“You won’t lose your job to AI, but you will lose your job to someone who knows AI.”

The employment landscape has become more dynamic than ever. The workplace is undergoing a profound transformation, with AI becoming an integral part of various industries.

While this might raise concerns about job security, it also uncovers an unprecedented demand for professionals with AI skills. In fact, the rise of AI is not about how you might lose your job to a robot, but rather how you might lose it to someone who understands AI.

AI’s emergence has profoundly transformed the workplace; tasks that were once performed manually are now automated. From customer service chatbots to self-driving cars, the influence of AI is undoubtedly profound and undeniable. However, alongside this automation revolution, there is a growing demand for individuals equipped with AI-related skills.

There are three key reasons for this.

• Firstly, there is a need for human intelligence to create, program, and manage AI systems. While machines can learn and adapt to an extent, they require human intervention for their initial programming, ongoing management, and improvements. This fact alone assures the necessity for AI-skilled professionals in the job market.

Human professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that AI systems operate ethically. Ethical considerations is an ongoing part of system management. Professionals need to implement monitoring mechanisms and conduct regular audits to identify and address ethical issues that may arise as the system evolves or encounters new challenges.

Take the example of a healthcare organization using AI to process patient data. Here, leaders must ensure the utmost confidentiality and security, avoiding breaches that could have dire consequences.

• Secondly, despite the advancement in AI technology, machines still lack the human attribute of emotional intelligence. AI can, for instance, analyze data and predict trends but cannot understand the nuances of human emotions, cultural contexts, or ethical considerations. People skilled in AI who can also navigate these human elements will always be in demand.

Factors such as culture, social dynamics, and individual experiences heavily influence human interactions. Professionals with emotional intelligence can bridge this gap by considering these contextual elements in the development and deployment of AI systems.

An AI recruitment tool might inadvertently favor certain demographics. That’s why leaders need to regularly audit these tools to ensure fairness and equal opportunity.

• Lastly, ethical governance and regulation around AI usage is a growing concern in the tech industry. This demands a workforce that not only understands AI but also the legal and ethical implications of its use.

A workforce that comprehends both the technical aspects of AI and the legal or ethical implications can contribute significantly to the development of responsible and sustainable AI applications, fostering a positive impact on society. This interdisciplinary expertise is increasingly valued as the demand for ethical governance around AI continues to grow.

If an AI system makes a critical decision, who is responsible? As a coach, I often advise leaders to develop clear protocols for AI accountability.

So, how can you ensure you’re not left behind in this AI-powered era?

The answer is simple: start acquiring AI skills.