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Organisational & Employee Development

68% of UK firms still test AI as managers lack confidence to lead adoption – CMI

12% of managers said they felt “very confident” managing teams using AI, dropping to 10% when asked about more advanced agentic AI systems.

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68% of UK firms still test AI as managers lack confidence to lead adoption – CMI
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UK firms have invested heavily in artificial intelligence (AI), but managers lack the training to deliver on its promises, according to a new report from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Polling of over 1,000 UK managers and interviews with senior business and technology leaders showed that most businesses are seeing only modest gains. 

70% of managers reported some productivity improvements from AI, but only 5% said those gains had been transformational.

26% saw no productivity gains at all.

68% of organisations are still testing AI or running early-stage pilots. 

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Only 13% of managers strongly agreed that senior leaders are actively using the tools themselves, though 64% said senior leaders encourage experimentation with AI.

12% of managers said they felt “very confident” managing teams using AI, dropping to 10% when asked about more advanced agentic AI systems.

70% said they use the tools for advice and guidance because they are perceived as faster and more technically detailed.

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Jacky Wright, former chief technology and platforms officer at McKinsey and chair of the CMI AI advisory council, said: “The UK has a major opportunity to lead globally in AI adoption, innovation and productivity growth. 

“Businesses are already investing at pace, but technology alone will not deliver transformation. 

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“The organisations seeing the greatest success are those investing equally in leadership, culture and workforce confidence. AI adoption is not just a technical challenge, it is a management challenge.”

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Ann Francke, chief executive officer at CMI, said: “British firms are not lacking ambition on AI. Across the economy, organisations are investing heavily because they recognise the enormous opportunity AI presents for growth and productivity. 

“But there is a real risk the UK falls short of that opportunity if organisations fail to equip managers with the skills and confidence needed to lead change effectively. 

“Britain cannot become an AI leader if leadership capability itself is left behind.”

Lorna Willis, chief executive officer of TechSkills, said: “AI is reshaping not only how organisations operate, but what leadership itself looks like. 

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“As technology evolves rapidly, the need for clear, confident and human-centred leadership becomes even more important. In the AI era, technical expertise alone is not enough. 

“The leaders who succeed will be those able to communicate clearly, build trust, encourage curiosity and help people adapt confidently through change.”

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