by Kate Brackenridge , Change Manager, UAA Group. 

 

Sharktopus – a modern-day analogy of complacency in our careers, how as humans in the workplace we slow down and resist change.

Excel eSports Financial Modelling World Cup – a global sporting event that is embracing an application that was once predicted to decimate the need for all financial roles.

And finally, how Kenny Rogers – yes, the famous global singer/songwriter whose hits include ‘’The Gambler’ – is in fact a guiding light in manage change. 

Struggling to see the connection? Nick Abrahams took us on a journey of how these pop cultural references can help us not only adapt, but thrive, in an AI world. 

We start with a comparison of AI to an eBike: it assists with daily tasks, but when faced with uphillchallenges, we still need to pedal. AI can support us, but work remains essential.

So as change practitioners, what is the human factors we need to tap into thrive in an AI world?

  1. Adaptability – AI erodes knowledge monopoly; it is akin to the next evolution of the Tech Boom – more people have more access to more information than ever before. Positing AI will enable execution, with the differentiators will be the human factors of focusing on strategy, relationships, and engagement.
  2. Communication –be honest now – how often do you truly give someone undivided attention? Not thinking about what to say next, or what is on for the weekend, or chores to do at home – but truly undivided attention? This is the best gift we can give anyone as communication has evolved – different generations have various skills and needs. A direct phone call could be the path to immediate action or anxiety, while being online could generate a feeling of exposure or comfort? Being aware of and adapting to these styles is essential.
  3. Curiosity – Curiosity can be cultivated. The skill of curiosity is more crucial than ever in change as to offer enterprise or group wide solutions, we need to ponder the “What if…?” if we do this how will this then impact the area vs. the next? This curiosity will then breed creativity letting us focus on the strategy, while AI can support the execution. 
  4. Relationships – within the AI landscape there are two key relationships to be aware of.
    1. Human to Human – people still want the human touch. Think of travel agents – there are a plethora of online platforms that can perform the exact same function, yet travel agents still thrive?
    2. Human to Machine – some interesting insights are available, whether it be that 67% American say pleased & thank you to AI, or AI companions can reduce loneliness as effectively as humans. 

Regardless of whether it be human to – human or machine – we need to be aware of the importance of relationship building and collaboration, with Nick positing that in addition to Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient, we need to be aware of a Digital Quotient – which is the ability to relate to, understand and collaborate with evolving AI. 

Purpose – the true differentiator in the Grinders (AI) and the Thrivers (Humans). Is it as simple as find your Purpose, find your Grit then find your Success? It can be, especially as uncovering and addressing the true driver/motivator is aim of Change Practitioners – something AI just cannot do.

So how can these factors truly help us thrive in an AI world? In the immortal words of Kenny – “The secret to surviving is knowing what to throw away / And what to keep”. Focus on human factors that differentiate us from AI and let AI handle the heavy lifting of execution. This balance is crucial for thriving in the modern workplace.

P.S. for those who don’t know Kenny, try Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” theory of change.