‘Shock absorbers’: Korn Ferry says managers are carrying AI change that executives aren’t ready to lead

Detailed summary

A Korn Ferry survey of more than 1,300 leaders finds managers absorbing AI uncertainty, while Gallup says just 25% of U.S. workers have heard a clear plan.

Just 6% of talent and senior leaders believe their organizations’ top executives are fully prepared to lead AI-driven transformation, according to Korn Ferry’s Talent Trends 2027 report.

Middle managers are expected to fill the gap. Two-thirds of respondents (66%) expect managers to spend more time helping their teams through change than overseeing their day-to-day work.

The global organizational consulting firm published the findings on Oct. 22, based on a survey of more than 1,300 talent and senior leaders, from CHROs to CEOs and board members, in more than 75 countries.

The concerns go beyond leadership readiness. More than three-quarters of respondents (77%) say capability gaps will pose a bigger challenge than talent shortages, and 78% believe too few people are prepared for how work will be done in the future.

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