Chat GPT and other generative AI are having a growing impact on the world of work. Decision-making can be enhanced, and applying AI to Human Resource Management can improve both its efficiency and quality. For many years, conventional wisdom dictated that to survive AI and Robotics, one must equip oneself with creative skill sets. However, that’s no longer solely the case. AI can now produce top-level designs and is swiftly replacing copywriters, journalists, and even marketers.

Where to next? Understandably, these developments are causing significant anxiety in many professional circles. Reid Blackman, author of Ethical Machines, refers to this as Generative AI-nxiety!

Darin Clark and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, authors of “I Human: AI Automation, and the Quest to Reclaim What Makes Us Unique”, provide guidelines on how one can future-proof one’s career in the age of AI. They emphasise that with the AI tools now at our disposal, the focus should be on how you can enhance your abilities by utilising them. For instance, GPT-4 can assist with brainstorming, copywriting, or even intricate research. But how can your skills remain valuable amidst the rapid advancements in AI? Clark and Chamorro-Premuzic suggest the following five strategies:

  • Avoid Predictability: Remember, generative AI isn’t about creating new insights; it’s a prediction engine that merely guesses the most likely next word. Its suggestions often tend towards the mainstream, and its guidance is only as useful as the wisdom of the masses, which, as the authors highlight, is “often the exact opposite of wisdom”. However, this can be leveraged to your benefit. If you wish to understand common opinions, including biases, GPT-4 can provide insights into such collective wisdom or ignorance! AI’s prediction becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, making humans more predictable. To distinguish yourself, occasionally do the opposite of what it suggests — embrace your uniqueness, serendipity, and unpredictability.
  • Hone the Skills that Machines Strive to Emulate: While GPT-4 has been trained to display respect, empathy, and creativity, these responses are still based on text prediction. AI lacks the capacity to exhibit genuine human emotions and understanding. Being authentic in your feelings, genuinely caring about others, and truly understanding yourself will set you apart from AI systems.
  • Double Down on the Real World: While GPT-4, like most AI, operates within the digital realm, it’s vital to realise that AI can’t replace in-person connections. Strengthening personal relationships, whether through dining with colleagues or attending conferences, offers insights that AI can’t match. By accessing information that isn’t readily available online, through real-world experiences or fresh discussions, you introduce unique perspectives to conversations that couldn’t be achieved via AI.
  • Develop Your Personal Brand: Much like art enthusiasts would pay substantially more for a Picasso than for a similarly beautiful piece by an unknown artist, businesses will continue to value those perceived as “top of the field”. The emergence of AI won’t diminish the importance of personal branding.
  • Cultural Expertise: Despite AI’s remarkable capabilities, it isn’t infallible. Thus, cultivating expertise in your domain remains crucial. Even if AI handles initial tasks, its outputs still require verification by a trusted expert. If you are that authoritative figure, your expertise will remain in demand.

Preparing for AI’s impact on your career is essential. The strategies above offer a foundation. Concurrently, strive to understand how AI can benefit you, especially in enhancing your professional tasks. The “AI in HR” seminar is an excellent place to begin. This half-day online seminar, on 19 September, will offer insights from those who’ve been at the forefront, successfully incorporating AI into their HR frameworks. For more information about this event CLICK HERE.


Reference:

Clark, D., & Chamorro-Premuzic, T. (2023, April 25). 5 Ways to Future-Proof Your Career in the Age of AI. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2023/04/5-ways-to-future-proof-your-career-in-the-age-of-ai