When robots replace you...

When robots replace you...

The incredible growth of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) is both exciting and scary. Our lives may improve in numerous ways, from travel to medicine, but there are implications. In order to stay ahead we all need to develop new skills. But which ones?

From truck drivers to production line workers changes are afoot. Self-driving cars are upon us but that’s the tip of the iceberg….the doing jobs are being replaced. It’s the “thinking” ones next. Does your doctor, head-hunter or teacher have to be human?

These are valued and highly skilled jobs but they do all follow the same general workflow….

  1. Gather the data
  2. Analyse that data
  3. Interpret the results
  4. Decide a course of action
  5. Implement the course of action

There are plenty of occupations that follow this methodology. In my industry, the recruitment sector, we follow this path until the appropriate candidate is hired. Doctors do so more obviously as they examine the symptoms and plot a path to recovery. Airline pilots, travel agents, investment consultants and many more….

These skilled workers are highly valued and real expertise is scarce (consider the value and magnetism of a star fund manager). On the gathering, analysis and interpretation of data AI will quickly surpass our human abilities….they will be more efficient, require less sustenance or sleep and be unbiased. And we are trusting them to do these jobs already – not just to win at chess but to manage high performing funds, fly planes and solve complex medical cases.

As the value of some of our most prized careers are being eroded where does that leave us humans (my apologies to those machines who are reading this!)?

I think that to stay relevant, whatever our profession, we need to focus on our most human traits – motivating, interacting with humans, showing understanding & empathy. Machines struggle to replicate these (even in the films!)

Imagine a business leader spurring her team into action or a doctor comforting a bereaved family.

These are human actions that are by-products of education rather than the primary focus. A good doctor should have a good bedside manner but are sometimes guilty of focusing on data and reports ahead of feelings and emotions.

Staying relevant in your profession means embracing change and adapting. Here are my thoughts….

  • Don’t take on the machines; you’ll lose (The Terminator films were fantasy!). AI and machine learning will lower costs and improve the results. Either individually or as part of a progressive organisation take advantage of the advances going on.  
  • Be a strategist or curator - harness the power of technology. Information used to be power, now we all have it its about the smartest utilisation of the information. Chose and use the tools at your disposal wisely.
  • Invest in developing your own emotional intelligence. start focusing on how you can better manage, influence, nurture and relate to others. Or, stretch yourself with training.
  • If you can be an outstanding motivator, manager, or listener, then you will always have a part to play as technology changes your industry.

Finally, whatever changes may or may not be ahead, there are plenty of opportunities available right now. Seize the day.

written by Barnaby Parker, CEO of Venquis (whose people are changing your world...). Feel free to like, disagree, comment, get in touch....particularly if you already have "strong human capabilities"!).


要查看或添加评论,请登录

Barnaby Parker的更多文章

  • The career path to ??sales success.....

    The career path to ??sales success.....

    Salespeople are very evolutionary. Products, services and concepts change and sales people typically have to adapt very…

    4 条评论
  • Change responsibly!

    Change responsibly!

    In my 20 years of personally hanging out with individuals and companies that are trying to make their mark on the world…

  • "I'm a recruiter, where's the disruption?"

    "I'm a recruiter, where's the disruption?"

    Your life as a recruiter hasn't changed much since you started..

    4 条评论
  • From top biller to recruitment leader?

    From top biller to recruitment leader?

    Its often said that the hardest job in recruitment is as a new team leader. It might be the first leadership role you…

  • Don't miss out on London!

    Don't miss out on London!

    In this period of uncertainty don’t give up on London! We’ve been through far, far worse and come out better for it…

    7 条评论
  • CEOs - mind the gap!

    CEOs - mind the gap!

    The CEO has a brilliant idea for catapulting the company forward. The technology director can deliver the platforms and…

    2 条评论
  • Recruiting with the times.....

    Recruiting with the times.....

    Are your employees relevant in 2016? Last year Anthony Jenkins delivered some worrying news to the banking sector. The…

    1 条评论
  • Venquis in 2015; the place to be.

    Venquis in 2015; the place to be.

    In 2015 Venquis has continued its fast growth trajectory towards being the worlds#1 business transformation recruiter…

    4 条评论
  • “Better a hole than an A*@hole”

    “Better a hole than an A*@hole”

    I quote icon Steve Jobs because he makes a critical point. Should you fill a vacancy with the best candidate you’ve…

    14 条评论
  • Is industry experience essential?

    Is industry experience essential?

    This age old chestnut often raises its head among my clients. Do you need industry experience to be an effective change…

    16 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了