Ep 685: Rethinking Skills In An AI-Powered Workplace

AI is starting to drive a profound shift in the workplace. The skills we've prioritized for decades are becoming automated, with uniquely human capabilities beginning to emerge as the true differentiators. So, are your hiring and development strategies still focused on what machines can already do, or are you investing in the skills that AI can't replicate?

The rapid evolution of AI is starting to reshape the skills landscape, but it is already becoming clear that many employers will struggle to adapt. While hard skills have traditionally dominated hiring and development strategies, it's becoming increasingly clear that soft skills like communication, critical thinking, empathy, and adaptability are the true differentiators in an AI-dominated workplace. 

However, most organizations don't know how to properly define, measure, or develop these soft skills, leaving them vulnerable to skills shortages in the human capabilities that will drive their future success.

So, how can companies identify and nurture the skills that AI can't replicate?

My guest this week is Dan Haywood, Chief Customer Officer at Go1, one of the world's leading learning content aggregators. Dan shares valuable insights on how the skills landscape is evolving and why soft skills are becoming increasingly critical as AI handles more technical and repetitive tasks.

In the interview, we discuss: 

• [01:56] How the demand for skills is evolving in an AI world

 • [03:04] Why education systems aren't adequately preparing people for modern work

 • [08:11] The four key soft skills groups employers need to focus on

 • [11:51] The challenges of defining, measuring, and developing soft skills and how to overcome them

 • [14:30] How employers can embed soft skills into their learning culture • [14:30] The importance of executive modeling in skills development 

• [16:55] Connecting soft skills development to measurable business outcomes 

• [17:02] What the future skills landscape will look like as AI continues to advance

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