Understanding the modern workplace and future proof your job
The world is changing fast. Every 2 weeks there is a new mind bending AI application that is set to revolutionise the world as we know it. It can be scary, it can be intimidating, it can be disruptive, and it will change the way we work. But this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. The oncoming AI wave is an opportunity to delve deeper into our work and understand the true value we are creating.
In 2001 Kodak was king. Highly profitable in a global marketplace. No-one and nothing could touch them. Their business plan was working and executives were letting the good times roll. They even invented the digital camera in 1975. Despite spending billions of dollars of development, they were slow to pivot and even slower to get to market. What they failed to understand was that they were not a film company, they were a memory capture company.
Blockbuster video followed a similar path, riding high on the success and mass appeal of in home VHS and DVDs, They rode that horse into the ground. Even rejecting an opportunity to purchase Netflix in September 2000. Blockbuster thought they were a VHS/DVD rental company, when in fact, they were the easiest way to consume media, until something better came along.
These examples are so often used that to even mention them is cliché but we need to remind ourselves of the same lessons every time an new and scary technology comes along.
The same transitions are happening now, but more broadly and more impactfully. Tools like Chat GPT and DALL.E 2 are going to change the way business is done for everyone. So the question is, how do we not end up like Kodak or Blockbuster.
Understand the value
The most important part of this transition is to deeply understand the value you are creating in the world. Think about what you’re building, developing, impacting, then think a level deeper. Utilise second level thinking with a focus on the way your work makes people feel. If you are a builder, you aren’t building a house for your client, you are creating a safe space to raise a family. If you are an insurance salesman, you aren’t selling insurance, you are selling piece of mind. If you are a chef, you aren’t selling food, you are selling love, hospitality, an experience.
You get it.
Understand what your job is
Now that you understand what value you are creating, it is up to you to figure out the most efficient and effective way of delivering this to your clients. This will require you to be insightful, creative and emotionally intelligent, all things that humans are great at (and computers aren’t). This will mean you may need to develop some skills, build some capabilities and rethink your day to day. If you own or run the business this is relatively straight forward, if you are working in a business this can be a bit more difficult.
Be the champion
If you are in a business, you have the opportunity to drive change from within, but it will take time and effort. Start by doing your own analysis of the business and document your thoughts. If you have a good relationship with your boss, talk to them, let them know that you are thinking about your work strategically and trying to develop a better way of doing things. They may or may not support you, it doesn’t matter, the skills and experience you will develop by going through the exercise will help you to identify opportunities, and more importantly, identify potential pitfalls. Either way, you will have a better understanding of the future and your role therein.
The future doesn’t need to be scary. You have the time, skills and talent right now to position yourself for success. Take the time to deeply understand your value, then work out the best way to deliver it.
-ST