by Digger Kurt, Cottingham & Butler, & YP Director of Membership

In a world of increased artificial intelligence and automation, it is becoming essential to develop skills that cannot be replaced by a computer. Here are three ways that you can increase your workplace value, no matter your industry.

Use your Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence is the ability to manage emotions in ourselves and understand the impact emotion has on those around us. Anyone that has called a customer service line and gotten an automation knows that being able to read one’s emotions and respond accordingly is something that we, as humans, are better built to do than computers. Yet, we often fail to see the importance of everyday interactions and what results happens because of those interactions.

So, if you see a co-worker struggling, ask if they need help. Maybe they need help or maybe they just need to bounce ideas off of someone. If you simply ignore what is happening, you have lowered your own value, and you haven’t helped your co-workers or the culture of your building. The next time you see someone struggling, take action by asking questions and offering support.  We must take every advantage of differentiating ourselves from computers.

Build New Relationships
There are so many opportunities to build connections with those around us, but what happens too often is we are on auto pilot and fail to recognize the chances that are right in front of us. This could be a Monthly YP Luncheon (shameless plug), a Great Minds Drink Alike event (less shameless plug), or by joining one of the many community involvement organizations. These gatherings create opportunities to interact with local CEO’s, connect with someone over a beer, or make Dubuque a better place to live and work.

It is easy stay in your shell and only go to events with a full crew of friends, but attending these events and forming new relationships will help you immensely as you navigate your career. Not once have I shown up at Great Minds and watched the latest computer down a beer while discussing business changes and challenges in Dubuque (though that would be strangely awesome). Connecting with someone on a personal level is not something a computer can do, so get out there and form new relationships.

Be Creative
Creativity is not something that always comes naturally. There is a good chance I would put an art teacher into therapy if I were to make even the most basic artistic attempt. But creativity is more than writing a novel or sitting down at an easel; it is about moving beyond what a computer can do (analysis and artificial intelligence) and into generating ideas. We must do our best to unlock our innovative thinking. Bringing creative ideas and suggestions, even if they are not the one that is selected at the time, adds value and shows others that you are capable of bringing solutions to the table. This is a case where you are competing against computers and the person sitting next to you. No company wants a room full of yes-people; they need diversity of ideas to help the business grow and prosper.  Go out on a limb and present an idea that might go against the grain. Your ability to think creatively will show value.

It might not happen tomorrow, or maybe not even the next month, but sometime soon there will be a computer out there aiming to eat your lunch. Being proactive and getting ahead of the curve is crucial. Showcase your skills that highlight that you cannot be replaced by the latest and greatest computer. The topics presented today will make sure you are winning the battle of human vs. machine.