"In the era of AI, life skills shine even brighter,as they empower us with emotional intelligence, resilience & purpose, that machine algorithms cannot fathom!"
Have you noticed how slowly & steadily Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing our lives and work? Twenty years back, did you imagine computers could do so many things that were only possible using human resources? It has helped us overcome various challenges of everyday life. Think about it - with all the automation happening in the workplace; machines are now taking over many jobs that used to require only technical skills.
As the world progresses towards more & more automation, it's easy to believe that people skills don't matter anymore. However, the opposite is true! In fact, the need for these special people skills has only increased as we navigate this complex world. For example, skills like being empathetic towards others, creativity skills etc., are more important in today's world. These are called essential life skills. Life Skills not only enable us to manage ourselves and our emotions but also help us build strong relationships and handle our work effectively. Life Skills enable individuals to stay relevant in the workplace and lead meaningful lives.
Importance of Life Skills & AI
AI has greatly entered our daily lives, with machines taking on tasks that humans once did. But AI doesn't yet possess emotional intelligence. Social-emotional skills are one of the most essential skills in the 21st century. Social-emotional skills, commonly called SEL, means the ability to understand & manage emotions and build long-lasting relationships with others. Our ability to empathise and understand feelings is unique and cannot be replicated by AI. These skills enable us to work effectively with others, manage conflicts, and lead teams. These are all tasks that AI still needs to accomplish.
Another essential life skill is critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills. We often have to work with incomplete data or ambiguous information in the real world. To make a well-rounded and informed decision, we must consider different perspectives, evaluate arguments, consider implications, etc. These skills can help us in both our personal and professional lives.
AI is a work in progress when it comes to creative thinking skills. Yes, we do have AI-generated illustrations and other artwork, but we still have a long way to give it a human touch. Creative Thinking skills are critical in art, design, and innovation.
Communication skills are crucial as no machines can replace the nuances of person-to-person interaction. Effective communication involves speaking and writing clearly, but, more importantly, it also means active listening and empathy. These, verbal communication skills, written communication skills and active listening skills, again, are important in both personal and professional relationships.
Finally, as technology evolves rapidly, we must upskill ourselves and stay updated with the changes around us. The 21st-century work model expects us to collaborate with different interdisciplinary teams and work with people of diverse backgrounds. We need to be open to changes, other ideas & approaches. We must be able to take up new challenges and have the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. All this comes through adaptability skills and flexibility skills. These skills will equip you to successfully navigate the ever-changing workplace landscape and succeed in your careers.
For example, a software engineer job will need technical skills like coding, testing, knowledge of different coding languages etc. But what will make you stand out from all the candidates that apply for the role will be your life skills. The life skills include your ability to communicate effectively, your collaboration skills, your interpersonal relationship skills, your time management skills and even your critical & creative thinking skills will support you. Your social-emotional skills will prepare you to handle the pressures of the demanding job and navigate towards better mental health and stability.
Summary
As you can see, the a correlation between life skills & AI. The various life skills are essential in all areas of our lives. Rather, they enhance our ability to thrive in the age of AI. Yes, AI has and will continue to impact our work and personal lives as it evolves. At the same time, the demand for skills unique to human beings, i.e. life skills education, will always be strong. AI can't replace us and who we are. So, let's prioritise the building of life skills in us and also our future generations.