This is a guest post by Jeff Perry, MBA
“The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race. It would take off on its own, and re-design itself at an ever increasing rate. Humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn’t compete, and would be superseded.” ~ Stephen Hawking, as told to the BBC
Quotes like the above have the tendency to scare, intimidate, or get people up in arms about all the terrible and dangerous things about artificial intelligence.
And perhaps rightly so — there are so many unknowns we have to deal with, all while it is expanding and progressing at such a rapid rate. How could regulations, laws, and controls possibly keep up?
At the same time, there are realities we need to face. AI is here, and it’s here to stay. So how do we utilize it while also keeping at our core the things that humans can do that machines and computers can never really do — be emotional people?
Emotions Aren’t Bad
“Feelings are something you have; not something you are.” ~ Shannon L. Alder
I am an experienced emotional suppressor. For the majority of my life, I thought most emotions were bad, so I hid them and what I felt from the world, always putting on a happy face and showcasing what I thought others wanted to see.
Perhaps this served me for a time, but it got to the point where it caused me more problems than any benefits it gave me.
Emotions are meant to be shared with others, and doing so allows us to connect, build bonds, and create meaningful relationships that can only be done with other emotional creatures.
So now, my wife says she expects me to be a “sharer” of my emotions, and this has been a great thing for our relationship.
Additionally, I’ve found other people in my life whom I trust to open up to and be vulnerable with to share things I’m trying to work on and improve in my life. They give me love, support, and grace as I stumble through it all.
This ability to emote and feel the emotions of others (empathy) is good. It’s human. Sure, sometimes it can get us into trouble, but that’s all the more reason to learn more about it and embrace it rather than suppress it like I used to.
What Is Uniquely Human?
“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” ~ Judy Garland
There are some skills and traits that, in my opinion, will never be replicated by artificial intelligence. These are the primary skills we must embrace and grow so that we can succeed in a world with AI.
Here are a few:
- Empathy: I discussed this in the section above, but I don’t see a future where robots and AI can truly have empathy. We need to cultivate this skill as we seek to work with and among others in order to understand each other better and do great work together.
- Discernment: We have an ability to see possibilities and choices in ways that aren’t formulated quite as strictly as computers. This is a blessing and a curse perhaps, but if we lean into the unique ways we can see and understand things, it will help us to chart our unique path in our lives toward something we truly care about.
- Creativity: Machines are programmed to create what they are told. Humans create things they want to. Sure, we can leverage software, AI, and other systems to enhance our creativity, but it begins with us.
What other traits and skills do you think are uniquely human? Likely, those are the traits you want to grow!
Let AI Be Artificial
AI is just what it says it is: artificial. It’s simulated, machined, and systematized.
Let AI do what AI does best and focus on what you can do: being a creative, vibrant, and connected human.
Utilize your creativity to leverage AI’s strengths and harness your unique capabilities to create amazing things while cultivating goodness in others.
Let AI be artificial.
Stick to being a human — you’re better at it.
About Jeff Perry, MBA
Jeff Perry is a leadership/career coach for engineers, building mindsets, leadership, and career intentions to unlock hidden potential and remove self-imposed roadblocks for career and life. For years, he has had the pleasure of supporting engineers and software pros, from new grads to director level. Having been on the front lines in the technical world, he has been able to map out the necessary skills for becoming a quality leader in the field.
You can connect with Jeff on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcperry/ or visit his website, www.jeff-perry.com. Jeff also has a new, FREE, on-demand training course for engineers who are job searching or in job transitions. You can see it at https://engineeringcareeraccelerator.com.
Please leave your comments, feedback or questions in the section below on shifting your focus to shift your relationship with goal setting.
To your success,
Anthony Fasano, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
