As many say (and I believe), while AI will not replace humans in most job roles in the near term, inability to use AI will put you at a serious disadvantage in most job roles. This is true at all levels.

I liked the simple concept of using AI as a co-pilot (for productivity enhancement) and/or a co-thinker (for strategy). This is a good book you can skim through to get an idea of the potential and areas where you can get AI to improve your productivity & insight as a manager right away. There are a large number of areas / job responsibilities & activities where this is possible.

The breadth of coverage is very comprehensive. I would have liked more real-life examples and experiences. There are also many risks involved which is covered in a very sketchy manner. This book is a good starting point for a more serious exploration of AI for managers.

As a professional who has been working with Generative AI since March, I found the HBR Guide to Generative AI for Managers to be an exceptional roadmap for managers navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape. it's the best book I've read on Generative AI, demonstrating how it can reshape business practices and leadership approaches.

The book's most compelling strength lies in its practical approach to generative AI. Unlike other texts in the field, this guide offers concrete, immediately applicable strategies for using AI as both a copilot and a co-thinker. I've used AI as co-pilot but not so much as co-thinker.

Strategically structured into four primary sections—Managing Yourself, Managing Teams, Managing Business, and Managing Change—each section offers detailed explorations of AI as a copilot and co-thinker, with specific, actionable examples that managers can immediately implement. It doesn't just present the technology as a tool, but as a collaborative partner that can enhance productivity, drive innovation, and support strategic decision-making.

The core message is compelling: managers who develop generative AI capabilities will leap ahead of those who don't. I'm particularly excited to implement strategies from the "Managing Yourself" and "Managing Teams" sections in my own professional context.

The HBR Guide to Generative AI for Managers is more than a book; it's a strategic compass for leaders looking to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Whether you're a tech-savvy manager or someone just beginning to explore AI's potential, this book offers invaluable insights that can fundamentally reshape your approach to work. This isn't just recommended reading—it's essential.

A big thank you to Harvard Business Review Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am brand new to the world of AI. I haven’t really played around with it much, but this book was very eye opening into the different things I can use AI with the help work for me and help me think in different ways. I am really excited to use this book to guide me with different ways to use the technology, especially because I didn’t know how much it can already do.

Highly suggest this book for anyone to see how AI can help at work.