7 soft skills that artificial intelligence can’t replace
22 de November, 2023
Artificial intelligence has seen unprecedented developments in recent months. The technological advances that have taken place, particularly with regard to generative AI (artificial intelligence that has the ability to create new ideas, content and resources), are opening the door to the transformation of countless sectors of activity.
According to a study by Goldman Sachs, artificial intelligence could help increase global GDP by 7% and productivity by 1.5 percentage points over a 10-year period.
These possibilities brought about by developments in artificial intelligence have raised a number of questions relating to the job market: if many tasks can now be carried out using AI, does this mean that machines will replace flesh-and-blood professionals?
The truth is that by simplifying and automating various tasks, artificial intelligence will not necessarily eliminate human labor, but transform it. Professionals will be challenged to reinvent the way they work and will be valued more for their soft skills – interpersonal and socio-emotional skills – which artificial intelligence cannot replicate.
Discover with us seven soft skills that artificial intelligence can’t replace.
1 – Critical sense
Machines have a great ability to analyze data, but they have no ability to critically evaluate that data or draw complex conclusions from it.
Critical thinking will continue to be a highly valued skill in professionals, as it allows them to analyze problems from different perspectives, consider past experiences and anticipate the impacts of certain decisions.
2 – Problem-solving skills
No robot or algorithm can match the human ability to think “outside the box” or solve complex problems.
While artificial intelligence can analyze data and find solutions based on that data, this is not the case with more complex problems that need to consider other variables or require more creative solutions.
3 – Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is another skill that artificial intelligence cannot replace: identifying and understanding emotions is something that machines cannot do.
This soft skill is fundamental in professions that involve contact with other people – such as teaching, sales, medicine, among many others – and the emotional connection required by these positions is something that AI cannot achieve.
4 – Empathy
Like emotional intelligence, empathy is a human ability that technology cannot replicate. And it is also a fundamental and highly valued skill in many professional contexts (and, of course, in our lives more generally).
Empathetic people contribute to a more understanding, tolerant and inclusive working environment.
5 – Ethical decision-making
This is a critical issue when it comes to artificial intelligence. Unlike people, machines have difficulty weighing up the different variables inherent in a given dilemma and making a fair decision.
Ethics, morality and self-awareness are characteristics associated with humans and are decisive in many decision-making processes, whether personal or professional.
6 – Creativity and originality
This can be an ambiguous topic: since generative artificial intelligence has the ability to create new things, we can consider that there is creativity involved. However, even when machine learning tools are used, AI is still programmed and somewhat predictable.
Creativity, on the other hand, is associated with spontaneity, imagination and inspiration. And these characteristics are, and will be, increasingly sought after in professionals, who must be open to the use of new technologies and use them to further enhance their creativity and originality.
7 – Other interpersonal skills
There are other interpersonal skills that artificial intelligence cannot replace. This is the case with active listening, respect and generosity, for example.
In addition, although machines are becoming increasingly adept at listening and formulating speech, there are a number of skills related to non-verbal communication that are still exclusive to humans.
In short, the speed at which technology is evolving can – and will – pose major challenges for professionals. But above all, they will be challenges in terms of adaptation and collaboration.
The question is not so much about the tasks and skills that artificial intelligence can replace, but more about how professionals can perfect the soft skills that will allow them to take advantage of all these emerging potentialities.