It has gradually become a trend for leaders to discuss and support artificial intelligence (AI), but existing research mainly focuses on exploring the impact of employee interactions with AI technology, neglecting the key role of leadership in this context. Based on the theory of social information processing, this paper reveals the impact mechanism and boundary conditions of AI symbolization on leadership effectiveness. Findings from a scenario experiment and a multi-wave survey indicate that AI symbolization in leadership promotes leadership effectiveness by increasing employees’ perception of leaders’ readiness to change; and this effect is further enhanced when employees exhibit higher task interdependence with AI technology. This paper supplements relevant literature on AI symbolization and leadership effectiveness, providing practical guidance for leadership styles in the era of new technologies.