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The robot is coming! Generative AI is infiltrating the workplace at breakneck speed, enough to expose even the most knowledgeable and confident professionals to a severe case of FOBO.
FOBO (fear of being obsolete) is on the rise. Currently, 22% of U.S. workers are concerned that new technology will make their role obsolete. That's a 7-point jump since 2021, according to Gallup research.
Anxiety is natural. Breakthrough generative AIs like ChatGPT and Claude can mimic human abilities at lightning speed. Historically, when technology was introduced into the workplace, it was more likely to replace people working on assembly lines. However, artificial intelligence is much more likely to impact people working from cubicles or home offices. According to Pew Research, “Workers with a bachelor's degree or higher are more than twice as likely to be most affected than those with only a high school diploma.” And Elon Musk recently said, “AI Eventually, a situation will arise where work will no longer be necessary. ”
It's unlikely that will happen anytime soon. AI is making inroads into the workplace with little resistance from upper management, but those on the front lines don't have to succumb to his FOBO. With the right mindset and skillset, you can build your personal brand as an AI pioneer, rather than a passive relic clinging to the past.
Here's how to overcome FOBO and lead the AI revolution in your organization.
Double down on professional development
We're all about AI fluency. Immerse yourself in courses on AI fundamentals and applications. Learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and edX offer crash courses in everything from the basics of AI to advanced integration.
Learn the skills to not only understand generative AI, but become an evangelist for its limitless possibilities. The world of AI is changing rapidly, so stay up to date by subscribing to relevant newsletters, journals, and YouTube channels.
Walk the Talk
Identify five ways artificial intelligence can enhance your work today. Take inventory of your responsibilities and strategize where generative AI can increase efficiency or produce more impactful results. By making tools like ChatGPT part of your workflow, you can build first-hand experience with AI integration.
Make tech fluency your brand
Instead of resisting progress, reinvent yourself as an AI insider. Change your mindset from “AI is a threat” to “AI is my secret weapon.” Become known as someone passionate about how AI can level up your business. Your courage will inspire others who are FOBO, and your boss will take notice and trust you as the go-to expert on all things AI.
Help others crush FOBO
Once you overcome your own AI anxiety, pay it forward. Teach your colleagues what you learn through AI training. Seeing your enthusiasm, they will be motivated to expand their skill set. Also consider developing a course on AI applications to improve your entire team. Matt Strain, AI Whisperer and CEO of The-Prompt.AI said: Based on my experience going through a similar transition, my suggestions to aspiring leaders are simple. Host a brown bag (or lunch and learn) session on Fridays and lead a discussion about what's happening in AI. Schedule meetings, set the agenda, facilitate discussions, and send follow-ups. And to our credit, we track and document use cases raised in meetings (automated using AI note-taking tools like Fathom and Fireflies).
Improve your thought leadership with AI
Good news: Content development doesn't have to be stressful anymore. Harness the power of generative writing assistants like Claude, ChatGPT, and other AI tools to make leadership building and sharing simpler and more productive. AI can help you come up with endless ideas for content and also help you hone your work.
The writing is on the wall. AI is here to stay and will become even more prominent and sophisticated. You can strengthen the outdated systems and processes you've been using, or you can boldly pivot toward the future. Strain added, “In the AI revolution, it will not be executives who will lean in and lead, but curious and bold people who will seize this moment and gain insight into the real-world impact of AI. Become someone the CEO can rely on.''
It’s time to retire FOBO, build your AI expertise, and prepare to embrace the robots that are coming your way. The workplace revolution is gaining momentum. Get ready to lead it.
William Arruda is keynote speakerco-founder of CareerBlast.TV with the creator of 360Reach Personal Brand Survey This way, you can get honest and meaningful feedback from people who know you.
