The idea of having an AI boss instead of a human manager is becoming more popular, especially after stories from people like Hannu Rauma. Rauma, who works as a senior manager at a marketing agency in Vancouver, Canada, has found that using an AI manager has really helped reduce his stress. Managing 83 employees was becoming too much for him, causing frustration and disappointment. But since he started using an AI manager created by a company called Inspira, his work life has changed for the better. Now, he can focus on growing the company instead of getting stuck on daily management problems.

The AI manager is designed to help employees who work from home or have flexible schedules. It helps them plan their time, keep track of their hours, and reminds them about deadlines. The AI also gives tips on how to improve written communication and answers work-related questions. This support has not only made Rauma more productive but has also helped him build better relationships with his team. He mentions that the workplace atmosphere has shifted from a strict boss-employee dynamic to a more equal and cooperative environment, leading to friendlier interactions.

Even though Rauma and some of his team members like the AI manager, not everyone at the Student Marketing Agency is on board yet. A study done with researchers from different universities looked at how AI management compares to traditional human management. The findings showed that the AI manager was just as good as human managers at motivating employees to plan their workdays and be on time. However, using both AI and human managers together produced even better results. This means that while AI can help with productivity, having human managers is still very important.

Experts warn against completely replacing human managers with AI. Professor Paul Thurman from Columbia University points out that middle management is essential for providing support, mentoring, and coaching to employees. He believes that AI should be used to take care of routine tasks, so managers can focus on more important and creative work. There’s also a concern that AI could be misused for spying on employees, which could lead to a lack of trust in the workplace. Companies need to find a balance between using AI for efficiency and keeping a human touch in management.

Original news source: Would having an AI boss be better than your current human one? (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Students take turns acting out different roles related to AI management and workplace dynamics without speaking, while the rest of the class guesses what role they are portraying (e.g., AI manager, stressed employee, supportive human manager).

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a list of statements related to AI in the workplace (e.g., “AI managers are better than human managers”). Students move to different sides of the classroom to indicate whether they agree or disagree, then discuss their reasons with a partner.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: In groups, students create a mind map on the topic of AI in management. They can include benefits, drawbacks, and personal experiences with technology in the workplace. Afterward, each group presents their mind map to the class.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students work in pairs to come up with catchy headlines or titles for the article that summarize its main ideas. They will then share their headlines with the class, justifying their choices.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: In groups, students discuss and write down their predictions for how the role of AI in management will evolve over the next 10 years. Each group shares their predictions, and the class can debate the most likely scenarios.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What changes did Hannu Rauma experience in his work life after using an AI manager?

2. How does the AI manager assist employees who work from home or have flexible schedules?

3. In what ways has the use of an AI manager improved the relationships between Rauma and his team?

4. What were the findings of the study comparing AI management to traditional human management?

5. Why do some people at the Student Marketing Agency not fully support the idea of using an AI manager?

6. What role does Professor Paul Thurman believe middle management plays in the workplace?

7. What are some potential risks of using AI in management, according to experts?

8. How can companies balance the use of AI for efficiency while maintaining a human touch in management?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

The idea of having an AI boss instead of a human manager is becoming more popular, especially after stories from people like Hannu Rauma. Rauma, who works as a senior manager at a marketing agency in Vancouver, Canada, has found that using an AI manager has really helped reduce his stress. Managing 83 employees was becoming too much for him, causing (1)______ and disappointment. But since he started using an AI manager (2)______ by a company called Inspira, his work life has changed for the (3)______. Now, he can focus on growing the company instead of getting stuck on (4)______ management problems.

The AI manager is designed to help employees who work from home or have flexible schedules. It helps them plan their time, keep track of their hours, and reminds them about deadlines. The AI also gives tips on how to improve written communication and (5)______ work-related questions. This support has not only made (6)______ more productive but has also (7)______ him build better relationships with his team. He mentions that the workplace atmosphere has shifted from a strict boss-employee dynamic to a more equal and cooperative (8)______, leading to friendlier interactions.

Even though Rauma and some of his team members like the AI manager, not everyone at the Student Marketing Agency is on (9)______ yet. A (10)______ done with researchers from different universities looked at how AI management (11)______ to traditional (12)______ management. The findings showed that the AI manager was just as good as human managers at motivating employees to plan their workdays and be on time. However, using both AI and human managers together produced even better results. This means that while AI can help with productivity, having human managers is still very important.

Experts warn against completely replacing human managers with AI. (13)______ Paul Thurman from (14)______ University points out that middle management is essential for (15)______ support, mentoring, and coaching to employees. He believes that AI should be used to take care of routine tasks, so managers can focus on more important and creative work. There’s also a concern that AI could be misused for spying on employees, which could lead to a lack of trust in the workplace. (16)______ need to find a balance between using AI for efficiency and keeping a human touch in management.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the idea of having an AI boss instead of a human manager?

2. How would you feel if you had to work under an AI manager?

3. Do you think AI can really understand human emotions and needs in the workplace? Why or why not?

4. Have you ever experienced a situation where technology made your work easier? Can you share your experience?

5. What do you think are some advantages of having an AI manager over a human manager?

6. How important do you think human interaction is in a work environment? Why?

7. Do you like the idea of using AI to help with planning your tasks? Why or why not?

8. How would you feel if your boss used AI to monitor your work hours and deadlines?

9. Do you think it’s possible for AI to build good relationships with employees? Why or why not?

10. What is your experience with teamwork? Do you think AI could help improve teamwork in a workplace?

11. How do you think AI could change the way we work in the future?

12. Do you think it’s important for managers to provide support and mentoring? Why?

13. How would you react if you found out that AI was being used to spy on employees at your workplace?

14. What do you think is the best way to balance AI and human management in a company?

15. Do you think there are tasks that should always be done by humans instead of AI? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. frustration
2. disappointment
3. flexible
4. atmosphere
5. dynamic
6. cooperative
7. interactions
8. productivity
9. traditional
10. motivating
11. essential
12. mentoring
13. routine
14. efficiency
15. balance

Meanings:
(A) Able to change or adapt easily
(B) Feeling upset or annoyed because you can’t do something
(C) Feeling sad because something didn’t go as expected
(D) Something that has been done in the same way for a long time
(E) The mood or feeling in a place or situation
(F) Guiding and teaching someone with less experience
(G) Very important or necessary
(H) Getting a lot done in a certain amount of time
(I) Working well together with others
(J) A regular way of doing things
(K) The way people communicate or work with each other
(L) Encouraging someone to do something
(M) A state where different things are equal or in the right amounts
(N) Doing things in a way that saves time and effort
(O) A pattern of activity or behavior that changes
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What position does Hannu Rauma hold at his company?
(a) Senior manager
(b) Junior manager
(c) Marketing assistant
(d) CEO

2. What has the AI manager helped Rauma reduce?
(a) Work hours
(b) Employee turnover
(c) Stress
(d) Project costs

3. What is one of the main functions of the AI manager?
(a) Conducts performance reviews
(b) Hires new staff
(c) Manages company finances
(d) Helps employees plan their time

4. How has the workplace atmosphere changed according to Rauma?
(a) It has become more strict and hierarchical
(b) It has become more competitive
(c) It has remained the same
(d) It has become more equal and cooperative

5. What did the study about AI management find?
(a) AI managers are less effective than human managers
(b) AI managers can be as effective as human managers
(c) AI managers are only effective in small teams
(d) AI managers cannot motivate employees

6. What do experts warn against regarding AI in management?
(a) Completely replacing human managers with AI
(b) Using AI for scheduling tasks
(c) Training employees to use AI
(d) Implementing AI in all departments

7. What does Professor Paul Thurman believe is essential in management?
(a) AI for efficiency
(b) Middle management for support and mentoring
(c) Strict supervision of employees
(d) Reducing the number of managers

8. What concern is raised about the use of AI in the workplace?
(a) It will make employees work harder
(b) It will increase job opportunities
(c) It could lead to a lack of trust among employees
(d) It will eliminate the need for meetings

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The concept of having an AI boss is gaining popularity among workers and managers.
2. Combining both AI and human managers leads to worse results in the workplace.
3. The AI manager created by Inspira helps employees manage their time, track hours, and meet deadlines.
4. Rauma has noticed that the workplace atmosphere has become more cooperative and friendly since using the AI manager.
5. Research shows that AI managers cannot motivate employees just as effectively as human managers.
6. Some employees at the Student Marketing Agency are fully supportive of the AI manager.
7. Experts believe that while AI can handle routine tasks, human managers are still necessary for support and mentoring.
8. Hannu Rauma, a senior manager at a marketing agency in Vancouver, has experienced increased stress since using an AI manager.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. How has using an AI manager changed Hannu Rauma’s work life for the better?
2. What are some tasks that the AI manager helps employees with?
3. Why do some team members at the Student Marketing Agency not fully support the AI manager?
4. What do experts think about completely replacing human managers with AI?
5. How can companies find a balance between using AI and keeping human managers?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What changes did Hannu Rauma experience in his work life after using an AI manager?
Hannu Rauma experienced reduced stress and frustration in his work life. He was able to focus more on growing the company instead of getting bogged down by daily management problems.

2. How does the AI manager assist employees who work from home or have flexible schedules?
The AI manager helps employees plan their time, keep track of their hours, and reminds them about deadlines. It also provides tips for improving written communication and answers work-related questions.

3. In what ways has the use of an AI manager improved the relationships between Rauma and his team?
The use of the AI manager has shifted the workplace atmosphere from a strict boss-employee dynamic to a more equal and cooperative environment, leading to friendlier interactions among team members.

4. What were the findings of the study comparing AI management to traditional human management?
The study found that the AI manager was just as effective as human managers in motivating employees to plan their workdays and be punctual. However, using both AI and human managers together produced even better results.

5. Why do some people at the Student Marketing Agency not fully support the idea of using an AI manager?
Some people are not fully supportive because they believe that while AI can help with productivity, human managers are still important for providing support and guidance.

6. What role does Professor Paul Thurman believe middle management plays in the workplace?
Professor Paul Thurman believes that middle management is essential for providing support, mentoring, and coaching to employees, allowing them to focus on more important and creative tasks.

7. What are some potential risks of using AI in management, according to experts?
Experts warn that AI could be misused for spying on employees, which could lead to a lack of trust in the workplace.

8. How can companies balance the use of AI for efficiency while maintaining a human touch in management?
Companies can balance AI use by employing it for routine tasks while ensuring that human managers are available to provide support, mentoring, and maintain personal relationships with employees.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) frustration
(2) created
(3) better
(4) daily
(5) answers
(6) Rauma
(7) helped
(8) environment
(9) board
(10) study
(11) compares
(12) human
(13) Professor
(14) Columbia
(15) providing
(16) Companies
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. frustration
Answer: (B) Feeling upset or annoyed because you can’t do something

2. disappointment
Answer: (C) Feeling sad because something didn’t go as expected

3. flexible
Answer: (A) Able to change or adapt easily

4. atmosphere
Answer: (E) The mood or feeling in a place or situation

5. dynamic
Answer: (O) A pattern of activity or behavior that changes

6. cooperative
Answer: (I) Working well together with others

7. interactions
Answer: (K) The way people communicate or work with each other

8. productivity
Answer: (H) Getting a lot done in a certain amount of time

9. traditional
Answer: (D) Something that has been done in the same way for a long time

10. motivating
Answer: (L) Encouraging someone to do something

11. essential
Answer: (G) Very important or necessary

12. mentoring
Answer: (F) Guiding and teaching someone with less experience

13. routine
Answer: (J) A regular way of doing things

14. efficiency
Answer: (N) Doing things in a way that saves time and effort

15. balance
Answer: (M) A state where different things are equal or in the right amounts
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What position does Hannu Rauma hold at his company?
Answer: (a) Senior manager

2. What has the AI manager helped Rauma reduce?
Answer: (c) Stress

3. What is one of the main functions of the AI manager?
Answer: (d) Helps employees plan their time

4. How has the workplace atmosphere changed according to Rauma?
Answer: (d) It has become more equal and cooperative

5. What did the study about AI management find?
Answer: (b) AI managers can be as effective as human managers

6. What do experts warn against regarding AI in management?
Answer: (a) Completely replacing human managers with AI

7. What does Professor Paul Thurman believe is essential in management?
Answer: (b) Middle management for support and mentoring

8. What concern is raised about the use of AI in the workplace?
Answer: (c) It could lead to a lack of trust among employees
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The concept of having an AI boss is gaining popularity among workers and managers. (Answer: True)
2. Combining both AI and human managers leads to worse results in the workplace. (Answer: False)
3. The AI manager created by Inspira helps employees manage their time, track hours, and meet deadlines. (Answer: True)
4. Rauma has noticed that the workplace atmosphere has become more cooperative and friendly since using the AI manager. (Answer: True)
5. Research shows that AI managers cannot motivate employees just as effectively as human managers. (Answer: False)
6. Some employees at the Student Marketing Agency are fully supportive of the AI manager. (Answer: False)
7. Experts believe that while AI can handle routine tasks, human managers are still necessary for support and mentoring. (Answer: True)
8. Hannu Rauma, a senior manager at a marketing agency in Vancouver, has experienced increased stress since using an AI manager. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧