Your Team Is Already Worried About AI

2026-06-18 · Source: MIT Sloan Management Review · Field: Business & Management — Human Resources & Workforce Development, Corporate Strategy & Leadership · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Leaders must proactively and honestly address employee anxieties regarding AI's impact on their roles. The primary message should be clear: every job will be affected, though the precise changes remain uncertain. Instead of vague reassurances, leaders should communicate what they know today, acknowledging the inevitability of change. They are encouraged to design a future where uniquely human skills are preserved and augmented by automation. Crucially, direct, individual conversations with team members are essential, fostering psychological safety and allowing for open dialogue about concerns and future readiness, rather than delaying with carefully crafted, generic statements.

Key takeaway

For Directors of AI/ML or VPs of Engineering managing teams concerned about AI's future, you must prioritize transparent communication. Instead of vague reassurances, clearly state that all roles will be impacted, even if the exact changes are unknown. Engage in direct, individual conversations with your team members to address their specific worries and discuss how to proactively design for a future where human skills are augmented by AI, fostering trust and psychological safety.

Key insights

Leaders must clearly and honestly communicate AI's inevitable impact on all roles.

Principles

• All roles will be impacted by AI.
• Prioritize uniquely human skills.
• Open communication fosters trust.

Method

Leaders should communicate current knowledge, acknowledge universal job impact, and engage in individual discussions, updating employees as new information emerges.

In practice

• Inform staff that all jobs will be affected.
• Discuss merging human skills with automation.
• Conduct one-on-one conversations with employees.

Topics

• AI Workforce Impact
• Leadership Communication
• Employee Engagement
• Psychological Safety
• Future of Work
• Automation Strategy

Best for: Director of AI/ML, VP of Engineering/Data, HR Professional

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by MIT Sloan Management Review.