At this point, the capabilities of AI are well known among tech folks, and it’s clear that a lot of white-collar work (coding, accounting, customer support, etc.) will be largely automated by AI in the near future.

And even if AI won’t automate a part of your work, it will most certainly influence the way you work.

So, is it possible to hedge yourself against becoming irrelevant in the AI-future?

I’d like to think it is. While it is very important to learn how to leverage AI tools to your advantage, there are also other valuable skills worth learning in this time. Some essential (human) principles that will always benefit you regardless of the tools and technology that arise.

Simple, clear communication never goes out of style

Whether you are communicating with another human or giving instructions to a large language model (LLM), simple, clear communication will always be valuable. It makes it easier for others to understand you and makes collaboration with other people significantly easier. In fact, you will get infinitely better results when you can communicate in a simple, clear, but effective way with an LLM. And while good communication skills may sound like a simple task, it is something that most people still ignore when focusing on their professional development.

In an ever-evolving work environment, being able to adapt your communication style is essential. It will help you navigate misunderstandings and feedback with a constructive mindset. It encourages you to continuously improve, ensuring you stay relevant as language, technology, and workplace norms evolve. Furthermore, honing your communication style will give you clarity and creativity, allowing you to express complex ideas in a simple, engaging way that resonates with others.

Clear and effective communication:

• Enhances Collaboration: Clear communication fosters better collaboration among team members, reducing misunderstandings and increasing efficiency.
• Builds Trust: Being able to convey your thoughts clearly helps in building trust with colleagues and clients, as they feel more informed and involved.
• Improves Problem Solving: Clear communication allows for more effective problem-solving as issues are articulated well, leading to quicker resolutions and deeper discussions.

Building relationships both online and offline is irreplaceable

There’s a common saying that “it’s not about what you know, but who you know”. This is true for business and personal relationships. And, fortunately, AI can’t build relationships on your behalf. When given the choice, *99.9% of people still choose to socialize and interact with real humans instead of some computer interface.

Building relationships is underrated in the age of AI, but it is irreplaceable. Whether you are networking in person or connecting with others online, relationships provide emotional motivation, open doors to new opportunities, and enrich your understanding and skills.

Building real relationships provides you:

• Networking Opportunities: Building relationships opens doors to new opportunities, whether it’s a job offer, partnership, or mentorship.
• Emotional Support: Relationships provide emotional support, which is crucial for personal and professional well-being.
• Knowledge Sharing: Through relationships, you gain access to diverse perspectives and knowledge, enriching your own understanding and skills.

The ability to break down a complex problem into smaller parts and solving each part individually

Currently, LLMs are not that good with breaking down a complex problem into smaller parts and solving each part individually (although it’s making huge progress in that direction). But the ability to analyze a problem, think critically about a solution, and solving it in smaller parts is an immensely valuable skill. And it’s a skill, when mastered, that can be exponentially aided with the use of AI.

Good old-fashioned logical problem-solving will always be irreplaceable. Whether you are working on a complex project or a simple task, the ability to break down a problem and solve it step by step is a skill that will continue to be valuable in the future.

Being able to break down a complex problem:

• Increases Efficiency: By tackling smaller parts of a problem, you can manage tasks more efficiently and track progress effectively.
• Reduces Overwhelm: Breaking down problems makes them less daunting, allowing you to focus on what matters, and it reduces stress while working.
• Facilitates Innovation: This approach encourages innovative solutions as each component can be explored in-depth and creatively.

Conclusion

In the age of AI, it’s important to focus on learning skills that will remain relevant regardless of the tools and technology that arise. Simple, clear communication, building relationships, and the ability to break down a complex problem into smaller parts are irreplaceable skills that will continue to be valuable in the future.

(* completely made up statistic :)