A “Human” Differentiation in the age of automation (2/4)

This article is continuation of my earlier post, where I highlighted what “human” skills will be premium in the age of AI & automation. You can read it here.

Let’s discuss the first “human” skill, emotional intelligence here.

LinkedIn is filled with examples of several educational institutions that have started courses on AI, data analytics & RPA. However, many studies show that the future of work will require more than AI literacy. For example, in this paper titled equipping business students for the working reality, the authors have identified that areas of emotional intelligence – trustworthiness, self-direction, communication, discipline, flexibility etc. will always have a premium associated with it. AI lacks emotional intelligence, and this is where humans must take the most advantage.

How should you start to build emotional intelligence?

There are many literary works available to help you develop you emotional intelligence. However, my $0.02 are:

1. Manage your emotions at work: Don’t get overwhelmed by too much work, or do not let one thing in life affects your behavior in other areas of life. Don’t jump to conclusions and always take some time (few seconds) to absorb the situation before taking any decisions. Try stepping into other’s shoes, and then respond. Learn to cope with pressure and setbacks (read point #3) and bounce back from hardships.

2. Communication is the key: not just verbal, but non-verbal as well. The words that you chose to speak, and your body language can give a lot of cues about your emotional stability to your clients or customers.

3. Practice, practice and practice: I think that there is no explanation required for this!

Emotional intelligence is not some rocket-science and it evolves over time. The only requirement is that you should have willingness to practice it and give it some time. Practice is the key. Having high-degree of emotional intelligence not only makes you irreplaceable by AI, but also as an indispensable asset for the enterprise.

I will discuss about the second “Human” differentiation - Change Management, in the upcoming posts.