As we stand on the brink of a future dominated by machines, one must ask: Are we on the verge of becoming obsolete? In an era of unprecedented technological advancement, artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming integral to our daily lives, skillfully taking on tasks once exclusive to humans. This dramatic shift, often referred to as the ‘Smart Machine Age ‘, raises an essential question: What role will we play in this new world? Edward D. Hess, a distinguished professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, and Katherine Ludwig, a research scientist at the University of Virginia, in their insightful book ‘Humility Is the New Smart: Rethinking Human Excellence in the Smart Machine Age,’ offer a compelling answer. They argue that in an age dominated by intelligent machines, ‘humility’ is the key to unlocking human potential and thriving in the workplace.
The authors introduce the concept of ‘NewSmart’ – a set of behaviours and qualities that are not just essential, but empowering for success in the Smart Machine Age. This ‘NewSmart’ is not about how much you know but how you think and relate to others. It consists of four essential behaviours:
- Quieting Ego: This is like turning down the volume on your inner critic and defensiveness. It’s about being open-minded, objective, and less emotionally reactive. Imagine a team meeting where a project manager presents an idea. Instead of immediately defending their proposal when challenged, they take a moment to listen to feedback. It is like a gardener tending to their plants; by nurturing ideas from others, they allow the best ones to flourish rather than overshadowing them with their own. Another example could be a student in a group project who actively listens to and incorporates the ideas of their peers, leading to a more successful outcome. In a workplace scenario, a manager who actively seeks feedback from their team and incorporates it into their decision-making process also practices ‘Quieting Ego ‘.
- Managing Self: This involves regulating your emotions and automatic reactions, allowing you to connect meaningfully with others. It’s like having a well-tuned emotional thermostat, able to respond appropriately to different situations. Consider a teacher who receives criticism from a parent about their teaching methods. Rather than reacting defensively, the teacher takes a deep breath and reflects on the feedback, using it as an opportunity for personal growth and improvement. This is a powerful example of how humility can lead to personal growth and inspire others to do the same. It’s like a ship captain adjusting their sails in response to changing winds—by managing their emotions, they navigate toward calmer waters.
- Reflective Listening: This is more than just hearing; it’s about truly understanding the other person’s perspective. Imagine it as holding up a mirror to their thoughts and feelings, showing them that you’re fully present and engaged. Picture a friend sharing a personal struggle. Instead of jumping in with advice, you listen intently and paraphrase what they said to confirm your understanding. This mirrors a well-tuned radio picking up signals clearly; your active listening ensures the message is received without distortion.
- Otherness: This is about building strong, trusting relationships through authenticity, honesty, and vulnerability. It’s like being a good team player, always willing to lend a hand and support your colleagues. In a workplace scenario, imagine an employee who consistently acknowledges the contributions of their colleagues during presentations. By highlighting others’ efforts, they create an environment of trust and collaboration, like a conductor who brings out the best in each musician, creating harmony within the orchestra. ‘Otherness’ is the recognition and appreciation of the unique contributions and perspectives of others, which is crucial in a world where collaboration and diverse thinking are key to success. It’s about valuing each individual’s unique skills and perspectives and creating an environment where everyone feels heard and respected.
In the past, success was often measured by one’s ability to accumulate knowledge and perform tasks flawlessly. However, these skills are becoming less valuable in a world where machines can access vast information and accurately perform calculations. In the past, people relied on their ability to read maps and remember directions to reach their destinations. Nowadays, Google Maps or Waze provide real-time traffic information, offer multiple route options, and guide users with turn-by-turn instructions. As a result, while knowing how to read a map was a valuable skill, the ability to use these apps effectively has become more crucial. The focus has shifted from traditional navigational knowledge to utilising technology to make informed decisions about the best routes and travel times.
However, machines cannot replicate uniquely human qualities like critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. These qualities are rooted in humility – the ability to recognise our limitations, learn from our mistakes, and value the contributions of others. Think of it this way: if knowledge is the fuel that powers the engine of success, then humility is the rudder that guides the ship. Without humility, we risk becoming arrogant, closed-minded, and unable to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the Smart Machine Age.
So, how can we cultivate humility and develop these “NewSmart” behaviours? Hess and Ludwig offer several practical strategies:
- Practice Mindfulness: Responding to your present experience non-judgmentally can help moderate your emotional responses and build resilience. Meditation, for example, can help you detach from your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to respond more thoughtfully.
- Nurture Gratitude: Regularly expressing gratitude for the good things in your life can deepen your humility and shift your focus from yourself to others. This gratitude practice can make us more appreciative of others’ contributions and more reflective of our actions.
- Seek Feedback: Ask your friends and colleagues for honest feedback on your behaviour. This can help you identify areas where you can improve your humility and “NewSmart” skills.
- Accept Mistakes: View mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth rather than as signs of failure.
- Practice Active Listening: Focus on truly understanding the other person’s perspective rather than formulating your response.
At Rudder4Life, we believe that the quality of our values determines the quality of our self-motivation, which then influences our self-concept and self-esteem. In this context, humility is a cornerstone that enhances self-motivation by encouraging a growth mindset and openness to learning. This, in turn, positively shapes our self-concept, enabling a realistic and balanced self-assessment and ultimately leading to healthier self-esteem.
As we venture further into the Smart Machine Age, it becomes increasingly evident that reliance solely on technical skills is insufficient. We must prioritise nurturing the uniquely human qualities distinguishing us from machines—humility, empathy, and our profound capacity for connection. By embracing humility and fostering ‘NewSmart’ behaviours, we can excel professionally and contribute to a kinder, more collaborative society.
Let us make humility the rudder that steers us toward a future brimming with understanding, empathy, and authentic relationships. Together, we can create a world where technology serves humanity, amplifying our innate ability to connect, support, and uplift one another. The journey ahead calls us to act purposefully, harnessing our human strengths to build a brighter, more compassionate future for all.
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