AI may be coming for your job, but all is not lost

Many workplaces are now using artificial intelligence tools to automate tasks such as data entry, billing and collections, customer service and scheduling. If that sounds like most of your job description, then should you be worried? The answer is “Probably.”

The World Economic Forum (in The Future of Jobs Report 2020) estimates that 50 per cent of all employees will need re-skilling by 2025, as automation and AI continue to transform the workplace. The same report has identified the top emerging job roles between 2020-2025 as being related to data, AI and machine learning. Specifically, data analysts and scientists, AI and machine-learning specialists and business development professionals with AI skills. Data analysis and interpretation are expected to be the key skills in demand.

So yes, AI may steal your job. But all is not lost. Humans can’t compete when it comes to gathering and processing data, but we can differentiate ourselves elsewhere. If you invest in developing the skills to analyze, interpret and communicate what AI produces, you will likely come out the winner. Humans are still needed for creativity and critical thinking. Only humans can oversee strategy, balance conflicting business priorities and ensure that ethical guidelines are followed. Probably of most significance, there is no machine that can build trusting relationships with customers, clients and colleagues; that can only be done by living, breathing human beings.

The key to your future career success lies then in acquiring today the competence you will need for tomorrow. Focus on enhancing your skills in these five main areas:

Understand the basics of AI

Develop at least a rudimentary understanding .....

This was originally published as one of my regular columns in The Globe and Mail on June 3, 2023. If you have a subscription, you can read the rest on their site here: https://bit.ly/3qrI0ER. And if you don't, a pdf version is archived here: https://www.turningmanagersintoleaders.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GM_ManagementOnline_060223.pdf