In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a fundamental skill that is increasingly prevalent in the workplace. As the world of AI continues to expand and develop, the role it plays in helping workers advance in their careers cannot be understated. Despite the phenomenal growth and widespread adoption of AI technologies, a recent analysis by the Pew Research Center reveals that a large percentage of individuals in the United States are not leveraging AI in their professional roles.
However, for those who have embraced AI early on, the benefits are clear. According to a survey, 79% of individuals who use AI chat platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot for business purposes reported that it had helped them complete tasks more efficiently, while 72% stated that AI had significantly enhanced their job performance.
Delving deeper into how AI is revolutionizing work performance, we spoke to five AI super users to gain insights into their experiences. Our findings shed light on how lifelike video avatars have the potential to reduce production time by half and how personalised AI instructors are reshaping critical thinking processes.
For Ruth Favela, an AI Marketing Manager at Tomorrow.io, using AI has been a game-changer in competing with larger marketing teams while keeping overhead costs in check. By leveraging AI technologies, Favela has been able to scale customer-facing content generation, draft text, clean lists, and summarize meeting transcripts efficiently. One innovative approach she employs is training HeyGen, an AI video creator, to design video avatars by feeding it executive videos. This method not only saves time but also enhances productivity by enabling the rapid creation of video content.
Similarly, Ryan Baum, an independent SaaS growth consultant, has harnessed the power of AI to improve his work processes. Baum finds that AI tools help him identify biases and logic gaps, enhance his critical thinking abilities, and generate new ideas. By utilizing large language models (LLMs) to challenge his original ideas and concepts, Baum has developed a unique approach known as the "Devil's Auditor" to identify flaws and vulnerabilities in his work before they are exposed to clients.
In another context, Sierra Dowd, Founder and Principal Strategist at else&ever, relies on AI to streamline her presentation design process. By using AI to generate Canva slide scripts automatically, Dowd has managed to reduce hours of design work to a mere fraction of the time. This approach not only improves efficiency but also allows her to focus on refining the quality, clarity, and narrative of her presentations.
Furthermore, Andrea Bonaiuto, head of product marketing at ATPCO, underscores the importance of AI as a baseline skill set for knowledge work. By incorporating AI coaching tools into her professional development, Bonaiuto has witnessed significant improvements in critical thinking and confidence among her team members. Leveraging AI to prepare for stakeholder meetings, 1:1 discussions, and other professional scenarios has enabled Bonaiuto to scale coaching efforts and foster a culture of continuous learning within her organization.
In conclusion, the adoption of AI tools and technologies has had a transformative impact on the way individuals work and engage with their professional responsibilities. As AI continues to evolve and permeate various industries, it is becoming increasingly clear that those who embrace these advancements will be better positioned to succeed in the ever-changing landscape of work. By harnessing the power of AI to enhance productivity, foster critical thinking, and streamline processes, workers are paving the way for a more efficient, innovative, and dynamic future.