Mark Schaff, a seasoned leader in coaching and talent development, explores the intriguing intersection of AI and leadership. He discusses how AI can help managers feel more prepared and confident in coaching, providing structure without replacing the critical human element of trust and empathy. Mark highlights the effective FUEL model that complements AI tools, ensuring coaches can still foster meaningful connections. He also tackles concerns about privacy and the importance of balancing AI assistance with personal interaction in leadership development.
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insights INSIGHT
AI Supports Unprepared Managers
Many managers struggle with coaching because they feel unprepared, not unwilling.
AI can amplify managers' natural coaching abilities and help them improve.
insights INSIGHT
Trust Remains Central in Coaching
Trust and empathy are essential and irreplaceable in coaching conversations.
AI cannot build trust but can enhance a manager's ability to develop it.
insights INSIGHT
AI as a Practice Space
AI excels at helping leaders become introspective and align coaching suggestions with their natural style.
AI offers a risk-free platform to rehearse and refine coaching language before real conversations.
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With pressure mounting on managers to coach more often and more effectively, can AI offer real help—or does it risk making coaching feel robotic? In this episode of The 90th Percentile, we talk with Mark Schaff, former Principal Learning Administrator at the Orange County Transportation Authority. Mark brings decades of coaching and leadership development experience, along with fresh insights into how AI can support (but not replace) the human side of coaching. From the power of frameworks like Zenger Folkman’s FUEL model to the risks of over-relying on automation, this conversation dives into how AI might reshape the future of feedback and development.
Key Points
AI Can Help Managers Coach More Effectively—But Not Replace Them Many managers avoid coaching because they feel unprepared, not unwilling. AI can provide structure and guidance, helping them enter coaching conversations with more clarity and confidence.
Human Trust and Empathy Are Irreplaceable in Coaching While AI can suggest language, strategies, and timing, it cannot build the trust and emotional connection that makes coaching impactful. That human element remains critical.
Frameworks Like the FUEL Model Enhance AI Integration Zenger Folkman’s FUEL model—Frame, Understand, Explore, Lay Out a Plan—works exceptionally well with AI tools because it gives structure and repeatability. AI thrives when following well-designed models.
AI Can Create a Safe Practice Space for Leaders Because AI isn’t judgmental, it gives leaders a risk-free way to rehearse tough conversations, refine language, and receive feedback—making it easier to have real discussions later with their team.
Success Depends on Organizational Readiness and Trust Before implementing AI tools for coaching, organizations must assess their coaching culture and trust levels. In high-trust environments, AI can be a valuable partner; in low-trust environments, it may be resisted or misused.
Webinar
Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and join in a conversation about their latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register here.
The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast