AI Business LensTHE BUSINESS OF AI, FOR PEOPLE WHO TEACH IT OR LEARN FROM IT
CNBC — Technology · September 12, 2026

It's time to use AI to rehearse pay, performance chats before meeting with your manager. They're doing it

Human ResourcesManagementCommunications
THE AI ANGLE
Simulating difficult workplace conversations and providing communication coaching

Managers and employees are increasingly adopting AI coaching tools to role-play and refine delivery for challenging workplace interactions regarding compensation, performance reviews, and layoffs. While a Predictive Index survey found that 42% of managers struggle with how to communicate tough messages, these tools provide accessible practice to improve tone, conciseness, and framing. For faculty in human resources, management, and communications, this trend highlights a shift toward technology-assisted interpersonal training alongside emerging risks surrounding employee data privacy and the limits of simulated empathy.

THE TEACHING ANGLE
Students can debate whether AI role-playing builds genuine interpersonal communication skills or risks encouraging formulaic interactions that fail to replicate the complex emotional weight and legal nuances of real-world management.

Read the original at cnbc.com   Generate teaching or study materials

Instructors get discussion guides, assignments, and mini-cases. Students and readers get a plain summary, class prep, and an exercise. All built from the full article. Three are free with an account.

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