Are You Developing Skills That Won’t Be Automated?

With the quick development of technolgies, many of the work that is being done manually will be replaced by machines. Most of the routine and repetitive work will get automated. McKinsey has estimated that by the end of this decade almost 50% of the jobs that are being done now manually will get automated.

They may range from reading an X-ray slide, truck driving, stocking in a warehouse. There have been quite a few detailed discussions on what is likely to get automated while there has been very little discussion on which aspects of the job will not be automated.

In short, we need to look at which aspects of the job is likely to get automated and identify those that are unlikely to get automated.

Machine learning is very effective when data sets are available for training and testing. For example, diagnosing illnesses would soon be accomplished better by machines than humans. But what about the Physician who will discuss the illness and the background as well as deciding on the treatment options with the family? This is far unlikely to be automated.

Another scenario from a different industry altogether: coffee shop (Barista). Many outlets have replaced the baristas with industrial robot arms to make hot beverages. However, a person is required to explain and help the customer and show the customer ow to use the technology to order their drinks and troubleshoot problems. 

There are other numerous examples where a human interface is necessary to interact with customers.

There are a few characteristics that are difficult to automate.

Emotion: Emotion plays a very important link in human communication. It is critical in all forms of non-verbal communication. It plays an important role in prioritising what we do. It is very complicated and interacts with all the decisions we make. 

Context: Humans can easily take into account the context while taking decisions or interacting with others. Changes in context an not only change how we interact with others but also create new factors into decision making.

our ability to manage and utilize emotions to take into account the effects of context are key elements of critical thinking create problem-solving, effective communication and good judgement.

These are the skills that employees are seeking like critical thinking, effective communication and solving complex problems. These are the soft skill that will become very important and is much sought after and will be difficult to automate.

These are the skills are the hardest to systematise and understand and the skills that will continue to give an edge to humans over robots. 

Are You Developing Skills That Won’t Be Automated?

by Stephen M. Kosslyn HBR SEPTEMBER 25, 2019