Caring for people while the world races to automate

I want to write about something that's been on my mind, and I'll say upfront that I don't have a neat answer.

I work with AI every day. I've seen how much it can help, and I'm excited by what it makes possible. I also care about the people I work with and for. Holding both at once is harder than I expected.

The pressure is real. Many companies are asking how AI can do more with fewer people. That's a reasonable question for a business to ask. It also lands differently for the person whose role is being discussed.

Behind every role is a person. Someone with a family, a mortgage, a long road to get where they are. When we talk about "efficiency", it helps to remember who is on the other side of the sentence.

Advocacy can feel uncomfortable. Speaking up for people can sound like resisting progress. I don't see it that way. Asking "what happens to the people?" is part of doing the work well, not a barrier to it.

What I try to do

• Ask what problem we're solving before asking what we can automate
• Look for ways AI can take on the repetitive work so people can do more of what only they can do
• Be honest and early about change, so people have time to adapt
• Support learning, so people can grow alongside the tools
• Keep a person accountable for decisions that affect other people

Where I'm still unsure. Some roles will change, and some will go. I can't promise otherwise. What I can do is treat the people affected with care, and encourage others to do the same.

For anyone feeling uneasy. Your concern makes sense. You're not behind and you're not alone. Learning, asking questions, and building new skills are all ways to take part in what's changing.

AI will keep getting better. I hope our care for each other does too.