AI is becoming more and more commonplace in everything we do, especially in the workplace - and it’s having an effect on what the future of management looks like. But while tools and technical support can help keep teams on top of project deadlines or help hiring managers narrow down a list of applicants to a handful of top candidates—it’s going to be more important than ever for leaders to be able to lean into the people side of their jobs. 

Just check out this clip from Simon Sinek if you need proof! 

In this article, Team Leadology explores just how critical it is for managers to have emotional leadership skills.

Managers Play an Important Role in the Employee Experience - Now and in the Future

Faced with a changing work landscape, workplace management expert and co-author of Culture Shock Jim Harter echoes just how impactful managers are on the employee experience: “[Effective] leadership is probably more nuanced than ever.” He explains that forging trust, connection, and rapport among teams while still keeping a keen eye on overarching business goals is crucial for employee engagement. Of course, increased technological support can provide supplemental support for certain parts of a manager’s day-to-day, but collective productivity can only happen with the right culture in place. Hart says “[this all] starts with leadership.”

In the Future of Management, Persuasion, Social Understanding, and Empathy will Become Even More Valuable 

You know how we say that managers have the single greatest influence on team engagement and performance? The manager, as indicated by Gallup research, plays the exclusive role in determining 70% of the variance in team engagement.

Despite preconceptions about how new technology will impact jobs and change workforces, one cannot replace a manager's ability to lead effectively using emotional intelligence. In fact, with the progression of technology and automation of certain skills, uniquely human capabilities will become more important in the future of management.

As managers, we already know how integral these aspects of our jobs are to employee engagement. Especially in hybrid work environments, leaders must lead with intention and authenticity in order to empower their teams to own their responsibilities and ultimately drive results. And with the ushering in of younger generations to the workforce, the expectation for emotionally intelligent managers will only grow stronger—effective leaders are those who have a vested interest in connecting with employees and forging genuine connections.

Are You Ready for the Future of Management?

No one knows the power of an influential manager more than our Activate grads, who can attest to the impact of sharpening one’s people-expertise and investing in workplace relationships. 

Fall 2022 cohort member, Kim, Director of Organizational Development at a leading patient care group, recently shared her experience with us:

“Before Activate, I felt like managing just wasn’t something I was good at. After the program, I felt like I could actually be in control of this, driving performance in people and not just systems.”

Kim's innate talent for managing processes has evolved as she fine-tuned her emotional intelligence skills through purposeful conversations with other growing leaders. Drawing guidance from tried-and-true leadership tools, she has developed an impactful approach to managing people.

Eager to see how Activate can help you do the same? Schedule a strategy call with us to learn more about how our premier leadership program is empowering leaders to rely on their people expertise to drive employee engagement and results!