How to Integrate AI into Your Career and Daily Tasks
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a topic of concern for many people in recent years. Through my work assignments and projects, I’ve encountered various individuals who express fear about how AI is infiltrating our society, organizations, and ways of working. People are worried about job security, the future of their organizations, and how to prepare for the upcoming changes. Many are anxious about potentially falling behind in this technological race and are unsure how to embrace these advancements.
While AI has existed for decades, it’s only in the past few years that the general public and employees have gained first-hand experience with its impact. For the first time, people are realizing how significantly AI could affect their growth trajectories and work methods. The rapid rate at which AI is evolving and influencing various aspects of life has contributed to this growing concern.
When discussing this topic, I often recommend a strategy to help people cope with these changes.
- It’s important not to worry excessively about potential drastic changes. However, one should be aware that AI will likely impact every aspect of their career and life. The key is to acknowledge this fact without becoming overly fearful.
- After acknowledging AI’s potential impact, the next step is to list your daily work activities. Take note of the tasks you perform both in your organization and at a personal level. Once you have this list, evaluate which of these activities could potentially be automated. Automation in this context refers to the use of tools, hardware, software, or other means to perform tasks more efficiently.
- Select one activity from your list and search the internet for AI tools that could assist with that task. Numerous tools have been developed by large technology companies, independent developers, and organizations of various sizes and specialties. Start by incorporating one AI tool into your daily work routine. As you become more familiar with using AI tools, you can gradually explore options for other activities.
- As you begin to use these AI tools, you’ll likely find that they free up some of your time and mental bandwidth. This newly available time can be used to explore new avenues for career growth, organizational development, or personal improvement. The key is to use this opportunity to expand your skills and knowledge in areas that interest you or could benefit your career.
It’s important not to immediately jump into taking courses out of fear or anxiety about job security. Instead, focus on experiencing and including AI tools in your daily activities. Once you’ve gained some practical experience and understanding of how AI can complement your work, you’ll be better positioned to make informed decisions about further education or career moves.
The best approach to dealing with the rapid advancement of AI is to acknowledge its presence, gradually incorporate it into your work, and use the efficiency gains to invest in your personal and professional growth.
By doing so, you can adapt to the changing landscape without succumbing to fear or anxiety about the future.