Artificial intelligence is affecting almost every aspect of our lives. We are going through a 4th industrial revolution which is exciting some and frightening others. Which camp do you sit in?
I am being contacted daily by people setting up innovative new coaching platforms. Either using AI to coach people or introduce people to Coaches. This is great, but at what point do we become redundant as people compared to machines? In all industries? How do we get ready for this in the future?
I remember watching the movie Her which describes a man having a relationship with an artificially intelligent virtual assistant and thinking that this may be the future. One which we are not too far away from.
Coaching is one of the most personal interactions humans can have. An amazing Coach can help you change your behaviours, thoughts and your very way of being. So would we put this trust into a chatbot and how safe is this? Also if there is a fear of job loss through intelligence machines, how do we mentally prepare for this? There are some answers below and some questions you can ask yourself to help move forward and prepare.
The case for AI in coaching runs as a result of people having limited time and the cost for many. Can you trust a basic app which can help you with your decision making process at a low cost?
Coaching apps like Rocky claim to be able to help you with the following:
Set your intentions and focus on your priority with clarity.
Communicate better, engage your team and connect to your network.
Build a positive mindset, manage your energy and express yourself to the world.
It does this by asking you questions to help you reflect or prepare on your day, such as:
"How can you be 1% better tomorrow?"
"Have you practiced active listening today with your team?"
"Were you able to manage a solid energy level throughout the day?"
These questions vary every morning and evening and get more personalized for you over time thanks to machine learning behind. As a result Rocky will give you a Mindfulness score and also propose a matching tip.
Other apps like PocketConfident target students to help them move through challenging situations and offer asking the right questions at the right time.
These types of apps have been useful for low cost, daily reminders or potentially when people are not confident or open enough to go out and find a Coach. A paper here from December 2020 suggests that AI for coaching does have a place in modern businesses, but offers limited results in some cases.
This is because there is just not enough data to create automated responses for any kind of deep and transformational coaching experiences and there will not be for a number of years to come according to Matt Barney who runs Leaderamp a software company which specialises in coaching technology..
A personalised experience dependent on the individual is essential. In order to encourage people to move forward the human touch at transformational level is still required. Therefore if you are an advanced level Coach really offering value and asking the questions AI would not you are safe for now.
So what if you are in a job and the rise of AI is worrying you? How can you start to help yourself feel differently and more at ease with the coming changes? Here are some questions to ask yourself and investigate:
Are my sources real?
When you are hearing that jobs are at risk are you reading deeply into your own position and how this may be affected. Ensure you investigate reliable and trusted research backed sources. Beware of fake news and people who just like a bit of drama to frighten you into a fear spiral! FAKE NEWS SPREADS FEAR!
What can I do right now to start diversifying my skills if my job may be under threat?
Start by looking at what you can do where you may have an interest. Research and work out what you enjoy doing and where you may be able to leverage this. Start a new learning process if you can and want to. You may just enjoy this!
Talk to people you trust, have knowledge and are invested in helping you move forward. People who are also in the same fearful place may not be as resourceful as you need to help you.
Can I make a plan now?
Starting to make a plan can really help. Change is inevitable, but if you start putting a plan in place now this can help you focus on what YOU CAN do to start futureproofing your next career choice. Help yourself to become more at ease with this digital generation transformation.
For coaching through to your next future proof role connect with me at caroline@successCL.com
Caroline Langston is the Founder of Successful Consultants Ltd, an Executive, Personal and Career Development Coaching company in Hong Kong and New York. She is also the Founder of recruitersgiveback.org a nonprofit providing free information and coaching to people who are unemployed. Caroline is dedicated to coaching people for success and happiness in their careers and lives. She is degree qualified with a Certificate in Professional Coaching Mastery from the ICF, Certificate in Team Coaching from the EMCC. Also further certifications in Neuro Linguistic Programming at Master Practitioner and Coach level. www.successCL.com www.recruitersgiveback.org