftly shifting to digital learning platforms, Siemens not only maintained but enhanced its learning and development programs, making learning more accessible and personalized for employees globally. This strategic pivot resulted in improved engagement and productivity across the organization.

When training connects with learners on a personal and practical level, it drives not just skills but loyalty, engagement, and innovation.

As technology advances and uncertainty grows, businesses are realizing that the future relies on power skills—human abilities like collaboration and emotional intelligence that AI can’t replace. While many are already focusing on these, it’s time to consider three overlooked skills that could take your team from good to great.