Geoff Clarke, COO, IPG Mediabrands Australia
After decades of promises of automation and the removal of menial manual tasks, Technology Convergence¹ is and will continue to dramatically change our landscape and workforce output. It will improve balance sheets, help deliver higher shareholder return, streamline workflow processes and if implemented correctly create time for people to focus on higher valued work. Increasing the economic value of craft skill intellectual property (IP).
While that is certainly an exciting future, two important questions need to be asked:
- In an increasingly AI-driven world, how can we ensure that experience and critical thinking built over a career remain essential components of success, rather than being replaced by automated processes?
- How can we empower individuals with less experience to leverage AI as a tool for learning and growth, rather than a crutch that hinders their personal development?
71% of businesses surveyed said they'd rather hire a less experienced candidate with basic AI skills, such as the ability to use generative AI tools, than a more experienced prospect who doesn't know anything about gen AI.
Microsoft’s Fourth Work Trend Index²
The above statistic from Microsoft’s Forth Work Trend Index report is alarming, but understandable considering the new world we are now working in. The biggest pressure point of any profit and loss (P&L) statement for any business, in any sector, is wages, and experienced tenure built over a lifetime is more expensive. To solve this conundrum a business can slowly replace experienced, craft skill leaders with less experienced people who are just starting their career. However, while this works well from a balance sheet perspective, over time it dilutes an industry’s craft skill and business knowledge obtained over a lifetime.
"The best mirror is an old friend."
George Herbert
This quote speaks to the value of experience and how it can provide a clear reflection of reality. In the context of Technology Convergence¹, experienced individuals can use it as a powerful tool to enhance their skills and deliver value. However, in the hands of the inexperienced it may lead to an over reliance, especially on AI, potentially diluting their own craft skills over time. Just as an old friend can offer honest wisdom, obtained from a lifetime of experience; experienced professionals can use AI to augment their expertise, while inexperienced individuals might lose sight of the nuances and complexities that come with years of practice.
I would argue to those business that contributed to Microsoft’s Fourth Work Trend Index² they should look at the time saved metric that AI delivers as a way of retaining experienced craft IP. That will exponentially improve their output quality over the long term, as the value of AI generated efficiencies in workflow practices and corporate structures is able to be re-invested behind more experienced craft skill IP value.
Extending this point further referring to an article published on BBC.com³ called ‘AI anxiety: The workers who fear losing their jobs to artificial intelligence’. In the article PwC’s Scott Likens, who specialises in understanding issues around trust and technology, says…
“Technology advancements have shown us that, yes, technology has the potential to automate or streamline work processes. However, with the right set of skills, individuals are often able to progress alongside these advancements,” he says. “In order to feel less anxious about the rapid adoption of AI, employees must lean into the technology. Education and training [are] key for employees to learn about AI and what it can do for their particular role as well as help them develop new skills. Instead of shying away from AI, employees should plan to embrace and educate.”
Therefore, provided you are prepared to lean it to the advancements Technology Convergence¹ offers, the more experienced craft skill leader will be able to apply their life-learned talents to an increasing range of higher value outputs, increasing their value further for the business they work for and the clients or customers they service.
To the second question. And just to be clear, I am not suggesting someone starting their career and the business they work for can’t find benefit from Technology Convergence¹, far from it. They alongside someone with a lifetime of experiences can and will benefit immensely as manual, high frequency, low value tasks are removed from their daily remit. The point I am making is that as AI solution sophistication improves rapidly, the temptation to lean on AI intelligence too heavily will potentially see an increasingly younger workforce possessing less craft skill knowledge and becoming overly reliant on its usage.
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today."
Chinese Proverb
This proverb highlights the importance of starting early and consistently building skills while it's never too late to learn and grow, it is vitally important to invest in skill development early in a career to provide a strong foundation for future success. This need for learning and development should never stop, just as a tree planted years ago will be stronger and more resilient than one planted recently, those who focus their attention on developing their skills early in their careers will have a greater advantage in the long run.
Therefore, if those starting out in their careers are overly reliant on AI to do their thinking, then I believe, they and the workforce over the long run will be the poorer.
Conclusion: Embracing AI, Nurturing Experience
The rapid advancements in Technology Convergence¹ presents a unique opportunity for businesses to streamline operations and unlock new levels of efficiency. However, the potential for AI to replace human expertise and stifle the growth of future generations must be carefully considered. While AI can automate menial tasks and free up time for higher-value work, it's crucial to remember that experience and critical thinking remain invaluable assets.
The temptation to prioritise AI-savvy, yet less experienced employees over seasoned professionals, driven by cost-cutting measures, poses a significant risk. Diluting the knowledge base of an industry by replacing experienced leaders with less experienced individuals, even if they possess basic AI skills, can have long-term consequences.
Instead, businesses should view AI as a tool to empower both experienced and less experienced individuals. Experienced professionals can leverage AI to enhance their skills, unlock new possibilities, and deliver even greater value. Meanwhile, younger generations should be encouraged to embrace AI as a learning tool, developing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities alongside its capabilities.
The key lies in striking a balance. Investing in the development of both experienced and less experienced employees, ensuring that Technology Convergence¹ serves as a catalyst for growth, not a replacement for human ingenuity, is essential for a thriving future.
By fostering a culture of continuous learning and embracing the power Technology Convergence¹ provides, we can ensure a very bright future for both the experienced and inexperienced alike.
Notes:
¹Reference to Technology Convergence in this article is referring to the combination of but not limited to Generative and Specialised AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Robotic Process Automation).
²Source: cnet.com by Lisa Lacy published May 9th, 2024.
³BBC.com article The anxiety of being replaced by AI by Josie Cox published 18th April 2023.