Closing the loop
On training entry-level talent in today's unprecedented multigenerational workplace
"We should stop relinquishing our brain processing power to AI." This was the response from a tech-forward practicing lawyer when I (only semi-jokingly) offered an AI-generated summary of a business proposal I received last week rather than explaining it myself.
This exchange highlighted a growing challenge in professional services: as AI tools become more prevalent, are we sacrificing crucial opportunities to develop fundamental thinking skills in our workforce? The question becomes particularly urgent when considering how to train entry-level talent in today's unprecedented multigenerational workplace.
When we focus solely on outputs, we miss the valuable mental processing that occurs when synthesizing information: identifying key points, understanding relationships between concepts, and crafting coherent narratives. These skills are essential for professionals across industries – whether they're lawyers preparing briefs, consultants analyzing client challenges, or journalists structuring stories.
Without investing time to train emerging talent in these fundamental thinking processes (rather than simply teaching them to use AI tools), we risk undermining the long-term sustainability of knowledge work. In the short term, experienced professionals become bottlenecks as they must review and refine AI-generated content, potentially limiting productivity gains – especially in industries that rely on billable hours. I am excited by the potential of reasoning AI models to disrupt outdated and misaligned hourly billing businesses.
At our recent Work in Progress summit, discussions moved beyond surface-level productivity gains to explore how AI might unlock uniquely human capabilities. Before we can realize this potential however, organizations must establish robust knowledge management systems and redefine training responsibilities to ensure foundational skills aren't lost in an AI-augmented workplace.
If you are working on innovative solutions to these challenges, particularly peer-based training approaches that bridge generational and technological gaps, please email me here and/or fill out this form. I look forward to hearing from you!