Is the future of work imagination, creativity, and strategy?

https://hbr.org/2018/01/the-future-of-human-work-is-imagination-creativity-and-strategy

This article was an interesting read. I completely agree with the author when he says “We can choose to use AI and other emerging technologies to replace human work, or we can choose to use them to augment it.” It is actually a choice that we have, and I think most people are choosing the wrong side.

Today, most people you meet or talk to, have one big fear. The fear of losing their jobs or being replaced at their workplace by either technology or a more skilled employee. But the employers also have a fear of losing a valuable employee, for better opportunities or salary. I think this fear really forces the employer to focus more on automation. They know, technology is not going to switch sides, so they won’t have to invest time, energy and money in training people who’ll eventually leave. Another benefit for them is – lower costs, less wastage, etc. However, the business heads are only seeing the pros and not the cons. The author has rightly pointed out –

– The point of technology is to boost productivity, not cut the workforce

– Humans Are Strategic; Machines Are Tactical

– Not every revolution is a good revolution

– The technology itself is just a tool, one that leaders can use how they see fit

I think for people, to hang on to their jobs, they have to keep training and developing themselves. Humans have always adapted and evolved, this is another challenge we’ll face. Automation will cause unemployment, but it will also create jobs for people who are willing to learn new skills. So yes, Creativity and Strategy will play a key role in the future.

Interesting reads:

https://medium.com/financial-times/our-robot-era-demands-a-different-approach-to-retraining-9a25cbe4794e

https://www.economist.com/news/special-report/21700758-will-smarter-machines-cause-mass-unemployment-automation-and-anxiety

Also, technology might not always be beneficial and it’s necessary for humans to control the usage. Today, social media, new technology platforms, etc. are a boon for the industry, but it also affected people adversely. For example, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, etc. brought people closer in a way, but it also caused issues like stalking, murders, the blue whale challenge, etc.

JFYI – My post today might be a little influenced by the TV show ‘Black Mirror’, I’ve been binge-watching it.