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Surviving as an Expert in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) World

The Context

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and redefining the roles of professionals across the globe. According to The New York Times, AI is transforming the job market, creating new opportunities while rendering some traditional roles obsolete. Goldman Sachs predicts that AI could automate up to 300 million full-time jobs worldwide. In this evolving landscape, subject matter experts (SMEs) must adapt to remain relevant and valuable.

This article explores what individuals and companies can do to avoid becoming the victims of this development.

Approach Reflects in Assignments and Defines Careers

Our behavior shapes how we are perceived. An expert’s perception influences the types of assignments they receive, which in turn defines their career path. Experts who focus solely on their expertise often receive assignments that are limited in visibility, impact, and rewards. These are typically “just another pair of hands” jobs.

However, experts who combine their expertise with a consultative approach are seen as subject matter consultants. They are assigned more relevant and comprehensive projects, benefiting themselves, their company/department, and both internal and external customers.

Let’s look at 2 real cases  illustrating the above:

1. External customer: A major computer company faced the challenge of not being involved in projects where customers needed strategic support. These customers turned to companies with a consulting image, which then ensured they also implemented the strategies. This changed after over 100 of the company’s key service experts were trained in Consulting Skills for Professionals. As a result, they began winning key projects, and customers entrusted them with projects without involving competitors. In an AI-oriented world, challenges could become even more significant AI taking care of some of the expertise work.

   

2. Internal customer: The CIO of a bank had a highly competent team and professional processes. However, the bank’s bankers did not perceive the IT team as capable of developing IT strategies to achieve business goals. The CIO recognized the risk of his department being seen as merely transactional and potentially outsourced. He realized that for the bank and his department it was more effective to teach some of his IT experts consulting skills rather than spending time and money to have external consulting companies understand the bank’s processes.

The Need for Human Interaction-Centric Skills

The BBC highlights that while AI is impacting many sectors, there are still jobs that AI won’t replace anytime soon, particularly those requiring human skills such as judgment, creativity, and emotional intelligence. In an AI-driven world, technical expertise alone is no longer sufficient. SMEs must develop and integrate human interaction-centric skills to avoid being perceived as just another pair of hands or becoming obsolete.

Skills Differentiating Expert’s and Subject Matter Consultants’ Approaches?

Click on the following link. You will see a comparison of typical expert’s and subject matter consultant’s approaches. It is an extract of a more comprehensive paper – ask for it if interested. The structure is the one of the Consulting Skills Delivery Model used in Consulting Skills for Professionals, a Logra course.

Acting as Subject Matter Consultants

To thrive in an AI world, subject matter experts need to evolve into subject matter consultants. This shift is crucial not only for their careers but also for their companies or departments offering services to other units.

However, this transformation does not happen automatically. These skills need to be trained and developed. Courses like Logra’s Consulting Skills for Professionals can help experts make this transition. Such training equips professionals with the approaches needed to be perceived and treated as subject matter consultants, ensuring they remain in demand and are not threatened by the rise of AI.

Conclusion

Integrating human interaction-centric skills and transitioning to acting as subject matter consultants are essential for SMEs to thrive in an AI-dominated world. By enhancing their ability to understand customer needs, set clear expectations, gather information, and sell solutions, SMEs can position themselves as indispensable partners to their clients. As AI continues to evolve, the demand for these skills will only grow, making them a critical component of professional success.