The 1 Skill You Can Build That Smart Machines Can't Replace
A new McKinsey study of 800 occupations finds that automation and artificial intelligence will transform the workplace over the next decade. In order to compete, your skills have to change. “The need for finely tuned social and emotional skills will grow rapidly,” according to the report.
The McKinsey report supports the conclusion I’ve reached while doing the research for my new book, FIVE STARS: The Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great. In conversations with billionaires and business leaders, NASA astronauts and Navy SEALS, neuroscientists and historians, I've learned one invaluable lesson:
As the forces of globalization, automation and artificial intelligence disrupt every career and every industry, mastering the art of persuasion isn’t an option anymore; it’s the key driver of success.
Persuasion—the ability to combine words and ideas to change hearts and minds—is the one tool we have to outsmart smart machines.
You see, in today’s world your value is locked up in your ideas. Your value doesn’t come from how fast you can plough the land as it did in the Agrarian Age and your value doesn’t come from how fast you can assemble a widget as it did in the Industrial Age. Ideas are the currency of the 21st century.
Ideas don’t sell themselves. An idea needs an advocate, someone to champion it and convince others to buy in. This is the first time in history that anyone who is a little better at expressing their idea can see a sudden, massive increase in wealth that is unprecedented in human history. The ability to convince others that your idea has merit—good old fashioned persuasion—is the single greatest skill that will give you a competitive edge.
On several occasions, the billionaire Warren Buffett has repeatedly said that the single best investment that a person can make is investing in their their skill development. And, according to Buffett, effective public-speaking is the one skill that will raise your value in the workplace by 50 percent instantly.
Your original ideas are your most valuable asset. Your ideas matter. Learn to speak up for them, inspire the rest of us to believe in you, and you’ll be unstoppable, irresistible and irreplaceable.
Chief Operating Officer, Zydex Group Road Vertical
5 年Absolutely agree. In fact The Art of Pre-Suasion is critical in any communication
Best Selling Author, Keynote Speaker, Shreyaspreneur Mentor, Life & Business Strategist, Leadership & Change Mgt. Specialist, R & M Expert, Clarity Coach, Veteran, Most Admired Global Indian, Youth Mentor, Founder & CEO
5 年Great ideas to help prepare for disruptive future. Thanks for sharing ????
Creative, Experienced Content Marketing Writer & Capable Assistant Teacher
5 年Carmine, you make an excellent point that the power of persuasion is a necessary social and emotional skill as automation and artificial intelligence continue to transform the workplace. To that, I would add open-mindedness, vulnerability, and empathy—three human traits that AI and automation can’t deliver.
Fellow of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA, UK), George Washington University, Balanced Scorecard Master Professional, MBA, University of Hull, UK, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor Certified, Highly Experienced in Business,
5 年I like the suggestion that persuasion is and will be an invaluable skill. I also think that conceptualization, design and creation or building new stuff that solves problems will also set many apart and keep them relevant.