Why IT Leaders Should Not Lead With No, With Bret Henning (#446 33:42)
You've Been Heard, Thursday, August 20th, 2026
Saying no to unsanctioned tools drives shadow AI; listening first and offering alternatives works better.
Bret Henning argues that IT leaders who reject unauthorized tools outright push employees toward shadow AI rather than stopping it.
He advocates listening to employee needs first, understanding their underlying challenges, then offering approved alternatives that meet the same needs.
Building trust through empathy, hiring people with customer service backgrounds, and respecting others' expertise form the foundation of effective IT leadership and vendor relationships.