Dear Yogesh,

I’m deeply worried that my company is planning to replace my entire team of graphic artists with AI. What can I say to individuals who have spent decades perfecting their craft, only to see technology take over?

I’m literally losing sleep over this, and I would greatly appreciate your advice.

Lilly

Dear Lilly,

I completely understand where you’re coming from. I resonate with you about the power of this technology and the fear that comes with it.

Have you considered asking ChatGPT? I did, and its suggestions were spot on! But of course, I’ll add my own thoughts too.

1. Stay Informed

First and foremost, I suggest talking to your boss and paying attention to the rumors or signals around the company. Are other roles being replaced by AI? Is there a broader company-wide strategy to replace humans with technology? The more you understand the situation, the better prepared you’ll be. It’s better to be proactive than to simply react to change when it’s already happening.

2. As a Leader encourage your team to develop unique skills

The people who will be irreplaceable are those who can bring something to the table that AI cannot (yet). In graphic design, for instance, those who can ask the right questions and translate client needs into unique, creative outputs will remain invaluable. AI can assist in generating ideas or drafts, but the emotional intelligence and creativity required to truly capture the essence of a design will continue to be in demand.

3. Foster Continuous Learning

There are countless things that only humans can do, and honing those skills will make your team indispensable. Focus on problem-solving, innovating new approaches, and expressing ideas in ways that AI still can’t match. Encourage your team to grow their creative and critical thinking abilities—they’re not just designers, but problem-solvers.

4. Cultivate Flexibility and Adaptability

As we know, the pace of change is accelerating, and we’ve all faced it before. “The cheese has moved,” as Spencer Johnson put it in Who Moved My Cheese? We can’t predict the future, but we can manage how we respond to it. Encourage your team to embrace change with curiosity rather than fear. Instead of panicking, try pausing and saying, “How fascinating!” when faced with something unexpected. This mindset of inquiry will help them stay adaptable and open to new possibilities.

I know that fear and uncertainty about AI can be overwhelming, but dwelling on them won’t help. Take a deep breath, get informed, and encourage your team to do the same. Engage with podcasts, articles, and discussions about AI and the future of the creative industry. Lead by example by fostering curiosity and an openness to learning.

As a leader, you have the opportunity to set the tone for how your team approaches this change. I truly believe that growing, learning, and adapting is the only way forward in today’s world. It’s uncomfortable, yes, but it’s also essential. You can choose to be the model of resilience and curiosity your team needs to thrive.

I’m trying to follow this advice myself, and I’ll admit, it scares me too. After all, I’ve spent the last twenty years honing my writing skills, and there are days when I fear my whole industry could be replaced by AI. But I remind myself that the key is continuous growth and learning.

You and your team can navigate this shift—stay curious, keep growing, and trust that creativity and adaptability will continue to be your strengths.

YS

For more details, visit our website: https://byldgroup.com/

Or call at: 1800-102-1345