AI for managers Is it simply a productivity tool, or a genuine means of managing a team more effectively and making better decisions? What applications can save you time right now, even if you’re not an expert in artificial intelligence? This article, based on an ORSYS webinar hosted by Arnaud Huet, a trainer and consultant specialising in management, innovation and AI, outlines the most practical ways to integrate AI into managerial practices whilst keeping people at the heart of decision-making.
Generative artificial intelligence is transforming managers’ day-to-day work. Far more than just a writing tool, it speeds up analysis, makes it easier to organise teams and helps anticipate complex decisions. Its value lies not only in the productivity gains it delivers, but also in the time it frees up for what makes management truly valuable: supporting staff, mediating, taking a step back and developing a vision.
AI for managers: an assistant to save time on day-to-day tasks
One of the most immediate benefits of AI for managers relates to administrative and organisational tasks. Many of these essential but time-consuming activities can, in fact, be carried out much more quickly using generative AI tools.
Write, prepare, summarise
Firstly, AI can help managers to:
- draft reports, summary notes or presentations much more quickly
- draw up a meeting agenda setting out the objectives, questions to be asked and a timeline
- summarise several emails or documents in a few lines
- rewrite a message to adopt a more diplomatic or more direct tone, depending on the context
- to produce a report promptly after a meeting
The aim is not to replace the manager’s judgement, but to reduce the time spent producing content so that it can be redirected towards engaging with teams and making important decisions.
AI for managers: which tools should you use?
Firstly, it is important to refer to the framework defined by the organisation. ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude… There are many tools available, but their capabilities differ. A public AI, a professional enterprise version and an AI connected to the organisation’s internal data do not have the same information, the same functions or the same confidentiality guarantees. Consequently, the choice of tool is now just as important as how it is used.
Three prompts that are easy to reuse
It is also essential to formulate a precise query (prompt) and check the results obtained.
Preparing for a meeting
«Draw up a structured agenda for a meeting on the launch of a new product, including the objectives, the points to be discussed, the questions to ask the team and a timetable.»
Combine several emails
«Summarise these discussions in 10 lines, setting out the decisions taken, the actions to be taken and the outstanding issues.»
Adjusting the tone of a message
«Rewrite this email in a more diplomatic and constructive style, whilst retaining the same message.»
AI for managers: managing your team more effectively
As well as boosting a manager’s individual productivity, AI can also improve the day-to-day management of a team.
View the workload
By analysing the available data, it helps the manager to:
- optimise schedules in line with everyone’s constraints
- distribute the workload more evenly
- to identify imbalances quickly
- propose the reallocation of resources before a situation becomes critical
Moving from workforce management to talent management
AI also provides a more dynamic overview of the skills available within the organisation.
It can therefore help to:
- to map existing skills
- to identify gaps and areas of complementarity
- recommend staff whose skills match the requirements of the projects
- draw up succession plans
- simulate different scenarios to ensure business continuity
Managers no longer simply manage staff: they coordinate the available talent and anticipate future developments.
Anticipating projects rather than simply going along with them
Depending on the tools used and the data to which they have access, generative and analytical AI solutions can help managers explore various scenarios and better anticipate the risks associated with a project.
By analysing data from a project, AI can indeed help to:
- identify the risks of delays
- anticipate any potential budget overruns
- compare several priorities at the same time
- to test different scenarios before making a decision
For example: what happens if a delivery is delayed? What if resources increase by 20 %? What if a key supplier fails to deliver? AI enables us to quickly explore these scenarios before taking action.
AI for managers: a co-pilot for strategic decision-making
The most advanced applications go far beyond automation.
AI is capable of analysing numerous variables simultaneously in order to:
- to model different scenarios for future developments
- to assess the possible consequences of various options
- interpret trends
- detect anomalies
- to highlight correlations that are not readily apparent
- to consolidate information from multiple sources in real time
The manager, of course, remains responsible for the decision. However, they benefit from a more comprehensive and up-to-date view of their environment.
[And what about you – how are you getting on with AI?]
Do you use AI to support your managerial decisions?
1 – Yes, regularly
I have already incorporated AI tools into my decision-making processes.
2 – A little, without any formal structure
I experiment from time to time, but without any set methodology.
3 – No, not yet
I am currently in a phase of observation and discovery.
During the ORSYS webinar on 26 November 2025, 50 % out of the 247 respondents stated that they were experimenting with AI on an ad hoc basis without an established methodology.
These applications do, however, require a clear framework. AI can indeed make suggestions, analyse, explore or synthesise. But it is the manager who contextualises, validates and takes responsibility for the decision. It is also the manager’s responsibility to ensure data confidentiality, the reliability of results and the responsible use of these tools by their team.
The role of the manager is changing
AI is not just transforming tools: it is also transforming the managerial approach.
Managers must now fulfil three complementary roles:
- using AI as a personal assistant to save time
- integrating AI into collective practices in order to support the team’s professional development
- refocus one’s time on what cannot be automated (active listening, discernment, support and strategic vision)
The aim, therefore, is not to replace managers with artificial intelligence, but to enhance their analytical and decision-making capabilities.
[Also read] Best practices for working as a team with AI
Ultimately, AI simplifies repetitive tasks, improves analysis and makes it easier to anticipate developments. By freeing up time spent on low-value-added activities, it enables managers, above all, to focus on their true role: supporting teams, making informed decisions and planning for the future.
