Management Fundamentals Endure Amidst AI Advancements, Affirms Julie Zhuo

Silicon Valley, CA – Julie Zhuo, co-founder of Sundial and former Vice President of Product Design at Facebook, recently asserted that the fundamental responsibilities of managers remain largely unchanged despite the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. In a concise social media post, Zhuo, author of the bestselling book "The Making of a Manager," highlighted the enduring nature of core leadership principles.

"This is the manager’s jobs 👇 The fundamentals don’t change that much with AI," Zhuo stated in her tweet. This perspective comes as AI tools increasingly automate tasks and blur traditional job roles across industries, prompting widespread discussion about the future of work and leadership.

Zhuo, a recognized authority on product and team leadership, has previously acknowledged AI's transformative power, noting that it "is killing the traditional PM, designer, eng roles" by enabling individuals to accomplish tasks that once required entire teams. She has also discussed how AI can reduce the need for certain coordination roles within product development, particularly in early stages.

Despite these significant shifts, Zhuo emphasizes that a manager's primary objective—achieving better outcomes from a group of people—is constant. Her management philosophy centers on three core levers: Purpose, People, and Process. She explains that in the AI era, AI agents themselves become part of the "People" lever, while "Process" becomes crucial for effectively directing AI, akin to managing junior team members.

Furthermore, Zhuo stresses that "Purpose" gains even greater importance, as large language models (LLMs) and other AI systems require clear direction and objectives. This perspective suggests that while the tools and methods may evolve, the human element of defining vision, fostering talent, and optimizing workflows remains central to effective management. Leaders, therefore, must adapt by integrating AI into these existing frameworks, rather than abandoning established principles.