Big Tech alum says the individual contributor role is 'probably over' — AI is making everyone a manager (www.businessinsider.com)

In a recent essay and podcast, Philip Su, a former OpenAI and Meta engineer, posited that AI is revolutionizing the software development landscape by transforming individual contributors (ICs) into managers. According to Su, engineers are increasingly taking on managerial roles—delegating, prioritizing tasks, and providing feedback—rather than focusing solely on coding. This shift reflects a broader trend in Big Tech, where companies are flattening organizational structures, resulting in fewer traditional managers. Su controversially declared that the era of the IC may be nearing an end, as maximizing productivity now hinges on mastering tasks typically associated with management, particularly in light of advancements in AI. Su emphasized that even as AI streamlines certain processes, the need for human coordination remains critical, highlighting a persistent “human coordination problem” that AI cannot resolve. While the role of human managers may evolve, there is a growing recognition of a new position: "agent managers," who will oversee AI tools that enhance productivity. As tech leaders advocate for flatter org charts and embrace a "founder mode," this paradigm shift raises essential questions about how teams will function in an AI-driven landscape. Su suggests that while AI tools are becoming increasingly reliable, they will soon elevate the productivity of teams beyond traditional expectations, positioning managers to guide highly efficient AI-supported teams.