Phase 1: Explore
Engage the middle layer
Give middle managers a distinct role, early.
Managers do much of the work AI absorbs first: gathering status, summarizing, and scheduling. They can also stall a change without ever opposing it. Strategy becomes daily behavior through the middle of the organization, or not at all.
Put it to work
- Meet with managers before the all-staff message, and more candidly.
- Name the shift: their value moves toward redesigning work, coaching, and owning quality.
- Apply the pledge to them by name.