Harvard Business Review LogoIntentionally incorporating AI before, during, and after meetings leads to better group outcomes, according to a new analysis. by Gabriele Rosani and Elisa FarriSeptember 7, 2026Illustration by Anna MicheloniAI adoption is accelerating, but most organizations overlook where much of their work happens: in teams. Managers routinely use AI for individual tasks, yet rarely bringAt a recent Town Hall meeting with 200 senior managers and executives from a leading energy company, we asked three simple questions.
AI Can Enhance Every Stage of Teamwork—Under Two Conditions
AI adoption is accelerating, but most organizations overlook where much of their work happens: in teams. Managers routinely use AI for individual tasks, yet rarely bring it into meetings, workshops, and other collaborative work. Research conducted with more than 300 managers across 35 organizations shows that AI can improve the full arc of teamwork. Before meetings, it can sharpen preparation and pressure-test ideas; during them, it can challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives; afterward, it can facilitate reflection and turn lessons into reusable practices. Capturing these benefits requires two conditions to be met. I ntentionality must be present as only the team leader has the agency to decide to change how the team activity is conducted. And craft provides structure in terms of the right context and prompts to bring about the best AI output.
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