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 use of artificial intelligence (AI) and a sluggish economy has led companies to not only reduce hiring but also cut jobs, including those of 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.
Headhunter Bernhard Stieger of Spencer Stuart, which recently filled the CEO position at Biontech, says that to succeed in leadership, one must demonstrate strategic judgment, learning agility, and the ability to translate technology into responsible leadership and business decisions. Stieger and his team use a set of questions to assess a candidate's AI competence and ability to add value through AI.
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.
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