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Throughout history, technology has demonstrated its power to transform civilization.
In the 15th century, movable-type printing dramatically accelerated the publication of written documents and the literacy of society as a whole. Today, artificial intelligence is bringing comparable changes to the business world – and the “managed convergence” of AI with human skills is leading us into an exciting new era.
Rather than threatening jobs, automation technology has often proven the opposite, creating more jobs. In his guide Learning by doing: the real link between innovation, wages and wealth, Economist James Bessen gives many examples, including the adoption of automated teller machines (ATMs).
In the mid-1990s, the explosion of ATMs led people to assume that bank teller jobs would decline sharply. Although ATMs initially reduced the number of tellers per branch in urban areas, they made branch operations less expensive. Banks therefore saw the benefit of opening new branches; as a result, overall teller jobs increased. increase.
This type of positive viewpoint is echoed by technologist Marc Andreesen. The principles described in his “Techno-Optimist Manifesto“Adopt the long-term view that human civilization was built “on a spirit of discovery, exploration and industrialization.”
Among the manifesto’s forward-looking statements:
- “We believe that intelligence is the ultimate engine of progress.”
- “We believe that artificial intelligence should be seen as a universal problem-solving tool, and we have a lot of problems to solve.”
- “We believe that people are the ultimate resource. With more people, there is more creativity, more new ideas and more technological advancements.”
Recognizing and valuing human skills in the era of AI
Business leaders also recognize that their employees are the ultimate resource. 65% of HR managers argue that the most crucial skills for success in the AI era will be “digital, interpersonal and cognitive,” covering highly sought-after skills such as problem-solving, originality, integrity and the ability to learn.
Speakers at the World Economic ForumThe 2018 annual meeting highlighted creative and critical thinking, which allows people to consider situations from many perspectives, evaluate a wide range of information, and make informed decisions.
Recognizing that technology streamlines operations and improves efficiency, leaders know employees will have more time for strategy and innovation.
In accounting, for example, automation eliminates the tedious task of reviewing two reports side by side to verify that they match line by line. Accountants now have more time to devote to strategic advice to their clients.
And despite AI’s ability to evaluate mountains of data and recognize patterns, human intuition is still prized by business leaders, both as a skill for managing uncertainty, as in the age of AI, and as a nonbinary tool that helps spark innovation.
In his essay “How to do a good jobPaul Graham, a computer scientist, entrepreneur and writer, examines the link between innovation and the right set of techniques and skills. Praising the creative power of curiosity to fuel originality “by giving it new things to work on,” he sees the business value of curiosity in fueling questions as originality fuels answers.
Graham also points out that you can get great work by seeking out the best colleagues. “There are a lot of projects that can’t be done alone,” Graham writes. “And even if you’re working on a project that can be done alone, it’s good to have other people to encourage you and bounce ideas off of.”
Five tips for cultivating a human-centered corporate culture
To facilitate our new era of transformation, here are five tips for cultivating and maintaining a human-centered corporate culture amid technological advancements.
1. Champion an optimistic mindset about technology
Leaders must encourage their teams to recognize technology as a driver of creativity and productivity.
Identify and regularly communicate the potential of new technologies. Highlight success stories and case studies within and outside the company.
An optimistic mindset about technology fosters a work environment where employees are excited to explore new tools and techniques, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.
2. Foster meaningful human relationships
Encourage collaboration and communication across all levels of the organization, bringing employees out of their departmental silos.
Use collaborative digital tools that facilitate these connections. Create opportunities for employees to connect, share ideas, and build relationships, whether through brainstorming meetings, professional competitions, or social events (think company-sponsored cocktail parties or sports activities, like softball leagues or hiking/biking trips that build camaraderie).
3. Promote flexibility in working models
As technology enables remote and hybrid work models, organizations that adapt to meet diverse work preferences enjoy greater job satisfaction and productivity.
Provide employees with options for greater flexibility. Develop clear guidelines and support systems for remote and hybrid work.
Invest in technology that facilitates seamless collaboration and ensures all employees, regardless of location, feel connected and valued.
4. Give employees autonomy and responsibility
Great work often comes from environments where employees feel a sense of belonging and responsibility.
Powered by AI-powered platforms to explore new ideas and approaches, leaders can foster innovation by providing the resources and support needed to turn those ideas into reality.
Then recognize individual and collective achievements to reinforce the value of autonomy.
5. Cultivate a culture of continuous learning
Encourage your employees to stay curious and invest in their professional development. Provide them with access to training programs, workshops, and other resources that keep the entire workforce up to date with the latest industry trends and advancements.
Encourage knowledge sharing through internal seminars, mentoring programs and cross-functional projects.
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Developing a human-centered corporate culture depends on visionary leaders in every area.
The promise of a future that solves universal problems – and takes our civilization to the stars – rests on both technological intelligence as the “ultimate engine of progress” and people as the “ultimate resource.”
More resources on AI and the human element
When AI Becomes Too Influential: How to Balance Human and AI Marketing
How a mix of artificial and human intelligence can create balance
