Competing with AI in the Workforce

Recently there has been a lot of conversations about AI replacing entry level jobs, and in some cases roles that are well established within the organization.

This concept hit closer to home while attending a recent birthday party where two friends shared how their children (40 somethings) had recently been laid off due to AI. One worked the film industry in the Los Angeles area, and another worked in Oregon developing virtual material for various companies.

We know it’s coming (it’s here); AI is going to have a direct impact on many jobs in the near future. We can’t avoid it; it’s going to happen. So, my question to those in the workforce is how do we compete with AI in the workforce and career fields we are employed?

Below is some information collected using AI to outline how those in the workforce can prepare themselves for the inevitable. 

The information is broken into five elements:

  • Understanding how to work with AI 
  • Careers Most Likely to be Impacted by AI
  • Careers Least Likely to be Replaced by AI
  • Adopt an “AI-Augmented” Mindset
  • Self-Assessment Worksheet of Your AI Adoption Readiness

I entered “How to compete with AI in the workforce” using a popular AI search engine. Some of the information is a result of the AI search,

Competing with AI in the workforce doesn’t mean working against it — it means learning to work differently and strategically.”

AI is not the first innovation that has/will disrupt the workforce. If we look back over time within our own work history, and back to our parents and grandparents we can identify how industrialization and technology has played a role in disrupting many jobs and careers over time. Those that recognized the challenge and began adjusting their purpose and skill set are much more likely to succeed in the changes coming to their careers/jobs.

There is also a responsibility for the government (federal, state, and local), educational institutions, and employers to be early adopters to provide transitional training and educational opportunities to assist in transitioning in the application of AI within the workforce.

Below are some examples AI recommends on how individuals can remain relevant and even thrive in a world increasingly shaped by AI (quoted from AI- I can’t explain it better than this):

Double Down on Human-Centered Skills

AI is fast and efficient — but it lacks emotion, creativity, and nuanced judgment. Humans excel at:

  • Emotional intelligence (EQ)
    “Empathy, communication, leadership, and the ability to build relationships still give people an edge, especially in customer service, sales, teaching, counseling, and management.”  This sounds simple, but we have all struggled and in many cases are providing training in these areas due to the current workforce lacking these important skills.
  • Critical thinking and ethics
    “Evaluating AI output, making tough decisions, and navigating moral gray areas are human strengths.”  Again, employers and training institutions (educational and consulting services) have provided training and education in this area to continue develop the workforce.
  • Creativity and innovation
    “While AI can generate content, the spark of originality and intuition is still uniquely human — especially in art, design, strategy, and storytelling.”  This is a great opportunity for us as individuals, teams, and leaders to continue developing the “spark” needed to continue growing our businesses, leading, and developing our employees.

Learn to Work With AI

“Become “AI-augmented” rather than “AI-replaced.” Learn how to use tools that enhance your productivity”:

  • Prompt engineering: Learn how to use AI (like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Copilot) effectively to accelerate tasks. We have some companies that are restricting employee access to the various AI tools. There are concerns that no doubt need to be worked through, but it is important to take a proactive approach and not a set and watch approach in how to blend these AI tools into our businesses. 
  • AI + human combo: In fields like law, medicine, marketing, and writing, humans who use AI wisely can outperform those who don’t. This is where the employee can excel. Using their expertise added to the tools of AI can provide a great combination and lead to job security and an avenue for career growth. 
  • Upskilling: Take courses on how to use AI in your specific field. A few years ago, I took on a role of using the various corporate data points within the marketing department. This was new role “Data Analytics Marketing Manager.”  I knew and understood the data but didn’t have the data analytics tool belt skills. After completing a certificate program through the local university, I was able to combine both skills to support my value added to the organization. This was a new offering at the university in 2015, now enters AI ten years later. If I were still in the workforce, it would be important for me to upgrade my skills to include AI.

Stay Adaptable and Continuously Learn

AI is evolving rapidly. Staying competitive means staying curious:

  • Learn new technologies
  • Stay up to date with trends in your industry
  • Stay up to date with trends outside of your industry
  • Embrace change rather than resist it

Examples: 

  • Bookkeepers who learn cloud-based accounting software and AI tools can manage more clients with deeper insights — those who didn’t are being outpaced.
  • Heavy Equipment Dealers that monitor what’s being introduced in the auto industry can gain an understanding of what’s coming in the equipment industry (OnStar and autonomous vehicles are examples).

Focus on Complex Problem-Solving

AI handles repetitive, rule-based work well. Humans still lead in complex, ambiguous situations. 

The sweet spot:

  • Cross-functional thinking
  • Systems design and improvement
  • Strategic decision-making
  • Visionary applications

Specialize in Roles Where Trust Matters

Certain jobs require a human touch:

  • Therapists
  • Teachers and mentors
  • Religious leaders
  • Managers and coaches
  • Analysist being able to interpret and identify gaps in the communication and understanding

People still value human presence when the stakes are emotional, deeply personal, and need additional clarification and understanding. 

Embrace Entrepreneurial Thinking

AI lowers the barrier to starting a business, creating content, or building products.

  • Leverage AI to prototype, market, and scale
  • Solve niche problems with unique value
  • Think like a problem-solver, not just an employee
  • Requires current businesses to be continually thinking ahead. There is less time available to spend on gathering the data and doing the analysis. AI can help close the gap.

Final Thought:

You don’t need to be better than AI at what it does best — you need to be better at being human. The future belongs to those who can use AI as a tool, keep learning, and lead with insight and empathy.