Manager Nerds: What’s it like to work for one?

Anthropic’s co-founder, Jack Clark, the company behind AI site Claude, has coined the term “Manager Nerds” to describe a new breed of leaders who possess a deep understanding of technology, particularly AI, and use it to enhance their managerial capabilities.

This article discusses the concept of Manager Nerds, explores what it might be like to work for one as a freelancer, and examines the broader implications of this emerging leadership style.

What is a Manager Nerd?

According to Jack Clark, a “Manager Nerd” is a leader who combines traditional managerial skills with a profound understanding of AI and its potential applications. These leaders are not simply tech-savvy; they are deeply engaged with the technical aspects of their organisations, capable of understanding the nuances of AI systems, and able to leverage these technologies to improve decision-making, optimise workflows, and drive innovation. They are comfortable with data, algorithms, and complex systems, and can communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical teams.

So, not your traditional CEO.

Clark envisions a future where AI tools will augment the abilities of managers making them increasingly reliant on insights, automating routine tasks, and enabling them to focus on strategic thinking and complex problem-solving. This doesn’t mean AI will replace managers, but rather that it will empower a specific type of manager to be more effective.

That said, as more AI agents start to cover tasks, it is inevitable that job cuts will ensue, especially at companies that arguably already have “Manager Nerds” calling the shots.

Just this week, Microsoft confirmed it will reduce its total workforce by 3%.  CNBC first reported the news on Tuesday. The number of jobs getting cut is approximately 6,000. 

A spokesperson for Microsoft confirmed to FOX Business, that cutting jobs was “necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace.”

Working for a Manager Nerd as a freelancer

For freelancers, the prospect of working with a Manager Nerd presents a mixed bag of potential benefits and challenges.

On the upside, working with a technically savvy manager often means clearer communication right from the start, thanks to their precise project briefs. You might also find yourself contributing to projects where decisions are driven by solid data, which can be satisfying when you see positive results.

Plus, these managers tend to focus on making things run smoothly and efficiently, potentially leading to quicker project turnarounds for you. Invoice time!

Another exciting aspect could be the chance to get hands-on with the latest AI tools, which can definitely help you level up your skills and make you even more in-demand. If you’re someone who’s motivated by achieving tangible results, this kind of focused environment could be a great fit.

However, it’s also worth considering some potential downsides. You might find that the expectations around your technical abilities and how quickly you can deliver are quite high. While it’s not always the case, a manager with a deep technical background might be more inclined to get into the nitty-gritty of your work, possibly even remotely through AI monitoring. Something to be mindful of, as it could mean less one-on-one human training and interaction.  

Will manager nerds bother to really get to know their staff and freelancers? Will they trust you? Will they be a people person?

For example, the emphasis on efficiency and data might also mean less wiggle room in how you work, which could be a drawback if you value a lot of independence. You might also encounter more technical jargon in your day-to-day communication, though The Freelance Informer has some helpful tips on managing that in this special report.

Finally, given how fast AI is evolving, you’ll need to be prepared to continuously learn and adapt to new tools and approaches.

Finding your footing as a freelancer

Looking at the bigger picture, the emergence of these technically focused managers really signals a shift in what the future of work might look like. It seems like having a solid understanding of technology is becoming increasingly important, even for those in leadership roles. So, they too will have to get on board with becoming “nerdier”.

Companies with ‘Manager Nerds’ at the helm could become more adaptable, innovative, and competitive, but it might also mean that their teams need to be comfortable with ongoing change and the constant introduction of new technologies. We might also see less face-to-face interaction, which could impact how well people collaborate and connect with each other.

Those managers who use AI to become more collaborative and are not afraid to do this in person should get the most results out of their teams.

This trend could also widen the gap between those with strong tech skills and those without, potentially making it tougher for individuals who aren’t tech-savvy to find their footing in the job market. It really highlights the need for everyone to keep learning and developing new skills, especially in areas like AI and data science. But it also shines a spotlight on how non-tech skills and roles must remain valued if AI Agents are to be any good. Read why in this report: AI Agent skills trigger freelancer hiring frenzy (even non-tech roles) – Freelance Informer

The increasing reliance on data-driven decisions also brings up some important ethical questions about how we use AI in management. We want to make sure that human values and ethical considerations aren’t forgotten in the process.

Always be one step ahead of the competition.

Be informed. Freelancer Informed.