Automation or Augmentation of your Job?

By Gabriela Mueller Mendoza - 1 Feb 2024 - World Economic Forum 2024

The future of work is not just a distant concept; it's unfolding before our eyes. As we leap into this future, the World Economic Forum's latest whitepaper from Davos 2024, "Jobs of Tomorrow," sheds light on the evolving dance between humans and AI in the workplace. So, let's dive into what this means for us.

AI is stepping into the workforce, but it's not about to run the whole show. There's a spicy twist to it – AI, with its algorithmic salsa, can't quite master the zesty moves of human critical thinking and analysis. But it can certainly shake things up by augmenting those very skills. The whitepaper details how AI could either automate or boost various jobs, after scrutinizing a massive sample of 19,000 tasks across 867 occupations.

After reading this it’s clear that routine and repetitive tasks are AI's bread and butter. Think of credit authorizers, checkers, and administrative assistants, office support staff; they're at the frontline of this AI wave, with a whopping 81% of their tasks ripe for automation. This doesn't mean humans are stepping out of the picture; it's more about reshuffling the deck. We're talking about a future where AI handles the monotonous tasks, leaving us to play our best hand – the uniquely human skills.

True Story. Two weeks ago, I worked with a team doing strategic advisory work. We identify bottle neck and I recommend their assistant the use of an AI tool to streamline processes, one that their leadership had recently approved for internal use, except that very few people were using it. She immediately enhanced her performance, boosting her productivity by 20% in the first week alone. Some might view this as a threat, but the reality is quite the opposite. Her team managed to untangle bottlenecks, deliver results faster, and carve out time for strategic work. Curious about her success, they inquired how she achieved it. She explained she was starting to leverage the use of AI using one of the few newly authorized tools by the company. Now, the company is entrusting her with even more agency and the power to choose tools that address larger departmental challenges. I'm convinced that AI won't replace people—at least not yet. However, people equipped with AI will step ahead of those without it. I can already see it in my space, in Switzerland, LATAM area, South East Asia as I've been active helping Fortune 500 companies and even in smaller entities.

As we navigate this shift, it’s essential to stay nimble and open to learning, much like keeping fit with those early gym sessions or strategizing in a family card game. The key to thriving in the "Jobs of Tomorrow" is to blend our human flair with AI's capabilities, creating a dynamic duo that could just be the winning team for businesses worldwide. Keep this in mind as we march forward, and let’s make sure everyone, from millennials to Gen Z, is ready to play their part in this new game of the future of work.

"I'm convinced that AI won't replace people—at least not yet. However, people equipped with AI will step ahead of those without it"-  Gabriela Mueller Mendoza.        

Here are two insightful graphics. Automated or Augmented Jobs? Let's see:

 Yes, uncertain times are here but let’s face it, exciting times ahead too! Both. Not either or. It’s a clear “And” to those willing to embrace it with a Growth Mindset. This is one skill that I work on with leaders/teams worldwide, more and more. It will be the difference between organizations that thrive and those that don't in these new times. AI is stepping into the workplace not to take over, but to team up with us, enhancing our capabilities. It's like having a supercharged sidekick for tasks that need a little extra oomph, especially those that dive into numbers and scientific details. Imagine the boost in productivity when tedious calculations are handled in a snap! Many professions can start taking advantage of AI tools. This means more time for the human touch where it truly counts.

Many professions can start taking advantage of AI tools. This means more time for the human touch where it truly counts.        

These are Jobs that are more likely to the Augmented and enhanced according to the same report.

As we embrace AI's at work to transform our results, we must tread with mindful caution (not fear). The current landscape of AI tools, while promising, still lacks regulations and standards in many cases. It's crucial for professionals to develop in-house expertise, to ensure that our utilization of AI enhances our services without compromising the integrity of our clients' work, the trust of our stakeholders, or our own privacy. Remember, we're navigating a so called VUCA world—characterized by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity—where change is the only constant.

As we journey through these transformative times, let's move forward collectively, with an upgraded mindset, adding more value and driving positive change. Together, we can turn the challenges of VUCA into a range of opportunities, learning, and growth. We're in this together, ready to embrace the new era and make an impact that matters.

If you and your teams or leaders are looking to strategically embrace and create awareness, shift mindsets, and prepare to meet these new challenges head-on, let's start the conversation, today, no mañana, mañana. The Future of Work is here. www.gabrielamueller.com

Gabriela Mueller Mendoza

Speaker- Strategy Advisor - Diversity – Equity -  Inclusion Specialist - Leadership- Trainer & Executive Coach - Author - Blogger – Podcaster

www.gabrielamueller.com

info (at) gabrielamueller.com

Gabriela Mueller GmbH- Based in Switzerland, active worldwide.

Author of “How to be a Smart Woman in STEM Science Tech Engineering Mathematics on AMAZON / Paperback & kindle. The Smart Woman Podcast on Spotify. @CoachGabrielaMueller on social media platforms.

Unlocking Human Potential & Inclusive Courageous Leadership every day.