HBR Guide to Generative AI for Managers

by Elisa Farri, Gabriele Rosani

Leverage gen AI to save time, innovate faster, and lead effectively.

You're probably aware that generative AI can output quality text and create stunning images in seconds. But smart managers are now using gen AI for high-level work—problem-solving, driving innovation, strategic thinking, and dozens of other applications. Managers who develop their generative AI capabilities will soon be leaping ahead of those who don't. Fortunately, you can start today and see immediate results.

The HBR Guide to Generative AI for Managers is packed with practical tips, prompts, and case studies to accelerate and improve countless aspects of your work. You'll learn how

Run smart experimentsBoost your productivityDetermine the right collaboration a Co-Pilot or a Co-ThinkerDialogue with AI for better decision-makingBe aware of the risks and avoid trapsCapitalize on your gen AI–enabled mindset

Arm yourself with the advice you need to succeed on the job, with the most trusted brand in business. Packed with how-to essentials from leading experts, the HBR Guides provide smart answers to your most pressing work challenges.

Genres: Artificial Intelligence, Nonfiction, Leadership, Business

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2025

Reviews

[Bharath]

As many say (and I believe), while AI will not replace humans in most job roles in the near term, inability to use AI will put you at a serious disadvantage in most job roles. This is true at all levels.

I liked the simple concept of using AI as a co-pilot (for productivity enhancement) and/or a co-thinker (for strategy). This is a good book you can skim through to get an idea of the potential and areas where you can get AI to improve your productivity & insight as a manager right away. There are a large number of areas / job responsibilities & activities where this is possible.

The breadth of coverage is very comprehensive. I would have liked more real-life examples and experiences. There are also many risks involved which is covered in a very sketchy manner. This book is a good starting point for a more serious exploration of AI for managers.

Thanks to Netgalley, Harvard Business Review Press and the authors for a free electronic review copy.

[Brandi]

I am brand new to the world of AI. I haven’t really played around with it much, but this book was very eye opening into the different things I can use AI with the help work for me and help me think in different ways. I am really excited to use this book to guide me with different ways to use the technology, especially because I didn’t know how much it can already do.

Highly suggest this book for anyone to see how AI can help at work.

Thank you Net Galley and HBR for an advanced copy of this book!

[Hrvoe]

only if you are totally new into AI

[Oliver Machwirth]

Good book but very high level. Some useful prompts for people that don’t know where to start

[Martin Baggs]

As a professional who has been working with Generative AI since March, I found the HBR Guide to Generative AI for Managers to be an exceptional roadmap for managers navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape. it's the best book I've read on Generative AI, demonstrating how it can reshape business practices and leadership approaches.

The book's most compelling strength lies in its practical approach to generative AI. Unlike other texts in the field, this guide offers concrete, immediately applicable strategies for using AI as both a copilot and a co-thinker. I've used AI as co-pilot but not so much as co-thinker.

Strategically structured into four primary sections—Managing Yourself, Managing Teams, Managing Business, and Managing Change—each section offers detailed explorations of AI as a copilot and co-thinker, with specific, actionable examples that managers can immediately implement. It doesn't just present the technology as a tool, but as a collaborative partner that can enhance productivity, drive innovation, and support strategic decision-making.

The core message is compelling: managers who develop generative AI capabilities will leap ahead of those who don't. I'm particularly excited to implement strategies from the "Managing Yourself" and "Managing Teams" sections in my own professional context.

The HBR Guide to Generative AI for Managers is more than a book; it's a strategic compass for leaders looking to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Whether you're a tech-savvy manager or someone just beginning to explore AI's potential, this book offers invaluable insights that can fundamentally reshape your approach to work. This isn't just recommended reading—it's essential.

A big thank you to Harvard Business Review Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[The Keepers of the Books]

Generative AI is an up and coming popular technology. It can be used to generate agendas, data analysis, stunning images, even PowerPoint presentations. However, it has many implications for business wide development, including ethical concerns, privacy, and security. This book covers 10 top articles that managers need to read about the topic.
The articles are useful, informative, and do a great job of covering the essential parts of the topic. The articles are well-written and engaging. Readers who are interested in AI will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections

Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.

[Mohamed Elnazir]

I found HBR Guide to Generative AI for Managers to be a practical and insightful resource for exploring how AI can support new business ventures. While the book highlights exciting opportunities, I believe managers should remain cautious: generative AI can sometimes produce inaccurate results (Hallucinations), and in unpredictable markets like Sudan, these risks may be amplified. Still, it’s a valuable guide for anyone looking to understand and responsibly apply AI in business.

[Juan Jacobo Bernal]

"HBR Guide to Generative AI for Managers" by Elisa Farri now lives on my desk, covered in sticky tabs.

In just two weeks, it supercharged my toolkit with practical AI tools and insights. Whether you're a manager or an individual contributor, I highly recommend it: concise, actionable, and perfectly timed for this AI-driven moment.

[Deandra]

I bought this book thinking "how can I help other understand GenAI" and for the most part it did. I liked how every now and then it reminds the user that Gen AI 'hallucinates' but on the whole, the book recommends reliance and almost loading off your cognitive thinking. There are instances where it doesn't - like: 'how do I improve my skills'; giving that you still need to ask someone/search the internet.

I think on the whole the book is good for those who are trying to learn how to engage with it, with examples on prompts and how to use chat-enabled GenAI to improve your strategy. However, I expected a bit more transparency or at least a chapter on the ethics of it all.

[Debbie]

Useful current guide on how to use AI in the workplace as a co- thinker. This area is moving so fast and this is a useful book. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Greg]

This book does a great job in explaining the concepts on how to integrate generative AI and the managerial aspects of businesses. The explanations are clear and the examples are well-specified. Managers will benefit from reading this book.

[Saubhagya Modi]

Good Book covering all the basics of AI. Could have gone into more technical details like temperature, randomness and making upon which particular AI is trained best to suit the needs of a particular project with examples.

[Carlo Martinello]

it start well, then it looses as the pages go on.
I couldn't see real added value even prompting is not explained in detail.
you can skip it.

[Rogival Gregory]

Artificial intelligence is a powerful assistant. It is a co pilot in various domains. More than information provider the AI may ask us questions, challenge our assumptions. There are plenty of usecases, step by step

[Lynsey Urban]

Very thought-provoking content. I read this with a weekly book club which sparked some really great conversations and has changed the way I use AI. However, some of the advice was skeptical and this was clearly read by an AI which was almost unbearable to listen to. Would have probably enjoyed a physical copy of this book more.