Opinion: Will AI do to managers what video did to the radio star?

Management, often viewed as the backbone of any organisation, is undergoing a transformation.

As AI becomes more integrated into our work environments, the nature of managerial roles is shifting to accommodate these changes. But what does this mean for the managers of the future? Is it the end of the world as they know it?

Hybrid work

The business ecosystem is heading towards a future where humans and AI cohabit in the workspace. This isn’t merely about task allocation but about the synthesis of human creativity and machine efficiency. Managers will be at the helm of this confluence, ensuring that human workers are complemented, not replaced, by AI.

They’ll play pivotal roles in integrating AI tools with human teams, creating workflows that maximise the strengths of both. This won't just be a task of understanding software or algorithms but also discerning human emotions, aspirations, and potential. The managers of tomorrow will be conductors of a grand orchestra, where both musicians and machines produce harmonious outcomes.

People-centric skills
At its core, management is about people. While machines can process vast amounts of data, offer solutions, or even predict market trends, they cannot replace the human touch essential in leadership roles. The future will require managers who are adept at emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and team-building.

Machines lack empathy, the ability to inspire, or the intuition to understand unspoken concerns. Thus, while AI can aid in decision-making, the essence of guiding a team, nurturing talent, and fostering a collaborative spirit remains irreplaceably human.

Strategic planning
AI is revolutionising decision-making. With its ability to analyse vast datasets in real-time, provide insights, or even predict future trends, managers will have unparalleled access to information. But this doesn’t render them obsolete.

On the contrary, it empowers them.

Managers will need to transition from fire-fighting or short-term problem-solving to visionary strategists. They'll harness AI’s analytical prowess to craft long-term visions, set milestones, and identify potential roadblocks well in advance. While AI will provide the map, the journey's direction and purpose will be human-defined.

Learning and development
The era of 'one-time learning' is well and truly over. The rapid rate of technological evolution means skills need constant updating. Managers will be the torchbearers of a culture of perpetual learning.

They'll identify skill gaps, curate tailored learning paths, and encourage their teams to embrace new knowledge. Beyond just upskilling, this will be about fostering a mindset of adaptability and curiosity. For a team to be future-ready, its leader must champion the ethos of growth and innovation.

Ethical leadership
As AI becomes more embedded in workplaces, ethical considerations will emerge. Questions about data privacy, algorithmic biases, or the moral implications of AI decisions will arise. Managers will be the guardians of ethical practices.

They'll need to ensure that as their organisations leverage AI, they do so responsibly, transparently, and ethically. This will balance technological potential with moral responsibility, ensuring progress doesn’t compromise principles.

The managerial roles of the future won't be about choosing between humans and AI, but about integrating the strengths of both.

It's a future where managers aren’t just leaders but also visionaries, ethical guardians, and lifelong learners, steering their organisations through the exciting maze of the future. In the end, the video didn't kill the radio star, and likewise managers won't be vaporised by AI.

Nick Abrahams is a futurist and global co-leader of digital transformation practice at Norton Rose Fulbright. He is the co-founder of online legal business Lawpath and a Professor at Bond University where he teaches The Breakthrough Lawyer Online Coaching Program.