The Future of Leadership: One Man and a Dog?

Warren Bennis famously said, "The factory of the future will have only two employees: a man and a dog. The man will be there to feed the dog. The dog will be there to keep the man from touching the equipment." It’s a striking image, but what does it really mean for leadership today? And is it actually true?

I attended an AI workshop this week at the University of Hertfordshire and this very question came up. With such rapid progress in AI, what will be left for us humans to bring to the table? The general consensus was that, at this point in the game, we just don't know what the next 100 years will look like. But just like the fear that accompanied the industrial revolution, the ever adapting human will find its way. What is clear is that AI could be an enormous force for good and is certainly able to pave the way for the humanity in leadership to be an even more valuable commodity. The question is, how do leaders prepare for a future that may look entirely different from the one we’ve known?

Is This the Future of Work?

The idea behind Bennis’ quote is that technology will do most of the work, reducing the need for human employees. And while we haven’t quite reached that extreme, we are seeing fundamental shifts:

• Automation & AI: Repetitive and data-driven tasks are increasingly handled by AI, requiring leaders to focus on creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.

• Remote & Hybrid Work: The traditional office model has been replaced by more flexible ways of working, demanding new leadership approaches to maintain engagement and productivity.

• The Gig Economy & Decentralised Teams: More professionals are opting for freelance and portfolio careers, making leadership less about hierarchy and more about influence and collaboration.

  
  

So, while we may not end up in a ‘one man and a dog’ scenario, leadership as we know it is undergoing a radical transformation.

What Does This Mean for Leadership?

If technology is taking over many traditional roles, where does that leave leaders? The answer is in the human elements of leadership, the skills that AI can’t replicate.

The best leaders of the future will excel at:

🔹 Adaptability: The ability to pivot quickly and make sense of change is a must-have skill. 🔹 Empathy & Emotional Intelligence: People still need to be motivated, supported, and inspired, AI can’t replace genuine human connection.

🔹 Strategic Thinking: Leaders will need to interpret complex data, think ahead, and make high-impact decisions.

🔹 Coaching & Development: As traditional management structures shift, leaders will be expected to act as mentors and coaches, helping people thrive in a constantly evolving workplace.

How Leadership Coaching Prepares You for the Future

The changing landscape of work requires a shift in leadership mindset. This is where coaching can help.

Leadership coaching helps you:

✅ Develop cognitive flexibility to navigate uncertainty and rapid change

✅ Strengthen your ability to inspire and engage teams, whether remote or in-person

✅ Enhance strategic thinking to make better decisions in complex environments

✅ Build resilience and confidence in leading through transformation

Preparing for What’s Next

Rather than fearing change, great leaders prepare for it. The future of work won’t be about resisting technology but learning to lead in a world where it plays a central role. The most successful leaders will be those who embrace adaptability, human connection, and continuous growth.

🚀 Ready to future-proof your leadership skills? Book a free 30-minute coaching call today

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