185: AI Isn’t the Solution Unless You Know the Problem First

Too many leaders are jumping into AI hoping it’ll fix their workflows—but without clarity on what needs fixing, it might just make things worse.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to identify the real problems AI should solve in your team.
• The biggest AI misuse traps managers fall into.
• A decision-making framework for evaluating automation tools.
• When AI helps—and when human leadership is irreplaceable.

In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin breaks down a critical leadership skill for the AI era: discernment. With businesses rushing to adopt automation, Lia explains why understanding the specific problems you’re solving is the only way to ensure AI helps instead of hinders.

You’ll hear real client examples where confusion, fear, and inefficiency followed blind AI adoption—and how clarity of purpose turned things around. Lia outlines top use cases for automation (like data aggregation and information flow), while reminding managers that people-centric problems—like communication gaps and turnover—still need human solutions.

This is a must-listen for new and seasoned managers who want to lead with intention, empower their teams, and use AI as a tool—not a crutch.

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WORK WITH LIA:

How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?

I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available!

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https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/

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Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.
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I help teams build clarity, accountability, and momentum through practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing easier.

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