AI is going to replace a lot of jobs.
But some functions cannot be replaced by Artificial Intelligence. Those include leadership and management roles.
Think of some of the management challenges you have faced with individuals and teams over the years. If you asked an AI Agent (e.g., Claude, Gemini, Pilot) about these, how do you think they would have answered? I have tested various AI agents with different management challenges and they usually provide some interesting ideas – but are very light on specifics.
While I consider myself an overall AI fan, AI cannot do everything. An AI Agent cannot give you a definitive answer on most management challenges and here are some of the reasons why:
- Each of us have unique personalities. Based on your personality makeup, there are some leadership actions that may be comfortable for you and others may not.
- Each of your team members have different personalities. Some actions you take will work with some people, but will not work with others. We can all think of examples in which – simply based on personality differences – we have had a hard time with some team members. Similarly, there are examples in which it has been very easy to manage someone.
- A lot of leadership comes down to the quality of the relationship you have been able to establish with each individual person and your entire team. Based on your relationship, there are some things that you can get done with your team that no one else could possibly do.
- An AI Agent doesn’t know what works in your organization culture and what does not. This is something that you learn over time. Some ideas on addressing a management challenge might work at IBM, but not Apple, for example.
- Similarly, there are global cultural differences to consider. What works for IBM in the US may not work for IBM in Japan.
- And finally, leaders are aware of possible unique circumstances of the moment. If you know a team member pretty well and they are acting out of character, then you will approach an issue differently.
Understanding these nuances and contextual differences are all part of our very human Emotional Intelligence, such as empathy. Leaders are wise to invest time in further developing our Emotional Intelligence – a key to leadership effectiveness.
In addition, take the time to invest in your relationships with your team. Treat people with respect and be honest with them. Developing an even more trusting relationship will help you go far as a leader and as a team.
