What Are the 3 Main Types of AI That Leaders Should Be Aware Of?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer something reserved for tech departments. It’s here, it’s growing fast, and it’s already embedded in many aspects of how businesses operate. For leaders, managers, supervisors and decision-makers, understanding AI isn’t just “nice to have”.
See our previous two blog posts that explores:
But before diving into how AI can drive strategy, streamline operations, or enhance customer experience, it’s worth taking a step back and understanding the types of AI that exist today. Not all AI is created equal, and different types of AI serve different purposes.
Let’s explore the three main types of AI that every leader should be familiar with:
1. Narrow AI (Also Known as Weak AI)
The AI you’re already using and possibly without even realising it.
Narrow AI refers to systems that are designed and trained to perform a specific task. These tools are highly effective in their given area, but they don’t “think” beyond their programming. Think of it as a specialist – very good at one thing, but not able to switch contexts or apply knowledge outside its domain.
Examples:
- Chatbots that answer customer queries.
- Recommendation engines (like Netflix or Amazon).
- AI in email filters (e.g., spam detection).
- Predictive text tools (like Grammarly or Gmail’s Smart Compose).
- Fraud detection systems in banking apps.
Why leaders should care:
Narrow AI is the most accessible and widely implemented type of AI and it’s already being used in HR, finance, marketing, logistics, and sales. Leaders should know how to spot opportunities to use narrow AI to streamline operations, reduce admin burden, and enhance decision-making in specific departments.
2. General AI (Also Known as Strong AI)
The goal we’re not quite at yet but one that’s shaping the future.
General AI refers to machines that can perform any intellectual task that a human can. Unlike Narrow AI, General AI would be able to apply knowledge across contexts, learn from experience, and solve unfamiliar problems without being explicitly programmed.
At this moment, General AI is mostly theoretical though rapid advances (like large language models and autonomous systems) are getting us closer. While tools like ChatGPT may feel like General AI, they’re technically still advanced forms of Narrow AI. True General AI would require human-like reasoning, creativity, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.
Why leaders should care:
Even though General AI isn’t mainstream yet, it’s important to stay informed. The technology is progressing rapidly, and when General AI does become viable, it will redefine entire industries. Leaders who keep an eye on these developments will be better positioned to adapt and guide their organisations through transformative change.
3. Superintelligent AI
Not here yet and potentially the most disruptive once it is.
Superintelligent AI goes beyond human intelligence. It’s hypothetical for now, but it’s the type of AI that would outperform humans not just at specific tasks, but in virtually every cognitive field. Logic, strategy, emotion, and even creativity.
This is the version of AI that raises big philosophical and ethical questions. What happens when machines can improve themselves without human input? How do we ensure AI alignment with human values? These are questions that researchers and policymakers are beginning to wrestle with.
Why leaders should care:
While Superintelligent AI is not in play today, conversations around its development shape AI ethics, regulation, and public trust. As a leader, being aware of these debates can help you think more strategically about long-term innovation, risk management, and responsible AI adoption.
It also helps you ask the right questions when evaluating AI vendors or tools: “Is this system transparent, fair, and accountable?”
Practical Awareness Leads to Smarter Adoption
You don’t need a computer science degree to understand AI, but as a leader, you do need to understand how AI can fit into your business strategy.
- Narrow AI is your low-hanging fruit – it’s practical, available, and can start delivering value immediately.
- General AI is the horizon – be ready for it, watch how it evolves, and consider how it might shift your industry.
- Superintelligent AI is the distant future – worth monitoring, especially from a policy, ethics, and innovation standpoint.
The more aware you are of these types of AI, the better equipped you’ll be to lead confidently through the digital age – not just reacting to change, but driving it.
At Leverage Leadership we pride ourselves on being agile to change and have therefore started implementing modules into our course material to educate and prepare tomorrow’s leader for the rise of AI in business.
Contact us to discuss how we can prepare your leaders, managers and supervisors for the future.
FUN FACT!
The featured image used in this blog was created using Image Playground on MacOS using the title of this article to render the image.
