Will generative AI hurt middle managers—or help them?
Aug 22, 2024
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Bryan Hancock and Emily Field, McKinsey talent experts and co-authors of *Power to the Middle*, dive into the pivotal role of middle managers amid evolving workplace dynamics. They discuss generative AI's potential to reduce administrative burdens, allowing managers to better support their teams. The duo also highlights the hurdles women face in promotions and the 'broken rung' phenomenon, stressing the need for a supportive environment for all managers. Their insights aim to reshape the perception and effectiveness of middle management in today's work landscape.
Middle managers are essential for organizational success but face overwhelming administrative burdens that impair their effectiveness and well-being.
Generative AI has the potential to transform managerial roles by automating tasks, allowing managers to focus on strategic coaching and mentorship instead.
Deep dives
The Evolving Role of Middle Managers
Middle managers are increasingly recognized as vital to organizational success, yet they often face significant challenges that hinder their effectiveness. Historically seen as important figures, middle managers now find themselves overwhelmed with administrative tasks, limiting their ability to engage with their teams. Factors such as organizational bureaucracy, technological demands, and social changes, including the pandemic and the great resignation, have compounded the complexity of their roles, leading to high levels of burnout. To address this, businesses must reconsider how they support middle managers, focusing on reducing bureaucratic burdens and allowing them to act as connectors and coaches rather than mere administrators.
The Impact of Generative AI on Management
Generative AI is positioned as a transformative force in the workplace, with potential to ease some burdens on middle managers by automating administrative tasks. While still in its early stages, the technology is seen as having the capability to enhance decision-making and free up managers for more critical responsibilities such as coaching and mentorship. Companies are exploring its applications to enable managers to focus on strategic activities rather than repetitive tasks, aiming to create a more efficient work environment. However, companies must ensure that the integration of AI supports managerial roles without undermining the human connection essential for effective leadership.
Addressing Bias and Promoting Diversity in Management
Promotions in managerial positions often reflect a troubling bias that favors men over women, particularly for first-level promotions. Current statistics reveal that for every 100 men promoted, only 87 women receive similar opportunities, highlighting a systemic issue that needs urgent attention. This disparity indicates that promotion processes must be de-biased and standardized to ensure equitable evaluations based on capability rather than historical biases. Organizations must actively work to create clear frameworks for promotion that recognize diverse managerial talent, fostering a more inclusive workplace that values all potential leaders.
Bogged down, bothered, beleaguered: Many middle managers have it bad—and they can also have a bad rap. In Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work (Harvard Business Review Press, July 2023),McKinsey talent experts Bryan Hancock and Emily Field sought to correct that misperception, clarifying the vital role the best middle managers play in competitive outperformance. In this episode of The McKinsey Podcast, originally aired on McKinsey Talks Talent, the authors revisit the book one year on, talking with global editorial director Lucia Rahilly about the downside of leadership programs, how to identify and understand different managerial styles, and how middle managers can use gen AI to support their teams more effectively—and update their image while they’re at it.