Scared you might lose your job to AI? How managers can survive the AI purge

Microsoft's layoffs and concerns about AI-driven job losses highlight the need for managers to adapt. AI is increasingly capable of handling tasks previously considered the domain of managers. Human-centric skills, often undervalued, are now "power skills" essential for future-proofing management roles. These skills include empathy, communication, and active listening, fostering engagement and productivity. Poor management significantly impacts employee engagement and productivity. An enquiry-led, or Operational Coaching, approach, replacing command-and-control, is key to developing these skills. Operational Coaching involves asking purposeful questions to guide employee problem-solving and ownership. This approach fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and empowerment, especially appealing to younger generations. By shifting focus to power skills, leaders can create environments of trust where individuals can mobilize their skills. The shift towards valuing these “power skills” is crucial for managers to remain relevant in an AI-driven world.