Why Most Managers Will Fail in the AI Era (And How Not To) 🤖


Hi there,

If you're a manager who hasn't fully embraced AI yet, I need you to pay attention to what I'm about to share.

Because here's the truth: the biggest threat to your career success isn't AI itself - it's your mindset about AI.

Let me put this in perspective. When I started my career at Procter & Gamble, I was using phone cards to call in orders from public phone boxes. My presentations? Pre-printed A4 pages that I'd personalise with felt-tip pens. Sounds ancient, right?

But here's what's fascinating - that doesn't feel that long ago, and since then, I've adapted to every new piece of technology that's come along.

But I've never seen anything like the pace of change we're experiencing with AI right now.

The innovations we've seen just in recent months are staggering.

And while this technology revolution is happening at lightning speed, most managers haven't even started with the basics.

If you haven't got AI on your development plan right now, you're already falling behind.

But don't worry - I'm going to share some ideas for inspiration and a plan you could follow to get ahead.

The AI-Enabled Manager's Workflow

Imagine AI helping you:

  • Quickly respond to team messages with thoughtful, personalised responses.
  • Run more efficient morning huddles that focus on solving problems, not just status updates
  • Prepare for performance reviews by automatically summarising previous 1:1 meeting notes
  • Draft strategy presentations by helping you to brainstorm and think ahead.
  • Create weekly team updates that keep everyone aligned and motivated

The best part? There are tools available right now through platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, or Notion AI to help you do this.

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Your 2025 AI Development Plan

So if you don’t have AI on your development plan right now, you need one. Here's your three-step roadmap to becoming an AI-enabled manager:

1. Learn

Start with the "10% Edge" mindset - you only need to be slightly more knowledgeable than others to provide value. Focus on adding AI tools to your personal workflow. Experiment with email management or meeting summaries first.

2. Guide

Once you're comfortable, start helping your team integrate AI into their daily work. Share your successes, create team AI learning sprints, and build accountability through weekly sharing sessions.

3. Build

Establish yourself as an innovative, technology orinetated leader by documenting best practices, mentoring others, and sharing your successes more broadly within your organisation.

I know what you might be thinking - "I don't have time to learn all this."

But here's the truth: if you don't make time now, you'll soon find yourself watching other managers accomplish more and earn greater rewards while you fall behind.

The even better news? Once you start using these tools, they actually give you more time back in your day. The key is committing a little time each week until AI becomes part of your natural workflow.

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Ready to Take Action?

I've created a detailed video walking you through exactly how to implement these AI strategies in your daily work. You'll see real examples and learn the exact steps my coaching clients use to strengthen their AI leadership skills, and work smarter.

Remember: The managers who will thrive in the next five years aren't necessarily the ones who know the most about AI - they're the ones who are willing to learn, adapt, use it and help their teams do the same.

I am going to be creating videos this year to help you as you progress through this plan, and enhance your Ai skills as a manager and leader and I'd love to hear your thoughts! Let me know what's your biggest challenge when it comes to incorporating AI into your daily work routine? Just hit reply to let me know.

Regards, Helen

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Want to work together?

  1. ​Manager OS Course - Reclaim Your Time & Accelerate Your Career with Manager OS - A Proven System to Help Managers Lead with Confidence & Ease
  2. Work with me 1:1 - Book a coaching session​
  3. ​The Leadership Vault: Your Private Access to Every Issue. Every strategy, tip, and lesson shared in past newsletters—now available in one place. Stay ahead, stay informed, and lead smarter.
  4. ​Visit my website to find out more.

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