The boss is going to look very different in the age of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not only set to transform jobs but also the role of managers in the workforce. While previous studies have focused on AI automating jobs and replacing human workers, experts now believe that its impact on managers will be more complex and influential than previously thought.
According to Fabian Stephany, an AI lecturer at the Oxford Internet Institute, AI’s role in the labor market is more ambiguous and goes beyond mass-scale job automation. Instead, AI is reshaping the benchmark for workplace leaders by emphasizing skills over scale. Stephany explains that AI is augmenting and automating various aspects of work, impacting tasks and skill levels.
The changes brought by AI are also aligning with evolving leadership approaches in companies. Ravin Jesuthasan, a global leader for transformation services at Mercer, a leading consulting firm, states that companies are already rewriting the rules of management, rewarding managers for different contributions. Instead of traditional measures such as team size and budget, companies are now recognizing managers for their impact on the overall success of the organization.
As AI restructures workloads and increases individual productivity, traditional leadership metrics like the number of direct reports or budget size may no longer be sufficient indicators of effective leadership, according to Nicola Morini Bianzino, EY’s global chief technology officer. He emphasizes the need to redefine the discipline of management, focusing on innovative and transformative approaches rather than simply doing things more efficiently.
The integration of AI into the workplace requires a shift in mindset and a fresh perspective on leadership. It is no longer about maintaining the status quo but rather about embracing new possibilities and pursuing different avenues for success.
In conclusion, AI is revolutionizing not only jobs but also the role of managers in the age of automation. As businesses redefine their expectations for workplace leaders, AI brings opportunities for skill augmentation and workforce automation. The criteria for effective management are changing, and companies are rewarding leaders based on their impact and ability to adapt to the AI-driven landscape. As AI continues to shape the future of work, both workers and managers must adapt and evolve to thrive in this new era.
