AI is reshaping workplaces faster than we can say “digital transformation.” The demands for agility, innovation, and new ways of working are higher than ever. If that feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—even CEOs are feeling the heat. According to the IBM 2024 CEO Study, 62% of CEOs believe they need to rewrite their playbooks, and 61% are pushing GenAI adoption faster than their teams can comfortably keep up.

Managers, long the glue holding organizations together, now face an evolving role. Traditionally, they’ve been focused on developing talent, boosting engagement, and driving performance. But in a workplace where AI is automating tasks, their roles are shifting.

Some companies are testing pretty radical approaches - from automating workflows to flattening hierarchies, with an extreme idea of AI bosses. But here’s the reality: AI won’t replace managers anytime soon. The real question is, how can managers thrive in this new era of endless possibilities?

What Organizations Might Be Getting Wrong

Focusing Too Much on Tech, Not Enough on People

Tech is exciting—we get it. But too many organizations are chasing AI adoption without stopping to think about the human impact. Managers are often left fumbling for answers, asking, “Where do I fit in this new AI-powered puzzle?”

Clinging to Outdated Managerial Expectations

The old-school manager who tracks hours and oversees tasks is becoming a relic. Instead, today’s employees want freedom to experiment. A whopping 80% of AI users bring their own AI to work (hello, BYOAI!), according to the 2024 Work Trend Index. That’s great news for innovation but a head-scratcher for managers trying to balance team autonomy with shared goals all the while managing risks.

Forgetting the Manager’s Experience

Let’s face it–being a manager today can feel overwhelming. Hybrid teams, AI-driven workflows, rising burnout—it’s a lot. While we talk endlessly about “employee experience,” managers often get left out of the conversation, despite their critical role in driving employee engagement, alignment, and culture. Organizations need to refine their listening strategies to more deeply understand managers’ pain points—because without insight into their challenges, it’s hard to know how to help.

How Organizations Can Support Managers in Evolving Their Roles

Clarify What Success Looks Like

Managers have been asked to be player-coach for a while now. Now, they are increasingly moving from taskmasters to strategic leaders. That’s a big shift! Organizations need to clearly define what great management looks like in an AI-enabled world. Is it about building team resilience? Knowing how to use that new dashboard? Whatever it is, spell it out and ready to provide support managers as they rise to the challenge.

Understand What Managers Need (Hint: It’s Not Just Another Tool)

Managers are human, too. Organizations need to ask: “What do managers need to thrive?” It could be better development experiences, fewer meetings, or even just permission to say, “I don’t have all the answers.” Listening deeply to managers—and acting on what you hear—is key to building a culture of trust and empowerment

Give Them the Right Tools (and Teach Them too!)

AI can be a game-changer if managers know how to wield it. Imagine dashboards that flag potential burnout or attrition before it happens or tools that make feedback fast and painless. But don’t just hand over the tech and call it a day—equip managers with the skills and confidence to integrate AI into their leadership toolbox.

Managers as Change Agents in the AI Era

The best managers won’t just survive this major shift in how we work and lead—they’ll thrive by embracing their new roles as facilitators, problem-solvers, and culture builders. But they can’t do it alone. Organizations must step up with clear expectations, real support, and tools that actually help.

AI isn’t here to replace managers; it’s here to help them shine. And when managers are set up to succeed, they can lead teams that innovate, perform, and actually enjoy the ride.

(cover page photo by The Jopwell Collection on Unsplash)

No, AI Isn’t Your New Boss, but it’s changing the game