The Humanizing Work Show

#168 Should You Backfill That Leadership Role—or Rethink It?

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When a key leader leaves, the instinct is to backfill the role. But what if the real need has changed? In this episode, we break down how to make a smart, intentional hiring decision using three key insights:

  • Not Backfilling a Role Is a Strategic Choice, Not Just a Cost-Saving Move. If you don’t hire, who takes on the leadership responsibilities? Your teams? Yourself? A mix?
  • The Three Jobs of Management Define Whether a Leadership Role Is Needed. A manager is only valuable if they create clarity, increase capability, or improve systems in a way that multiplies their team’s impact.
  • AI Changes Work, But It Doesn’t Eliminate the Need for Leadership. AI might automate tasks, but it raises the bar for leadership by shifting priorities, increasing complexity, and demanding new skills.

    • Through real-world examples—including a tech company that thrived without a director and a marketing org navigating AI’s impact—we’ll help you decide whether to hire, restructure, or rethink the role entirely.

    Episode page: https://www.humanizingwork.com/backfill-that-leadership-role/

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