The rise of AI makes emotional intelligence more important

The booming growth of machine learning and artificial intelligence, like most transformational technologies, is both exciting and scary. It’s exciting to consider all the ways our lives may improve, but it can be scary to consider the social and personal implications — and particularly the implications for our careers. As machine learning continues to grow, we all need to develop new skills to differentiate ourselves. But which ones?

There are a lot of things that machines can do better than human beings, and we shouldn’t be too proud to admit it. Many skilled jobs follow the same general workflow:

— Gather data

— Analyze the data

— Interpret the results

— Determine a recommended course of action

— Implement the course of action

We can look at any number of occupations to see that this holds true.

Highly skilled workers like teachers, doctors, financial advisers, stockbrokers, marketers and business consultants can command high rates because of three capabilities: their abilities to go through the early rote tasks quickly and accurately, their experiences and judgment in determining a course of action, and their savvy for helping clients navigate that course. AI and machine learning will quickly surpass our abilities on the first two capabilities — and this will shift the skill set required for any worker wishing to stay in these careers as they are transformed by artificial intelligence.

Those that want to stay relevant in their professions will need to focus on skills and capabilities that AI has trouble replicating: understanding, motivating and interacting with human beings.

For better or worse, skills like persuasion, social understanding and empathy will become essential to anyone who wants to stay relevant in their field as automated systems proliferate. We have three recommendations:

— Don’t fight the progress of technology. Machine learning and AI have the ability to improve outcomes and lower cost — so don’t battle the robots. Welcome the change in your industry and work to make it fruitful.

— Examine your own capabilities interacting with, motivating and assessing people. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to emotional intelligence.

— Invest in developing your emotional intelligence. The simplest way is to change your mental model about what is important in your role and begin focusing on how you can better manage, influence and relate to others.

What you have to offer — what you can do better than any smart machine — is relate to the people around you. Begin to nurture and invest in these abilities the same way that you have the more technical parts of your career. If you can be an outstanding motivator, manager or listener, then you will still have a part to play as technology changes your industry.