Middle managers are receiving pressure from their leaders to spend more time developing and coaching their direct reports. The pressure is also coming from below, as employee expectations have risen for real-time, personalized feedback, particularly among those early in their careers or who were onboarded remotely. The challenge is satisfying these demands without incurring even higher levels of middle manager burnout and stress. Based on our research and advisory work, we foresee new AI tools making it easier for managers to provide high-quality coaching more efficiently.
How AI Can Help Stressed-Out Managers Be Better Coaches
Employees want more feedback but managers feel increasingly stretched thin. AI tools can help bridge the gap.
June 21, 2023
Summary.
The expectations placed on managers to assess and guide their employees’ performance have increased, a trend amplified by generational shifts and remote work. Employees want frequent, personalized, one-on-one coaching, but managers are constrained by their already heavy burdens. New AI tools show promise to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of managerial coaching — but first, common sources of fear and mistrust must be overcome. Based on research and case studies, the authors present five steps to ensure the use of AI-assisted coaching enhances the lives of both managers and employees.
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New!
HBR Learning
Coaching Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Coaching. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Learn how to help your employees become the best they can be.