The public interest in the chatbot ChatGPT this year has been tremendous. Many enthusiasts find artificial intelligence (AI) exciting; others are concerned (and rightfully so).
I don’t know how AI will evolve, but one trend will likely continue as it has in the last century: people and organizations will rely more on machines to augment their work and personal life. Humans didn’t ride cars, use washing machines, or navigate with smartphones; now, we do. And all that can change again, too.
If this trend continues, an interesting question emerges: what timeless skills matter in this evolving world?
I can think of three.
Leadership. Machines are great at processing vast volumes of data and executing repetitive tasks with clear instructions. What machines don’t do is the thinking: What matters? Who should we serve? What’s the right thing to do?
In the past, we often left these questions to the authorities (managers, politicians, and other rule-makers) because the information was opaque, and guardrails abounded. Now the rules have changed: common people have more information and power. The authorities now often don’t know the answers and need people to tell them what to do. In the meantime, you and I can access practically all knowledge and connect with anyone in the world with the click of a button.
This presents an opportunity: we are now empowered to lead—in a small or big way, wherever we are, regardless of titles and ranking. If we have a new idea, an important cause, or a better way of doing things, we now have a more promising chance to try it, within or without an organization—and it may just work.
Empathy. As humans, we crave connections with others–that won’t change. If given a choice, we choose people and organizations that care. Machines can’t care (even if they appear so). So listening, understanding, and seeing from others’ perspectives will remain important.
Art. Art isn’t limited to painting or music, but everything we do with the intent to connect. It’s the art of simplifying complexities, crafting a new solution, or delighting the people we serve with quality and value. It’s the art of resolving conflicts, breaking down walls, and building bridges. Art requires a soul, and machines don’t have one.
These three skills aren’t straightforward because there are no exact instructions to follow; that’s precisely why machines can’t do them. The good news? Everyone can learn these skills with practice and apply them in their own unique way.
