When robots replace you...
Barnaby Parker
Global technology and transformation staffing solutions for businesses | Venquis CEO, Trusted CTO advisor.
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….
- Gather the data
- Analyse that data
- Interpret the results
- Decide a course of action
- 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"!).