{"id":43659,"date":"2023-06-01T06:55:11","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T10:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/centricconsulting.com\/?p=43659"},"modified":"2024-08-06T10:19:33","modified_gmt":"2024-08-06T14:19:33","slug":"how-to-build-and-empower-an-ai-ready-workforce-with-reskilling-and-upskilling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/centricconsulting.com\/blog\/how-to-build-and-empower-an-ai-ready-workforce-with-reskilling-and-upskilling\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Build and Empower an AI-Ready Workforce with Reskilling and Upskilling"},"content":{"rendered":"
To leverage productivity<\/a> and creativity gains from AI<\/a>, we need a workforce that is prepared to use AI properly. The first step in the process to building an AI-ready workforce is to realize (and to help your teams understand) that AI is an \u201caugmentation\u201d rather than \u201csubstitution.\u201d<\/p>\n Think of AI as a tool rather than a pseudo-person. Today, we leverage tools like Google to search and find information. The most productive people use the tools at their disposal and become great at using them.<\/strong> Further, those using the tools they can access are outperforming and advancing in their roles more quickly than those who do not.<\/p>\n AI is no different. It is a different tool, used slightly differently, but AI is not a replacement for human skill. Equally important is understanding that while AI will not replace people, people who use AI will replace those who do not.<\/p>\n If an individual is good at something, AI will help them become great. If they could not do something before, AI can help them do it now. AI lowers the barrier to realizing our visions, which makes work more rewarding.<\/p>\n The fear that AI will replace jobs is rooted in two undeniable facts that ultimately stem from misconceptions about the technology:<\/p>\n Work we can automate will almost always be automated in the name of advancement and productivity. This has been true for farmers and factory workers alike. The same is true for white-collar professionals. While AI has the potential to automate tedious tasks<\/a> \u2014 much like tractors revolutionized harvesting and packaging crops \u2014 the elimination of certain tasks is often mistaken for the complete loss of a job. In reality, as some jobs are automated, new opportunities and roles emerge.<\/strong><\/p>\n The perception that AI can do anything arises from its ability to assist in previously impossible tasks. For example, ChatGPT can write and debug code<\/a>, even for those without coding experience. This may lead to the assumption that AI can replace any job. However, the truth is AI’s capabilities are often limited to entry-level work with average quality.<\/strong> While it’s impressive that AI can perform these tasks, the output is not necessarily exceptional.<\/p>\n These two factors \u2014 automation and the unknown skill of AI \u2014 fuel the fear that AI will replace jobs while, in reality, it merely creates productivity in areas where it was absent.<\/p>\n The critical distinction between “augmentation” and “substitution” is at the heart of preparing your workforce for the AI revolution. Augmentation refers to enhancing human capabilities through AI, allowing individuals to excel at tasks they were already good at.<\/p>\n Substitution, on the other hand, implies replacing human labor with AI. By focusing on augmentation, organizations can ensure their employees feel empowered to work alongside AI and to use its benefits rather than fearing job loss or obsolescence.<\/strong><\/p>\n As AI continues to reshape the workplace<\/a>, employees can experience greater satisfaction and joy in their work. By focusing on augmentation, organizations can help their workforce realize their full potential and transform previously unattainable goals into achievable outcomes. Embrace the possibilities that AI brings and invest in reskilling and upskilling your employees to ensure they are well-prepared for the future.<\/p>\n Here are some practical and actionable strategies to help you adapt to the AI revolution.<\/p>\n To help adapt your workforce to the new AI world, help your teams identify ways to leverage AI in their roles, much like the examples above. Organizational leaders should:<\/p>\n Building an AI-ready workforce through reskilling and upskilling is essential for organizations to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.<\/strong> By focusing on augmentation rather than substitution, we can empower employees to leverage AI technology to enhance their capabilities, leading to a more fulfilling work experience.<\/p>\n As we prepare our workforce for the future, we must also acknowledge and address the complexities and challenges associated with AI, including governance, security and ethical considerations.<\/p>\n As we move on to our next blog, we will explore how leaders can ensure their organizations are responsibly implementing AI solutions. By understanding and managing these complexities, organizations can not only create an AI-ready workforce but also establish a solid foundation for AI adoption that balances innovation with responsibility.<\/p>\n\n The Basis of Fear for Those Using AI in a Modern Workplace<\/h2>\n
AI will take jobs or replace workers entirely.<\/h3>\n
AI can do anything.<\/h3>\n
Augmentation vs. Substitution: A Key Concept for an AI-Ready Workforce<\/h2>\n
The Joyful Experience of an AI-Augmented Workforce<\/h2>\n
Preparing the Workforce for an AI-Driven World<\/h3>\n
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Reskilling and Upskilling are Critical for Organizations to Thrive<\/h2>\n