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These days we seem to be living in a transformational phase where change is no longer incremental but its at a quantum speed. A disruption of systems, structures and status quo is upon us. Consequently, this disruption is affecting the way we interact with each other, work, travel, bank, study, shop, etc. The question we need to ask ourselves therefore is not what is the future of work, but rather are we ready for the imminent future?
By the year 2030, the future of work is said to look nothing like what we see today. Report by PwC Global indicates that: 37% are worried about automation putting jobs at risk – up from 33% in 2014. 74% are ready to learn new skills or re-train to remain employable in the future. 60% think ‘few people will have stable, long-term employment in the future’, and 73% think technology can never replace the human mind.
Factors driving these change include: machine learning, computational power, globalization, super structured organizations, the rise of new media and extreme longevity. While change has been constant and a catalyst for innovation that has greatly benefited us humans. The concern is obviously the rate at which we are expected to adopt these variations—and as we know change is never easy.
Now, some maybe surprised and even fearful of the imminent change, and how it will impact livelihoods, income and status. Nevertheless, for those of us who have had to adapt by sheer need to survive, this change can only mean one thing, and that is that the inevitable future is brighter! Opportunities are rife if you can envision it, and begin to pivot towards building a future where you—not your boss, or any other entity controls it.
So, how does one conceive this kind of vision if not already there or where does one begin? Whatever your starting point or strategy, it will help to glean from the animal kingdom. By animal kingdom I don’t mean the notion that only the fittest will survive although that is quite valid, but rather the king of the jungle—the lion who assumes leadership not because he is the most brilliant or fastest animal, but because he knows and believes that he is indeed the king of the jungle, and therefore leads from this position.
Similarly, you will need to espouse the can do attitude or at least borrow from the lion to make it in the coming future. My point here is that those who know who they are, what they bring to the table (to the world) and I dare say why they are, and are willing to do whatever it takes leading themselves and manifesting their true essence—these are they who will thrive. After all, it’s those attuned to purpose (Why they exist or do what they do) will lead the change because they confront their fears head on, and know without doubt that they are too unique to be supplanted by machines. Instead, they leverage machines/artificial intelligence to boost productivity and profits.
What does this mean for you then?
Not only will you need to adapt, be open to learn new ways of thinking and doing things, you will also need to be open to living in an increasing diverse world. Where diversity includes not just humans but humanoids too.
In addition to adaptability and creativity, cognitive skills will be a must for those desiring fulfillment at work. Evidently, these skills reveal that no matter how brilliant a humanoid might be—the humans remain superior. The list of the skills required to thrive in the future of work is long, but the following four are irreplaceable and uniquely human.
- Critical Thinking
- Creative Thinking
- Effective Communication
- Effective Interactions
The need for these skills is arguably as ancient as humans. Since cave man days, the human brain has evolved exponentially, and will continue to evolve. Meaning that the need to think creatively and critically to solve the never-ending complex problems we face and often create will remain as long as we are living.
To conclude, don’t let another entity influence your future, rather take charge, think for yourself, dream big, have a vision, build it, live purposefully and fulfillment will ensue—after all, why live like a living dead while you could thrive by creating the life you love? What are your thoughts on the future of work? What are you working on that excites you about the future of work? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Carolyne helps professionals gain CLARITY around building a meaningful career. A speaker, author of Being Grounded: 21 Days To Come Alive and Love Your Life, and a contributing writer for various publications. To schedule your 45 minutes complimentary session with her, you can write her at carolyne@vpfstrategies.com
It is both scary & exciting to think of the future of work! Adapting to sudden changes that impact lives & income can have a beneficial or catastrophic effect on the way we do work. Either way, innovation is a key to survival, & in order to thrive, one has to live a life of purpose! I absolutely agree that one needs to hone his or her skill or gift to grow strong in work & be fulfilled!
Thanks Debbie for sharing your thoughtful insights! Yes, the future of work is quite fluid and yet exciting. I believe the opportunities before us are endless, and although one may require a new attitude to face the day; remain curious, teachable, adapting and humble are a great place to start for all of us. After all, non of us have a crystal ball.
“Why Live like a Living Dead while you can create the life you love”
Every Invention was born out of Frustration. And it’s imperative to know that all the super inventions we see today all came about as a result of Critical and Creative thinking. Without Critical and Creative thinking, there wouldn’t have been most of the innovation we are seeing today. So those that will thrive and adapt to the ever changing nature/future of work will be those who are constantly stretching their minds to think Critically and Creatively. On the other hand, in order to create the life we love, we need to engage our mental faculties in critical and creative thinking. Being Critical entails Pointing out what’s bad, what’s not working or what’s failing;while being Creative means Converting what’s bad to good, what’s not working to how it should be working or what’s failing to how it should be gaining.
Lion – King of the Jungle
A wise Axiom goes thus, “No matter how bad the economy is, a lion would never eat grass”
We should begin to see ourselves as King of the Jungle in our various spheres of life/Influence. No matter what you do now, you have been called to be a King in a particular Jungle. So find that Jungle, and work your way to becoming a King in that Jungle. Similarly, Carolyne explains it better by saying, “Those who know who they are, why they are and what they bring to the table (to the world), and are willing to do whatever it takes leading themselves and manifesting their true essence—these are they who will thrive.
Thanks for sharing Stanley! You inspire me with your palpable passion and intensity. Keep on keeping on!