Two of my current clients are implementing AI across their organizations—transforming how staff and leaders work every day. As this technology takes hold, managers and anyone who supervises others must master a new set of competencies to guide their teams effectively. These skills aren’t optional; they’re essential for thriving in the AI-enabled workplace.
New Competencies for Managers
1. AI-Augmented Decision-Making
- Interpreting AI outputs to inform daily operational decisions
- Understanding data limitations, biases, and error margins
- Knowing when to trust AI recommendations vs. human judgment
2. Workflow Redesign & Integration
- Mapping current processes and identifying where AI can automate or enhance tasks
- Integrating AI tools smoothly into existing workflows and platforms
- Creating clear escalation paths for exceptions or AI errors
3. Prompting and Human–AI Collaboration
- Crafting effective prompts to get reliable outputs from AI tools
- Training team members to co-work with AI (e.g., using copilots, chat interfaces, or predictive systems)
- Developing a shared language between humans and AI systems
4. Change Communication at the Team Level
- Explaining why AI is being introduced and how it affects day-to-day work
- Reducing fear and resistance through transparent communication
- Modeling learning behavior and curiosity to set the tone
5. Data Stewardship
- Ensuring data used for AI systems is clean, complete, and appropriately labeled
- Monitoring data flows and identifying gaps or risks
- Applying basic governance rules at the point of use
6. Upskilling and Coaching
- Supporting staff in developing new technical and analytical skills
- Building micro-learning opportunities into the workflow
- Coaching employees through AI-enabled role transitions
7. Performance Monitoring in Hybrid Systems
- Tracking both human and AI performance
- Adjusting processes quickly based on real-time feedback loops
- Troubleshooting issues when AI and human systems interact unpredictably
If you’re leading a significant internal change initiative and want to ensure success, let’s talk. For 30 years I’ve helped leaders drive complex transformations—and my approach is fully updated for today’s AI-driven world. Reach out if you’d like expert guidance to accelerate progress and avoid costly missteps.
