Will AI replace General and Operations Managers?
AI can do 68% of the work General and Operations Managers do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 2 of their 17 tasks, while 9 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 1 physical task. 5 still need a person.
AI is already doing this2 · 15% of time
People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.
- Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.Mostly automated12% of time
- Develop or implement product-marketing strategies, including advertising campaigns or sales promotions.Mostly automated3% of time
AI could do this next9 · 53% of time
AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.
- Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.15% of time
- Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.9% of time
- Establish or implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, or procedures in conjunction with board members, organization officials, or staff members.8% of time
- Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.7% of time
- Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.5% of time
- Manage the movement of goods into and out of production facilities to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, or sustainability of operations.3% of time
- Direct non-merchandising departments of businesses, such as advertising or purchasing.2% of time
- Set prices or credit terms for goods or services, based on forecasts of customer demand.2% of time
- Implement or oversee environmental management or sustainability programs addressing issues such as recycling, conservation, or waste management.1% of time
Robots can technically do this1 · 3% of time
Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.
- Perform sales floor work, such as greeting or assisting customers, stocking shelves, or taking inventory.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
Still needs a person5 · 29% of time
No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.
- Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.12% of time
- Perform personnel functions, such as selection, training, or evaluation.10% of time
- Monitor suppliers to ensure that they efficiently and effectively provide needed goods or services within budgetary limits.4% of time
- Recommend locations for new facilities, or oversee the remodeling or renovating of current facilities.1% of time
- Plan store layouts or design displays.1% of time
Your week is not the average
Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.
What this means
AI can do most of this work faster, but a real part of the job still needs a person. Real use is still behind at 14 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. The people who learn which tasks to hand off will pull ahead.
What to do next
- Do the 2 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
- Get ahead on the 9 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
- Keep an eye on the 1 physical task robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
- Build on the 5 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
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