Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made it possible for a single person to perform tasks that, until recently, required entire teams. Today, a marketing professional can create campaigns, analyze data, and produce content on a large scale. Similarly, a product manager can develop prototypes, conduct tests, and refine solutions without constantly relying on engineering teams.
According to the Fast Company Brasil website, many companies seeking to adapt to the AI era are conducting experiments in various areas. Some organizations are using AI agents to test strategies, support essential functions such as finance and operations, and even act as nearly autonomous development teams.
Still, experts believe that teamwork is here to stay. AI will certainly transform it, but not eliminate it, as the collaboration model is expected to change in three fundamental ways.
1. The composition of teams will change
Teams tend to become smaller and, possibly, more agile, as each professional will be able to perform more tasks independently. In addition, teams will come to include both human and non-human members, making interaction with AI systems part of the daily work routine. In this context, it will no longer be enough for only a few people to be proficient in these tools. Knowledge of AI should become a core competency for the entire team. It will be necessary to establish common standards and understandings regarding emerging issues, such as:
- When to trust AI and when to rely on human judgment;
- Understanding the balance between speed and quality, efficiency and accuracy;
- Distinguishing low-value tasks from strategic activities;
- Critically evaluating the results produced by AI and combining them with human expertise.
2. The focus of teams will also change
Currently, many teams devote a large portion of their time to logistical tasks, including analysis, reporting, and coordination across departments. This type of work may become increasingly less relevant, as AI can perform it more quickly and efficiently. In the age of Artificial Intelligence, human collaboration should focus on higher-value activities capable of creating new opportunities for organizations.
As transactional collaboration declines, relational collaboration becomes more important. Therefore, leaders should invest in building trust among team members by fostering interactions that are less frequent but more meaningful. Whenever possible, it will be important to prioritize in-person interactions and create space for the exchange of ideas. Psychological safety will remain important, but it will also be necessary to encourage so-called intellectual friction. The goal will not be to achieve permanent harmony, but to stimulate productive conflicts that contribute to better decisions.
3. The role of leaders will also change
Leaders in the AI era will need to change the way they guide their teams, based on three fundamental pillars:
- Intentional focus on high-value activities: With AI taking on a large portion of analytical and operational tasks, leaders will need to reorganize teams around human judgment rather than merely task execution. The focus should be on problem definition, complex decision-making, and aligning strategic priorities;
- From a source of answers to an orchestrator of talent and technology: Leaders must begin to see themselves as architects of collaboration between people and machines. This involves clearly defining the roles of AI and human employees, establishing responsibilities, and ensuring accountability. It will also be essential to resist the temptation to delegate critical decisions to AI when the stakes are high. Critical thinking and human judgment will remain non-transferable responsibilities of leadership;
- Measuring what really matters: In many organizations, performance is still evaluated based on visible activity rather than the quality of thinking or decisions. In an environment increasingly supported by AI, this approach can become a problem. However, leaders must adopt new metrics, valuing the quality of decisions, the speed of learning, and sustainable long-term results, rather than focusing solely on immediate productivity gains.
Traditional teamwork based on information processing and operational coordination is gradually losing relevance. However, a new model of collaboration, supported by Artificial Intelligence and enriched by human talent, creativity, and judgment, may prove more important than ever.
