Last week during a discovery call with a potential client, we were discussing their theme for the event and how my content would align in preparing attendees for the future of work. Now, before we go farther, I think it’s important to recognize…..
I don’t claim to know what the future of work will entail with certainty.
I don’t claim to be a futurist.
I don’t market AI or list it as a speaking topic.
But as I reflected on the theme, it dawned on me how inundated we’ve all become with information about the future. It’s everywhere. You can’t go a week without hearing about the impacts AI will have on our everyday lives, ranging from being mildly helpful to an all-out assault on the human race (Hello Terminator!)
The truth is, those predictions may very well be true. Or, they’ll fall short of expectations. Which is why I believe it’s more important than ever to realize:
None of us know what the future will bring.
Our focus should be on developing the skills, people, and talents of right now so we’re as prepared as possible for what’s to come next. It’s probably no shocker, but I believe we do that by harnessing the power of simplicity. Here’s how this works in becoming future-ready.
1. Get very clear on your priorities. Maybe AI will be a priority for your organization. Maybe it’s still unknown. The point is, you and your team better be clear on what those priorities are. Because news flash – if it’s everything! – then nothing will get done. Narrow in your focus on no more than 3 priorities and make sure the messaging and associated actions are clear and consistent.
2. Do less better. If you do #1 correctly, you’ll come to find out everything can’t be a priority. What are you doing today which serves no purpose or meaning for the future (or, in some cases, for the present day)? Stop wasting your time and energy and double down on #1.
3. Go All-In. I would rather you take action on your priorities than take comfort in the status quo. You may find out a year later your priorities were off-target, but that’s still a better scenario than waiting and letting time pass you by. What can you do today, tomorrow, or this week to advance your priorities one step farther?
