Artificial Intelligence: How Middle Management Executives Gain a Competitive Advantage
The higher the position, the greater the expectation of AI competence. A top headhunter exclusively reveals which questions he uses to test them - and when he immediately sorts out applicants.
The German economy and artificial intelligence (AI) are leading to job cuts, not just for regular employees, but also for leadership positions. According to the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, there was a 14.3% increase in unemployed leadership personnel in 2025 compared to the previous year. A study by the Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB) found that 67% of leadership tasks can be replaced by algorithms, with middle management being particularly vulnerable.
As a result, those aspiring to leadership positions must now prove themselves more than ever. Headhunter Bernhard Stieger shares exclusive questions with the Handelsblatt to help identify suitable candidates.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
