Robots, AI tools help managers improve soft skills
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Companies are turning to robots and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to coach managers on delicate tasks like salary negotiations and difficult conversations.
This trend reflects the growing importance of effective management in maintaining productivity and employee morale, especially as managers face increased workloads and stress.
The challenge of management
Managers play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture and employee engagement. According to a 2024 Gallup report, about 70% of worker engagement differences between teams can be attributed to the manager.
However, managing effectively is challenging, with 71% of managers reporting increased workloads and 60% feeling overwhelmed. The cost of poor management is substantial, with turnover due to toxic workplace cultures estimated at billions of dollars annually.
The rise of AI manager coaching
Companies like Skillsoft, Praxis Labs, and CodeSignal are developing AI-based training tools to help managers improve their soft skills. These tools offer simulations for practicing difficult conversations and performance reviews in a safe environment.
“Right now we’re basically scratching the surface of one-on-one stuff,” said Apratim Purakayastha, General Manager at Skillsoft, a talent development company.
“How to give better feedback, how to do performance reviews, how to talk to a recruiter. Those are vanilla things. But even those vanilla things are often inaccessible to most human beings.”
Similarly, Tigran Sloyan, co-founder and CEO of CodeSignal, an interview and assessment skills platform, highlights the demand for solutions that cater specifically to frontline and first-time managers.
Elise Smith, CEO of Praxis Labs, an AI learning, coaching and assessment company, highlights the focus on middle managers, stating, “We’re seeing a lot of our clients want to focus on that middle manager at scale, and this desire to reimagine manager training. Given that a lot of our manager trainings were developed and designed before COVID, so much has changed.”
Responsible use of AI tools
While AI coaching holds promise, experts caution against relying solely on technology. Bryan Ackerman of Korn Ferry advises against letting AI handle tasks without human oversight, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that includes follow-up and feedback from direct reports.
Purakayastha agrees, stating, “I would still not consider this as a replacement for more traditional management training,” he adds. “I think this is a good practice tool at this moment, right? But this does not replace coaching.”
