Human vs robot
The development of AI and robotics is accelerating. To stay
relevant and not be replaced by AI, humans must cultivate a growth mindset and
acquire critical skills. Indeed, AI is a well-rounded tool that can help humans
enhance efficiency and productivity. However, because of its widening
applications, it's also perceived as a threat, especially in the workplace. It
is worth looking at how the new generation can harness AI to its advantage.
Love of learning
Natural learners are naturally open-minded and curious. They
are driven by desire to understand more and search for answers. They explore
broad and deep perspectives identifying new connections among various aspects.
This trait will serve them well in coexistence with AI.
Lifetime learner
There is no limit in the ocean of knowledge. I encourage
individuals to be lifetime learners. In this rapidly changing world, enriching
knowledge is the best investment, especially for the young. The current
technological advances present abundant low-cost and flexible opportunities for
self-learning via online courses.
When in my 40s I faced parenting challenges and career
setbacks, I turned to reading to broaden my horizon and add perspectives. The
acquired knowledge has formed the foundation of my coaching. Throughout my
career in finance, I was committed to learning through reading news, and
internal and external macro and fundamental research as well as doing my own
analysis. Studying coaching at the Institute of Continuing Education at the
University of Cambridge opened my eyes to the psychology and coaching world, which
spurred my further learning.
Fixed mindset
Individuals with a fixed mindset are reluctant to learn new
things believing they already know enough. Besides, they believe intelligence
and abilities are innate, trusting in their inherent talent and proficiency
while viewing effort as a trait of those who lack talent.
They prefer to stay in their comfort zones to avoid mistakes
as they perceive mistakes as indications of personal failure. They are
relatively egocentric and are offended by constructive criticism. They have a
strong sense of superiority and welcome only praise and appreciation. They are
reluctant to accept negative feedback.
They are result-oriented and feel insecure or threatened by
viewing others' success. Consequently, they may find themselves entangled by
unexpected changes, obstacles and setbacks.
Growth mindset
Individuals with a growth mindset hold the belief that
intelligence and abilities can be developed through persistent effort. They
view mistakes as valuable lessons and use every opportunity for learning and
personal growth.
They find fulfilment in the journey of self-improvement;
they continuously acquire new skills and embrace any outcomes. By understanding
their own abilities and enjoying the journey to improve, they welcome
constructive criticism because they know it will help to enhance their
performance.
Rather than feeling envious of others' accomplishments, they
regard them as sources of inspiration. When they confront obstacles and
setbacks, they actively seek solutions and devise strategies until they
overcome challenges.
They understand their knowledge is limited; they stay humble
and keep learning and absorbing new concepts and perspectives. They are down to
earth enough to realise what they do and do not know and embrace the learning
and growing process.
Growth mindset - the way out
In Dr. Carol Dweck’s book – 'Mindset,' she posits that
mindset is changeable, offering encouraging news for those who aspire to shift
their mindset. This transformation occurs when individuals recognize the
benefits of adopting a growth mindset and demonstrate a willingness to embrace
change.
Our mindset comprises our beliefs, connects with our thought
process and shapes our attitudes and behaviours. Individuals with fixed
mindsets often find themselves stuck when confronted with obstacles and
setbacks. Seeking assistance from external resources like self-help books or
professionals such as counsellors, therapists and coaches can offer the way out
but without a mindset shift, conquering obstacles and resolving issues can be
arduously challenging.
Active learning becomes pivotal in workspace
Enriching knowledge is the best personal investment that
leads to improvement and growth. According to “The Top 10 In-Demand Skills For
2030” by Forbes, “Lifelong Learning” will be among the top 10 skills. While
routine jobs and mundane tasks are progressively replaced by robots and AI,
humans will be required to handle new and out-of-the-ordinary tasks. Flexibility and constant learning to acquire
new skills and developing new competencies will be immensely important. Work
processes will be evolving constantly. As a result, those who prefer to remain
in the status quo and are reluctant to change will be replaced by AI or robots.
In one of my parenting posts, I advocated for parents to help their children cultivate a growth mindset, encourage and inspire them to keep learning, develop a positive attitude towards criticism and view any life challenges and setbacks as learning opportunities. This will serve them well in the future workspace.
Skills that will not be replaced by AI
Since AI is set to replace repetitive tasks, individuals
should focus on developing skills that AI cannot replace. Critical thinking,
innovation and creativity, emotional intelligence, and leadership remain the
requisite realm.
AI can compile large amounts of data and excel at quickly
analysing straightforward problems. Humans, on the other hand, possess strong
critical thinking skills enabling them to handle complex problem solving. This
involves breaking down problems into smaller components and identifying root
causes and seeking solutions. Innovation and creativity remain human domains,
as AI cannot develop new and original ideas.
Emotional intelligence encompasses self-awareness,
self-management, social awareness, and relationship management — skills
essential for understanding oneself and interacting effectively with others.
Humans can develop emotional connections, exhibit empathy and care with
sincerity, while AI can build only cold relationships. Leadership skills
involve inspiring and assisting others to enhance performance, guiding to
improvement and growth. Effective leaders identify their team members'
strengths and encourage them to synergise these strengths, leading the team to
exert optimal performance. Non-judgmental communication, attentive listening
and the ability to persuade others is critical in all relationships. Being a
good role model is advantageous, as it encourages teammates to emulate positive
behaviours and earns respect.
Learning AI is imminent
“Augmented Working” ranked second among the Top 10 In-Demand
Skills leveraging AI and automation. Humans need AI to automate routine and
mundane tasks, which will free up their time and allow them to focus on more
complicated aspects of their jobs.
I completed the “Google AI Essential” course via the
Coursera.org platform in September 2024. The platform provides concise video
lessons that allow flexibility in learning. This course also includes
interactive exercises by chatting with Coursera Coach (an AI Chatbot) and
multiple-choice questions to ensure understanding of each module.
My goal was to gain insight about AI. I learned its
terminology "human-in-the-loop", and how it inputs “prompts” (provide
instructions) and refine them to achieve better results. From this perspective,
I understand AI’s applications remain limited and still need human involvement.
Currently, its main role is to support humans in enhancing efficiency and
productivity. AI is a valuable tool for brainstorming, outlining framework and
summarise information. It also frees humans from repetitive tasks such as customer
support.
I encourage young people to constantly
and actively learn the AI tools and take relevant courses. Adding AI-related
course certificates to your resume to showcase your enthusiasm towards
acquiring new skills and drive to improve quality and productivity will enhance
your competitiveness in the workplace.
Instead of worrying, prepare
It is easy to be intimidated by the rapid
development of technology and AI and the resulting elimination of old jobs.
However, it's essential not to be discouraged and remember that this same
process will result in the creation of new jobs. The younger generation must
embrace lifelong learning to adapt to the evolving global landscape.
Cultivating a growth mindset, identifying and acquiring critical skills, and
staying updated with the latest AI tools are essential for thriving in this
dynamic environment.
Winner Lee
Life Coach, Mentor, Writer
The original article was published on LinkedIn on January 13, 2025.
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