A leader recently asked me a question that is coming up more and more often in our discussions:
“AI is already transforming several tasks. Which jobs will still be strategic in 2 or 3 years… and how can I prepare for that now?”
This is probably one of the most important questions leaders should be asking today.
Because when we talk about artificial intelligence, many discussions focus on tools, automation, or efficiency gains.
But in practice, the issue is much deeper.
AI is not only transforming certain tasks.
It is also changing how organizations work, make decisions and develop their people.
Consider this.
If you were building your organization today, with AI’s current capabilities, would you build it exactly the same way?
Would you keep the same roles?
The same responsibilities?
The same processes?
The same hierarchical levels?
For many leaders, the answer is probably no.
Some tasks that once took several hours can now be completed in a few minutes.
Access to information is faster.
Analysis is more accessible.
Content production, research, documentation, and certain administrative tasks are already evolving at an impressive pace.
We are no longer talking about a future change.
We are talking about a change that has already begun.
Roles are changing. So are skills.
The real question is not only which jobs will still exist.
It is how those roles will evolve.
In many organizations, AI will automate or simplify certain tasks, or help people carry them out.
But that does not necessarily mean fewer people.
It often means people will need to create value in different ways.
The skills gaining importance are already visible:
- judgment;
- analytical ability;
- complex problem-solving;
- adaptability;
- communication;
- collaboration;
- influence;
- leadership.
As information becomes easier to access, the judgment needed to use it well becomes more important.
Rethinking your organization
For many leaders, the question should no longer be:
“How do I use AI?”
But rather:
“What should my organization look like in 12 to 24 months?”
Thinking this through means looking at:
- organizational structure;
- skills to develop;
- critical roles;
- succession planning;
- leadership;
- recruitment.
Organizations that start thinking about these questions today will have more time to adapt, develop their teams and prepare their managers.
Those that wait risk being forced to react much more quickly when the changes become unavoidable.
Leadership is becoming even more strategic
One thing is already becoming clear.
As certain tasks are automated or assisted, leadership becomes more important.
Tomorrow’s managers will not be recognized primarily for their ability to pass on information.
They will be recognized for their ability to:
- exercise judgment;
- engage teams;
- support change;
- develop talent;
- make decisions under uncertainty;
- create alignment in a constantly evolving environment.
For decades, many organizations have been designed to optimize access to information.
Organizations that develop sound judgment alongside their use of technology may be better prepared for what comes next.
The real risk
The risk is not that artificial intelligence will transform jobs.
That transformation is already underway.
The real risk is failing to start thinking now about the impact it could have on your organization.
The consequences of inaction can include:
- loss of agility;
- slower decision-making;
- difficulty attracting and retaining people;
- skills that no longer match future needs;
- loss of competitiveness.
Organizations that succeed will not necessarily be those with the best tools.
They will be those that took the time to review their roles, skills, leadership, and structure before pressure forced them to do so.
Because at the end of the day, the question is no longer:
“Will AI transform work?”
The question is:
“Is my organization preparing for this transformation?”
What are you seeing in your organization?
We support leaders who want to better understand the impact of artificial intelligence on their teams, roles, leadership, and organizational structure.
As AI changes work, now is a useful time to review the roles, skills and leadership your organization will need.