Helping leaders build more effective teams in the age of AI
Sheila Simsarian Webber, PhD
I’m a Professor of Management at Suffolk University in Boston, where I focus on teamwork, leadership, trust, and the application of artificial intelligence in organizations. I earned my PhD from George Mason University.
My research, consulting, and teaching center on how teams work and how AI can strengthen rather than replace human collaboration. I study the application of AI to improve human-to-human relationships in teams and organizations. I consult with organizations on leadership development and leveraging AI for large-scale change and integrating AI as a teammate to improve efficiency and performance.
Evidence-based consulting and research on team effectiveness, trust, leadership, and using AI to improve human collaboration.
Research & Practice Articles
For a full list of articles see: Google Scholar Article Link, or visit Research
Team challenges: Is artificial intelligence the solution? SS Webber, J Detjen, TL MacLean, D Thomas Business Horizons
AI offers a promising new way to improve teamwork in organizations, but its use in team contexts remains underdeveloped. This article examines how AI can support team diagnostics and interventions, representing a shift from traditional approaches to building team effectiveness. Drawing on our experience using AI with business school student project teams, we identify key advantages, limitations, and considerations for adopting AI to strengthen teamwork in the workplace.
Paradox of artificial intelligence as teammate SS Webber Organizational Dynamics
AI is quickly becoming part of the team itself, not just a tool teams use. As platforms like Zoom AI Companion generate real-time data on meetings and collaboration, organizations have a new opportunity to improve teamwork instantly. But this creates a paradox: the same AI that can strengthen coordination and performance may also disrupt trust, psychological safety, and authentic team dynamics. This article explores that tension and offers strategies for using embedded AI to improve teamwork without weakening the human foundations that make teams effective.
Editorial Board Member for Organizational Dynamics journal
OpenAI Academy Video Demonstration:
Use ChatGPT to analyze team meeting notes and identify team strengths and areas for improvement as well as provide specific action steps to improve team dynamics.
Featured on The On-Ramp Suffolk University Discussing AI as a Team Member
Panelist on “Strategy, Talent, and AI: What Leaders Need to Get Right”
Offered valuable insights into the strategic and organizational implications of artificial intelligence, with particular emphasis on leadership, talent development, and workforce transformation.
Trusty Teammate
Try out our trusty teammate to get ideas to improve your team.
This is an experimental AI tool and not guaranteed to be correct. Try it out. We are not responsible for the outcomes.
Leader Prompt App
Use our Leader Prompt App to get personalized prompts for your most difficult leadership situations
This is an experimental AI tool and not guaranteed to be correct. Try it out. We are not responsible for the outcomes.
Team Charter App
Use our Team Charter App to start your teamwork. Charters are known to be a great way to kick off a team project.
This is an experimental AI tool and not guaranteed to be correct. Try it out. We are not responsible for the outcomes.
Team Compass for Leaders App
Use our Team Compass App to lead your team effectively in different stages. Based on published research by Sheila Webber.
This is an experimental AI tool and not guaranteed to be correct. Try it out. We are not responsible for the outcomes.