AI Can Prepare Feedback; It Can’t Own the Conversation

On October 20, Ema and The Josh Bersin Company announced a partnership to bring HR research into AI tools that can help managers prepare for feedback conversations and draft follow-up across workplace systems. Ema says research-based answers will cite their sources, while actions such as pay changes remain with people. The workflows are planned for Q4 2026—not yet evidence of results. Read the announcement. (globenewswire.com)

That could make useful guidance easier to reach. But a feedback conversation is not just a task to complete: the other person should be able to question the framing, explain their perspective, and help agree on next steps.

A sensible first test: use the tool to prepare, then have the manager verify the advice, speak in their own words, and confirm any follow-up with the employee before it becomes an assigned action. What would make AI-assisted feedback feel like support for an honest conversation—not a verdict delivered by software?