Ever notice how many people say, “I don’t want to be a manager”? I’ve thought about that a lot.
Management can be challenging. Many of us find being “managed” uncomfortable. Humans are complicated. We get tired, we sometimes play politics, we have bad days. Managing people means dealing with all those complexities, every day.
Now, we’re beginning to shift from using AI just as tools to actually working alongside them as teammates. Managing AI assistants is often more straightforward. They don’t get tired, play politics, or need emotional support. They’re typically consistent and predictable.
Sam Altman mentioned billion-dollar companies with just 1 to 10 humans becoming possible (see 90-sec video in the comments). We’re already talking about AI agents managing other agents. The workplace is changing, sometimes faster than we can process.
I think about the rewarding parts of managing people. It’s those moments when you help someone overcome a challenge, see them grow, or genuinely connect. Those things matter deeply. That’s leadership at its best, not just management.
I’ve experienced this shift firsthand. I used to lead global corporate teams, and sometimes I miss that human connection. Now, working more closely with AI, I find myself getting that fulfillment in different places. Working with clients, engaging with communities, mentoring early-career professionals, and advising on boards.
What I’m realizing is leadership doesn’t have to mean having direct reports. It can be about serving clients, partners, and each other. With AI, we might be entering an era where entrepreneurship becomes more accessible (though certainly not without its own challenges), where more people can lead and make an impact without necessarily managing large teams.
Interestingly, as AI handles more of the operational side, our human skills like empathy, emotional intelligence, and understanding people’s real needs might become even more valuable than before.
This transition won’t be simple or universal. Traditional management will remain important in many contexts. But perhaps we’re seeing a gradual evolution of leadership – less focused on hierarchy in some spaces, more centered on collaboration and service.
The image below shows my simplified way to visualize what this shift might look like. It’s not comprehensive. It’s just my attempt to organize my thoughts on how entrepreneurs might balance AI management with human connection.
I’m curious about your experiences and thoughts. How do you think leadership might evolve as we infuse our work with AI? What aspects of traditional management do you find most valuable to keep?
(I know, pretty deep for weekend thinking. 🤔😉 Have a great weekend! )
