What skills should we be nurturing to stay ahead of ChatGPT?
What skills should we be nurturing to stay ahead of ChatGPT?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the job market and shaping the future of work. While AI models like ChatGPT have the ability to perform complex tasks like writing an essay or typing a for-loop in code, they lack certain human skills. In grappling with our relevance in the future workplace, us humans need to understand our strengths and AI’s gaps. It is at that intersection that we will unleash our future potential.
So to stay ahead of AI, what skills should we focus on developing that cannot be easily replicated by machines?
At TechWays, we believe there are many human-centric skills that are critical and unique to us. However, first and foremost, we need to:
1. Develop an understanding of technology
So that we can better appreciate what AI lacks. Using ChatGPT, learning how to code and building applications will give you insight into the language and abilities of machines and software. It will highlight to you where our strengths are as humans and demystify the fear of the machines.
It is with that practical knowledge of technology combined with our essential human skills that we’ll find unique relevance in any future workplace.
So what are our unique human-skills? In using ChatGPT ourselves, we’ve seen firsthand where there is still a need for human interjection.
2. Critical thinking
In today’s rapidly changing job market critical thinking and problem solving is key. AI models can perform complex tasks but they lack human-like reasoning and judgement to make informed decisions based not only on what the data says – but also a solution that humans would accept. Encouraging our learners to research and work on problems as teams from an early age will help to foster this critical thinking muscle.
3. Emotional intelligence
Another important skill to nurture is emotional intelligence and interpersonal communication. AI models lack empathy, emotional awareness and the ability to understand the nuances and dynamics of human communication. They can’t pick up on social cues and key into human body language. As more and more tasks become automated, emotional intelligence will become increasingly important in the job market.
Consider the story of Mamello, a salesperson who was able to close a deal with a difficult client by understanding and addressing their emotional needs – reading between the lines to unpack the client’s real challenges in a way that built trust and rapport – as the customer felt heard.
4. Creativity and innovation
Creativity and innovation are two other skills that set humans apart. AI models can’t think outside the box or come up with truly original concepts. Being able to combine 2 ideas or transpose an idea from one industry and apply it to another in groundbreaking ways – this requires human imagination.
As a parent or teacher, we’ve all watched our children play games where their imagined characters can do phenomenal “impossible” things that make us adults laugh. Let’s encourage those moments – as it is those dreams that will foster the future of human ingenuity.
5. Adaptability and resilience
Finally, adaptability and resilience are essential for success in the future workplace. AI models can learn from data, but they lack the ability to adapt to new situations and overcome challenges like humans do. Furthermore, as change accelerates across the workplace – those of us who embrace change and enjoy new situations will excel. And those of us who don’t, we will need to learn coping mechanisms to enable ourselves to accept and work with change.
By gaining a practical knowledge of technology – we’ll start to see how the combination of our human-ness along with the strengths of AI will be where our future relevance lies in the workplace. And what’s truly exciting is that these uniquely human skills are what give us joy and meaning in life – so our future jobs will also be fun!
TechWays gives high school learners a window to the world of technology in a way that is accessible, affordable and gives them relevant skills for what the market needs. Let them build their own website, mobile app or ‘from scratch’ game – by the time our high school learners matriculate they will have a portfolio of real-project experience and certifications to be proud of!
#WOW – What Outstanding Work – Awards: join us to learn from our students. 
Calling on all high schoolers interested in tech as a career to join us on 16 September at 5:30pm. If you missed it, we’ll host another one on 18 November. 
We will be talking to Jason Suttie from Devson. Jason has been in the tech world since he was six years old. He headed IT innovation unit at RMB and has since left to start up his own software consulting company – solving problems and building solutions for clients around the world. 
