ChatGPT and irreplaceable jobs

The hype is all about ChatGPT. Tech vendors have been scrambling to promote how their products and services use it. AI has become a buzzword in business; predictably, speakers, thought leaders and social media influencers have begun talking about it.

Then here comes the alarmists and the doomsday naysayers presenting a dystopian future about how artificial intelligence will obliterate this world and the entire body of humanity. There will always be people who will jump into the bandwagon of current hypes to present themselves as knowledgeable talking about how AI will eradicate jobs, industries, businesses, and everything else under the sun.

However, the real experts in the industry will take a more cautious stance and refrain from commenting until they see a pattern of things and events developing and then make a more plausible observation and comment on it. One such expert says: “ChatGPT is technical plagiarism on scale and steroids.” Another one says: “So far, what we talk about is artificial intelligence when what is more precise is that its use leads to “artificial creativity.”

I have always focused on technology as a tool that can open up opportunities we can explore and exploit. Call me an optimist, a pessimist I am not, but I would consider myself a “ possibilitist.” I did a little research, and let me present my findings, and then I would like you to go through the list and then assess its veracity:

While AI and ChatGPT has advanced significantly in recent years, specific jobs, skills, attributes, and attitudes are still difficult to replace with artificial intelligence.

Jobs:

• Creative professions: Roles that require originality, artistic expression and creative problem-solving, such as writers, poets, painters, musicians and designers.

• Therapists and counselors: Jobs that involve emotional support, empathy and deep human connection, where understanding and providing comfort to individuals is essential.

• Social workers: Roles that involve complex human interactions, assessing needs, and providing personalized assistance and support.

• Teachers and educators: Jobs that involve imparting knowledge, adapting to individual learning needs, and nurturing intellectual and emotional growth in students.

• Senior-level management and leadership positions: Roles that require strategic decision-making, long-term vision, and understanding of complex organizational dynamics.

Skills:

• Emotional intelligence: The ability to understand and manage emotions, and to empathize with others, is a skill that is critical in various interpersonal interactions.

• Complex problem-solving: Tackling novel and intricate problems that require a combination of critical thinking, creativity, and domain expertise.

• Adaptability and flexibility: The capability to quickly adapt to new situations, learn new skills, and adjust to changing circumstances.

• Negotiation and persuasion: The ability to understand different perspectives, engage in effective communication, and influence others based on logical reasoning and emotional intelligence.

• Ethical decision-making: Making moral judgments and ethical choices that align with societal norms and values.

Attributes:

• Empathy and compassion: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others and to show kindness and concern for their well-being.

• Intuition and gut instincts: Human intuition can play a crucial role in decision-making, especially in situations where data or logical analysis may be limited.

• Creativity and innovation: The capacity to think outside the box, generate new ideas, and develop original solutions.

• Physical dexterity and fine motor skills: Certain tasks, such as intricate surgeries or fine arts, require precise and skilled physical movements.

• Judgment and discernment: The ability to assess situations, evaluate information, and make sound judgments based on experience and knowledge.

Attitudes:

• Passion and dedication: Deep-seated enthusiasm and commitment toward a particular field or profession, driving individuals to go above and beyond.

•Initiative and proactiveness: Taking the lead, identifying opportunities, and taking action without explicit instruction or guidance.

•Perseverance and resilience: The ability to overcome challenges, adapt to setbacks, and maintain determination in the face of obstacles.

• Open-mindedness: Being receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and feedback and actively seeking continuous learning and growth.

• Ethical responsibility: Demonstrating a strong sense of ethics, integrity, and social responsibility in decision-making and actions.

While AI may not fully replicate these qualities, it can assist and augment. The roles that can or cannot be replaced may continue to evolve with technological advancements.

Look at the list again, especially for those who have undergone our Level Up Leadership training. Figure out how “coincidental” the list is when I refer to them as “critical leadership skills?” How cool is that?

It is because as technology continues to develop, there is a corresponding need to equip our people with soft skills.

And now you are probably asking, “But what about the integrity and veracity of the findings?” Be at peace. I got the list from first-hand information. I got it from ChatGPT.

(Francis Kong’s podcast “Inspiring Excellence” is now available on Spotify, Apple, Google, or other podcast streaming platforms.)