The AI Uprising: How to Be More Human Than Your Robot Colleague at Work

By Leadership Coach Gabriela Mueller Mendoza, April 2024

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As we ride the exhilarating wave of AI’s expansion, a ManpowerGroup report sparks a conversation with its finding that 58% of employers anticipate AI to be a job creator, not a job taker. I’d like to be more of a optimistic-realistic, combining a growth mindset about trends, but also relay on data, analytics, past records and world experts’ views.

Today I’d like to make a case about why AI won’t replace us all. May would argue AI won’t replace humans, but people with AI will replace workers without it.

The World Economic Forum’s projection that half of all employees will need to reskill by 2025 is not just a forecast; it’s a call to action, igniting a shift to equip the workforce for an undefined but undeniably bright tech-forward horizon. We’re not just preparing for change; we’re stepping into the arena, ready to harness the untapped potential of generative AI—transforming today’s challenges into tomorrow’s triumphs.

In today’s business, artificial intelligence (AI) can be productivity support and a great peer or collaborator. It’s reshaping the way we work, but let’s get one thing straight: it’s not pushing us out of the picture. Instead, AI is the sidekick that amplifies our human capabilities, taking care of the mundane so we can focus on what we do best—being human. This means that despite the digital buzz, our role in the workforce remains more critical than ever. We’re not just cogs in the machine; we’re the architects, the visionaries, the caregivers, and the decision-makers who navigate the complex web of human interactions and innovation that AI simply cannot replicate.

As AI quickly evolves, so must our skill sets. The workplace is no longer a static environment where one can thrive on a single skill for an entire career. It has transformed into a dynamic arena where adaptability is king. The ability to learn and upskill—developing new and relevant abilities—is now a non-negotiable asset. Work has transcended the boundaries of routine tasks, becoming a rich tapestry woven from a diverse collection of skills that are constantly being updated and refined. Employees are now encouraged to identify and hone their unique human skills, such as emotional intelligence, creativity, and strategic problem-solving—traits that are in high demand but low supply in an AI-driven world.

In this new era, companies are recognizing the importance of nurturing their human resources. Continuous employee development programs have become commonplace, providing a platform for individuals to acquire and sharpen their skills. In this data-driven age, hiring practices have evolved too, with a focus on assembling teams that not only meet the technical requirements but also bring a wealth of soft skills to the table. And as new technologies carve out previously unimagined career paths, there is an exciting opportunity to step into roles that combine the best of both worlds—human intuition and machine efficiency.

So what can we do as leaders or as part or teams today about AI impact?

I’d like to suggest 3 questions to stimulate proactive discussions that can lead to tangible actions in your teams and organizations.

  1. How can we best identify and nurture the unique human skills within our teams to complement AI technology?
  2. What strategies can we implement to foster a culture that balances technological efficiency with personal growth and job satisfaction?
  3. In what ways can we continuously evolve our leadership approach to keep pace with AI advancements while also prioritizing our team’s well-being and professional development?

Looking ahead, the future of work is shaping up to be an empowering and fulfilling journey. Leaders are now more invested than ever in enabling their teams to leverage AI tools to enhance their natural abilities. This paves the way for a more human-centric workplace where fulfilling one’s potential is not just encouraged but expected. It’s a bright future we’re stepping into—one where our human skills are not just necessary but celebrated, ensuring that work is not only about efficiency and productivity but also about fulfillment and growth.

 

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#AI #upskilling #preskilling #innovation #leadership #futureready #jobcreation

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