NYTimes: Using AI at work relies on classic management skills

In short: More workplaces are finding that using AI well depends less on technical skills and more on the same human skills that make someone a good manager and teammate.

What's going on

A new New York Times opinion piece argues that people who get the most value from AI tools at work tend to rely on familiar skills, like clear communication, critical thinking, empathy, and coordination. The idea is simple: AI is another coworker in the process, not a magic button.

One key skill is giving clear instructions. When people use a chatbot, they often need to describe the goal, the audience, and the constraints, like you would when briefing a colleague (think of it like writing a good work request, not a “computer command”). Many teams also do better when they treat AI output as a first draft and then improve it through feedback.

The piece also highlights judgment and responsibility. AI can summarize, draft, or sort information quickly, but it can still be wrong or misleading. That means workers need to double-check important claims, watch for bias (unfair patterns in results), and avoid pasting private company or customer data into tools that might store it.

For managers, the message is similar. Leading AI use often looks like regular change management, setting priorities, explaining why a tool is being used, and deciding what is safe and appropriate. AI can help with routine tasks, but people still need to make the hard calls.

What to watch

Companies are likely to put more emphasis on training that builds everyday skills, like writing clear requests, reviewing work carefully, and setting simple rules for safe use. Teams that treat AI like a shared workflow tool, not a solo shortcut, may see more consistent results.

Source: NYTimes