AI Is Changing Work. Are We Preparing Managers to Manage It?

There’s plenty of discussion about training people to use AI. I’m interested in whether we’re preparing managers to manage the changes it creates.

Leaders set direction. Managers create reality. That applies just as much to AI as it does to any other organisational change.

McKinsey’s July 2026 research found that 70% of respondents felt personally ready to adopt AI, yet only 27% of leaders believed their organisations were ready for the changes required. That suggests knowing how to use the technology is only part of the challenge.

Someone still needs to explain what changes, agree expectations and help people understand where their judgement matters.

That someone will often be their manager.

Who Is Supporting the Managers?

My concern is that we add AI adoption to an already crowded management agenda, then assume managers will work out the people implications themselves.

Gallup’s 2026 report found that global manager engagement had fallen to 22%, down from 31% in 2022. We need to consider the capacity and support managers have before adding further responsibilities.

Better Questions, Better Conversations

For me, development should help managers ask better questions. Where could AI improve our work? What needs checking? Who remains accountable? How will we use any time saved?

It should also prepare them to listen. One person might see opportunity; another might worry about their future. Both deserve a conversation.

The coaching principles I keep coming back to still apply: create clarity, encourage thinking and help people take ownership. Managers need confidence to admit what they’re learning, too.

Management Capability Needs Investment

I created The Shift because management capability needs deliberate development. AI makes that need more urgent.

If we want people to work differently, we need managers who can help them learn, experiment and reflect.

That means giving managers opportunities to practise, discuss real challenges with peers and receive support from their own leaders as the work evolves.

Contact me today matt@twentyoneleadership.com