What skills do we need to work best with AI?

Recently at an event someone asked me, what is the most important skill for the future of work?

I can’t single out one skill, but I have a two part answer. Firstly, naturally we should focus on discovering and leaning into the skills that our curiosity and competence gravitate toward (even if they change over time). That’s where excellence, enjoyment or ideally both emerge.

However, as a matter of future proofing our unique individual skillsets, transversal skills are key. Problem solving, analytical and critical thinking, the ability to communicate effectively, creativity and leadership, amongst others.

AI systems can already program as well as (or some say better) than people. What’s needed are skill sets that can steer novel technologies towards solving increasingly complex problems of humanity, rather than contributing to them.

Tina

AI Skill sets

Our skill sets shape how we engage with AI technologies. Whether we are driving AI development, or utilising AI powered solutions, transversal skills will help us determine and orchestrate the most beneficial uses.

To better understand the potential of human-AI creative problem solving researchers from the University of Washington and Harvard Business School set up a crowdsourcing challenge focused on sustainable, circular economy business ideas.

Ideas were sourced from either a person coupled with an AI agent using prompt engineering, or from humans only. 125 five global solvers from different industries participated and the novelty, value and creativity of solutions created were assessed by 300 judges.

The assessment found that human-AI solutions provided more value, generating more ideas faster than humans. However, the human-only solutions were judged to be more innovative - both on average and for highly novel outcomes. It’s suggested that AI could make a cost-effective addition to collaborative innovation processes, but not replace human teams.

The OECD Employment Outlook delineates two skill sets needed in the ‘age of AI’. One reflecting the need for highly technical AI expertise, and the second skillset reflecting more general non-technical proficiency, ideally that would be held across society. Both of the skillsets require transversal skills; the skills that enable us to best define objectives, collaborate, adapt to change and address the challenges of the day.

Skills for AI development or utilisation

Expertise

Skills to develop and maintain AI systems

• Specialized AI skills e.g. machine learning, AI models and AI tools
• Data science skills e.g. data analysis, programming, data visualisation
• Transversal skills e.g. creative problem solving, social skills, management skills

Proficiency

Skills to adopt, use and interact with AI applications

• Elementary AI knowledge e.g. principles of machine learning
• Digital skills e.g. ability to use a computer or smartphone
• Transversal skills e.g. analytical skills, problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, communication, judgement

For the moment AI technologies are no substitute for our transversal skills. But most importantly, transversal skills enable us work better with each other, as well as AI technologies as they become increasingly capable. 

References

Boussioux, L., Lane, J. N., Zhang, M., Vladimir,J. & Lakhani, K. 2024. Generative AI and Creative Problem Solving. Harvard Business School Technology & Operations Management. Unit Working Paper No. 24-005. 

OECD Employment Outlook 2023: Artificial Intelligence and the Labour Market
Chapter 5. Skill needs and policies in the age of artificial intelligence by Julie Lassebie.