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Tech influencers are predicting that 90% of coding jobs will be dead soon. The news highlights massive changes at work with the rapid adoption of AI across industries, leading to layoffs and redundancies. The biggest question is, how can you secure your job in an AI-powered future? Let’s understand what it takes to stay relevant and thrive whenever there is a rapid technological change in your domain or the world.
Becoming resilient
Morgan Housel, in his book, Same as Ever, says that while change is extremely scary, some things remain the same. Through industrial revolution, Internet, pandemic, and now AI, there are enduring human needs and human nature that is unchanging. When you understand the truths of human behaviour, you can use it to focus on what doesn’t change, and grow your human-centric skills that AI cannot replace. Instead of resisting change, accept it and ride the wave. Whether you are a CEO or a graduate, invest in building skills that AI cannot replicate, and your career will remain resilient.
Timeless human elements
What doesn’t change are human elements that add value to our lives. The first is personal connection. Humans value relationships, so despite automation, the customer in customer service, team members and clients in creative fields will continue to need empathy and authentic connect. In a tech-driven world, your ability to form genuine bonds sets you apart. Next is the human need to find meaning or purpose at work. While AI will handle routine tasks, humans want roles that are in line with personal values or offer fulfilment. Where your contribution is aligned with the broader mission, you are immensely valuable.
Next is the need for clarity and simplicity. When work is driven by data analysis and algorithms, the ability to simplify and communicate clearly is critical. Think storytelling, summarising and presenting in an easy-to-understand way. Then comes trust. In a world of layoffs, geopolitical uncertainty and business upheavals, trust takes a beating. Maintaining credibility and building a reputation for being reliable, consistent and value-driven makes you indispensable. Finally, consider empathy. Humans can, and AI cannot, show social awareness, navigate human emotions and manage relationships.
Enduring human skills
Begin with communication skills. Where data is cheap, the ability to be a masterful storyteller in creating compelling narratives and spelling things out clearly is a gamechanger. From a founder raising capital from investors to the job-seeker demonstrating business impact in an interview, storytelling makes the data relatable, human and memorable. Every time you speak, practise converting complex information into simple stories that have huge impact and resonate with your audience. Next is decision-making or problem-solving. While AI can process data, it cannot tell you what to do. Develop your mindset for critically evaluating information, applying logic, and understanding real-world impact of problems. Recognise and adopt tried and tested frameworks for problem-solving and learn to use multiple perspectives to reach sound decisions. Use team meetings to practice your skills.
Next is emotional intelligence, which includes reading people’s emotions, motivations and social cues, and using these to manage relationships. Focus on active listening, thoughtful responses, instead of emotional reactions, and learn tools of conflict resolution. Build a reputation for collaboration and for being a supportive leader. Next is adaptability, which includes speed of learning. Lifelong growth is not an option, but a necessity. Your core skills are rapidly degrading as the world changes so seek new tools and skills that you will need tomorrow, along with the fastest way to master them. Combine realworld experiments and projects, peer learning and online inputs to remain relevant. Finally, you need to carry people along for any kind of success. Thus, persuasion, influence and negotiation is critical. Observe and learn from successful leaders and practise using logic, emotions and reputation to build arguments that bring agreement.
Bridging human-tech gap
Human skills are not enough. Real outcomes need blending these with technical awareness. The first skill is AI literacy, or the ability to use AI to deliver your employer’s goals. Become familiar with AI tools and AI-driven platforms without becoming a tech expert. Next comes conflict resolution. Massive change includes hybrid work and diverse teams, where disputes need resolution. Next is the critical skill of public speaking where you are able to present your ideas in person or online. Use your team meetings as a laboratory to experiment. It is your growth mindset that will enable you to accept change, embrace challenges as learning opportunities and successfully bridge the human-tech gap.
Practical steps
Start with a personal skill audit and identify your current skills and gaps. Work with mentors or colleagues to get feedback and avoid blind spots. Seek targeted learning in human-centric skills and AI awareness. Basic courses like ‘AI for Everyone’ may help. Convert this knowledge into outcomes by applying AI in daily tasks. To enhance learning, network with those who are integrating AI in their roles, and showcase your new AI and human skills to the world.
Start now
The real goal is not to acquire skills, but to develop the mindset that welcomes change. Once you accept that the environment will continue to evolve, you can build a routine that prioritises learning and adaptability. The future belongs to those who and master technology and align with timeless human skills. Begin today by staying human.
BUILD AI LITERACY FROM SCRATCH
1.START WITH BASICS
Begin with common AI tools in use. Like Smart Compose in Gmail, most e-mail clients suggest responses, while assistants like Siri and Alexa perform common tasks . Overcome your reluctance and start using them in your daily life to boost your confidence at work.
2.TRY AI APPS IN DAILY WORK
Integrate AI-driven apps in your work routine. Use Otter or Fathom to record and transcribe your meetings or, say, Grammarly to assist with your writing. Try content creation with Canva or chatGPT and create visuals and content effortlessly.
3.LEARN FROM REAL LIFE
Follow leading professionals and observe their shares on how they use AI. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn that offer insights on how AI is enhancing productivity across different industries. Take notes and reflect on how you can leverage the information.
4.PRACTICAL,SHORT COURSES
Look out for AI courses for hands-on learning that you can use immediately. Start with ‘Introduction to AI’ and then use modules that teach application, not programming. Check out the skills your peers are showing on their profiles to shortlist modules you can dive into.
5.APPLY AT WORK
Your learning evaporates unless you apply it. Seek outcomes that save time or reduce drudgery. Start small and use AI to automate e-mail sorting and scheduling. As you become comfortable, use AI in larger projects, including data analysis or reports. Demonstrate AI literacy to become an asset to your team.
THE WRITER IS FOUNDER SALARYNEXT.COM, A JOB LOSS ASSURANCE FIRM, AND AUTHOR OF GET HIRED IN 30 DAYS.