Work in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved. Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are increasingly using AI to automate jobs, requiring workers to acquire new skillsets to stay ahead of the curve. In his book Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI, author Paul R. Daugherty paints a comprehensive picture of the future of work and how businesses can leverage AI to drive success.
In his book, Daugherty outlines three core pillars to ensure success in the age of AI: partnerships between humans and machines, leveraging technology to augment human capability, and shifting toward outcomes-based work. By understanding these themes, businesses of all sizes can leverage the power of AI to shape a new generation of work that is smarter, more adaptive, and more meaningful.
The first pillar, partnerships between humans and machines, focuses on the idea that intelligent machines are best utilized when teams include both human and robotic partners. Daugherty believes that the best possible outcomes are achieved when machines learn from humans and vice versa, creating powerful synergies. To successfully partner with machines, Daugherty argues that companies must also equip their workforce with the right tools and training to effectively communicate and collaborate with robots.
The second pillar emphasizes the importance of technology as an enabler for human creativity and productivity. By embracing technology, organizations can free up more time to focus on innovation, customer experience, and creative problem solving. Leveraging AI, such as natural language processing (NLP), to analyze data can help managers understand customer needs, inform better decisions, and customize offerings. By incorporating AI-driven solutions into their workflow, organizations can enjoy an information-rich environment that can quickly detect and respond to customer demands.
Finally, the third pillar encourages companies to shift their focus away from traditional labor structures and move toward outcomes-based work. This involves transforming the way organizations measure success so that it is less about individual performance and more about collaborative projects that produce measurable, value-oriented results. This can be achieved through AI-driven technology such as machine learning and predictive analytics, which can automate mundane tasks such as scheduling and data entry and provide valuable insights into employees’ strengths and weaknesses to more effectively manage resources.
At the end of the day, businesses must recognize the power of AI and humans when forming successful partnerships. By understanding the core principles outlined in Daugherty’s book—partnerships between humans and machines, leveraging technology to augment human capability, and shifting towards outcomes-based work—organizations can effectively and efficiently leverage the power of AI to create a better future of work.
