Your team is anxious about job security with new tech. How can you ease their fears?

Eu acredito que as novas tecnologias estão destinadas a eliminar tarefas repetitivas, otimizar nosso tempo de trabalho e, como resultado, nos permitir focar mais em estratégias importantes e em passar tempo com nossa família. Vejo isso como um avanço significativo na qualidade de vida em geral. No entanto, para aproveitar ao máximo essas mudanças, é essencial investir em qualificação profissional contínua. O aprendizado ao longo da vida se torna crucial para qualquer profissional que deseje se destacar em seu mercado de atuação, seja qual for.

Discussões assim vem acontecendo cada vez mais, principalmente motivadas por tecnologias como IA por exemplo que podem de fato substituir algumas funções humanas. Na hora de falar de uma nova tecnologia para uma equipe, é necessário um viés de capacitação, geração de confiabilidade com base na compreensão do que aquilo realmente significa e qual o impacto que pode representar. Procure explicar como aquela tecnologia beneficiaria o time, os resultados e como o uso pode ampliar a capacidade de atuação em outras coisas antes despriorizadas por falta de tempo. A tecnologia vem em prol da produtividade, abrindo espaço para que a força de trabalho possa ser redimensionada para outra coisa antes negligenciadas.

To alleviate your team's anxieties regarding job security with new technology, emphasise the positive impacts. For example, with the general availability of GenAI, many worry about automation replacing jobs. Highlight how GenAI can automate tedious tasks, allowing team members to focus on more creative and strategic work. Encourage viewing these tools as allies that enhance their capabilities, not as threats. Foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, providing training and development opportunities to help them leverage new technology effectively. Promoting this perspective empowers your team to embrace change, enhancing their confidence and ensuring a smooth transition into the evolving technological landscape.

I'd add another dimension to consider based on my experience in the trenches of innovation. New tech often creates entirely new workflows and areas of focus that didn't exist before. By identifying these early and giving your team a chance to be part of shaping them, you're not just equipping them with in-demand skills, you're making them pioneers in an exciting new field. This fosters a sense of ownership and purpose that goes beyond simple job security. It makes them vital contributors to the future of the company.

I've found that upskilling is the secret sauce to keeping a team engaged and future-proof. You've got to show your people that you're invested in their growth. I always make sure we've got a solid learning program in place. Here's the thing: when folks see a clear path to develop new skills, they stop worrying about becoming obsolete. It's like giving them a career insurance policy. Plus, it's a win-win - they grow, and the company gets more skilled employees. But here's a pro tip: make learning a team sport. I encourage people to share what they've learned. It creates a culture of continuous improvement. Trust me, when everyone's leveling up together, it's not just individuals who thrive - the whole organization does.

I've learned that honesty is the best policy when rolling out new tech. You've got to lay it all out there - the good, the bad, and the uncertain. I always make a point to explain how changes will impact each role and what it means for our future. Here's the deal: people can smell BS a mile away. So I never sugarcoat things. Instead, I create space for open dialogue. I encourage questions, even the tough ones. Trust me, when you're upfront and give people a voice, it builds trust like nothing else. It's not always comfortable, but it's essential. In my experience, this approach turns potential resistance into active engagement. And that's how you make real progress.