Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been here for decades. One of the first everyday instances of AI was used in manufacturing. They created a few robotic arms to assist in assembly lines. I know, you don’t really think of that as AI, but when you think about how many people were, and continue to be, replaced by a robotic arm it gets a little scary. I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA a steadfast blue collar steel producing city. 85% of the city would have been unemployed in the 70’s if AI had been fully implemented. So, it’s not going anywhere, anytime soon. It has grown and will continue to grow.
Everyone is afraid of it and wants it to stop. It’s really not that simple, the cat is already out of the bag. Every time you enter directions into your navigation, ask Alexa the weather and tell Siri to play Beyonce’s new song you are using AI and contributing to it’s long lasting stay in our universe. Don’t be mad, it’s ok. Remember, WE created AI. It can only do what WE told it to do.
The foundational programming of AI was built by humans. We told AI what to do and how to “think”, which is how you can look at computing. What was also done in the programming, just like with Google, is how to learn from what it is asked to do; store it all in your database for future use. As we use AI, in whatever form we use it in, it will remember what we asked it do to, what we refined in our request and then what we implemented/used. This is a crude explanation, but you’re not here to learn AI. You’re here to learn how not to be replaced. That’s simple, stay uniquely YOU.
When you look at Chatgpt, the latest and greatest fascination, its not really as creative as people think. It is built on basic understanding data; write a memo, write a resume for a 20-something female in the marketing industry. Once it writes the resume, it waits to see if you use what they gave you or you ask for additional refining to the results. All of it is stored, then used for the next person who will adjust the request by adding more or less details. All of which is stored in the database, as a whole and in parts, to use for the next request which may have similar details. Are you following? There is nothing unique in it’s thinking. This is where you’re strength lies.
The best attribute you can build on is your creativity. The unique way you see a problem and the solution for it. The various personalities you combine to create a team, that will garner the best result for the client. I’m no artist, so my ability to expand on painting or drawing will never happen. However, I read all types of books, walk the trails and chitty-chat with other people all the time. In doing so, I’m able to interpret situations vastly different than a computer who’s thinking in structured can.
If you want to win against AI here you go:
SME in your field – (Subject Matter Expert) no matter what happens, you still need to know how to do your job. If it’s marketing, keep up with the places the consumer market is consuming. If it’s technology, stay abreast of tech which is used in your area of work. The basics of value still hold true, know what you should know.
Expand your mind – if you could care less about cooking, don’t negate watching cooking show from time to time. If reality TV makes you nauseated, but your consumer market is watching reality TV then you should give it an hour or so a week of your time. At times, go opposite to what interests you to see what other ways you can stretch your mind.
Be a Chatty Cathy – you may not be into small talk at networking events, that’s ok, but you need to be chatting it up somewhere. There are several free social groups on-line to connect with people who like to do what you like to do; hike, bike, play cards, game of thrones, golf, etc. Connect with some of these groups, not your usual circle of friends, and chat it up there. It’s in these short conversations where you begin to grow your thoughts in other ways while increasing your circle and visibility.
Read a book – not on your ipad, your phone, your eReader or audio, read an actual page turning book. There is an immersive action that takes place holding a book in your hands, turning each page and consuming each word. I’m a huge Public Library person. I actually love to visit libraries when I travel, time permitting. Since most people are living minimally, go to the library and borrow a book and return it.
Have a Presence – remember the phrase “the squeaky wheel gets the oil”? Well, in today’s workplace it keeps you on the radar. We don’t do a lot in person anymore, but it doesn’t stop me from ensuring when the camera is on from looking office ready. I make sure I have a full face picture as my avatar, not me sitting on a boat with a fishing pole. If there is a presentation, I stay active in the chats answering questions, commenting and adding an emoji where needed. If no one knows or hears you, when it’s time to choose you or AI, why not AI. No one really knows you anyway, except your team who has no authority on who stays and who goes.
Show Up – in the office, at the happy hour, coffee chats. Everyone acts like it’s such a major headache to go to the office or show up to something work related. We had almost 3 years where we barely brushed our teeth. A few scheduled in-person events isn’t as much as it used to be. Even going into the office a couple times a week is not as much as it was before, so show up.
