Forget AI Expertise, Do This Instead
Why chasing AI mastery misses the point. Learn how using AI in your field can give you an edge over rivals.
AI know-how alone won't set you apart; using AI in your work will.
Focus on using AI to boost what you already know.
See AI as a helper, not a skill to master, to get ahead of others.
Feeling pushed to become an AI expert? Take it easy. You're looking at it all wrong. Let's discuss why running after AI skills might waste your time and how you can use AI to win without being a tech whiz.
Remember when everyone tried to be an "Internet expert" 20 years ago? Looks silly now, right? The same thing's happening with AI. But here's the deal: you don't need to be an AI guru. You just need to know how AI can make you better at what you do.
Let's break it down:
The AI Expert Trap
Many leaders think they need to master AI. They spend lots of time and money on AI classes and certificates. But AI changes so fast that it's already different by the time you've "mastered" it.
It's like trying to catch a speeding car on a bike. You might look clever, but you're not getting anywhere useful.
The Real Worth of AI
AI's power isn't in knowing how it works. It's in knowing how to use it in your field. It's about using AI as a tool to make your skills better.
Think of AI as a smart helper. You don't need to know how your helper's brain works. You just need to know how to give them tasks and use what they give you.
Making Your Skills Better with AI
So, how do you use AI to boost your skills? Try these tips:
1. Find AI uses in your work
Look for ways AI is already used in your field. Are there boring tasks that could be done by machines? Any number crunching that could be better?
2. Try AI tools
Start small. Use some AI tools related to your work, such as AI writing helpers or data tools.
3. Look at results
Don't worry about how it works. Focus on what AI can help you do. How can it make your work faster or better?
4. Work with AI experts
Instead of trying to be an AI expert, team up with people who already are. They can help you use AI while you focus on your work.
5. Stay interested
Keep an eye on new AI stuff in your field, but don't stress about knowing every detail. Think about how you could use it.
The Big Edge
Now, let's talk about that edge over others. Where does it come from? A study by clever people from big schools gives us some ideas.
The study looked at how AI affects how well people work. Here's what they found:
AI tools made people finish tasks 40% faster.
The quality of work got 18% better with AI tools.
AI helped less skilled workers the most, making things more even.
These numbers show that using AI in your work can make you much better and faster. If you do this while others are still trying to become AI experts, you'll likely get ahead.
Real Examples
Let's look at how some leaders are using AI in their work:
Marketing: A marketing boss uses AI to learn more about customers, making better ad plans.
Money: A money boss uses AI to guess future money better, helping make smarter choices.
Hiring: A hiring boss uses AI to find good workers faster.
Making Products: A product boss uses AI to understand what customers say and find new ideas.
In all these cases, the leader isn't an AI expert. They're experts in their field who are using AI to do better.
Moving Forward
You should think about big plans and new ideas as a business leader. You don't need to be an AI expert for that. You just need to know how AI can help your work.
Here's an easy way to start:
Look: Find parts of your work where AI could help.
Learn: Know the basics of AI in your field. Just learn how you could use it, not how it works.
Try: Start small with AI tools. Test them on easy stuff first.
Use: When you find good AI uses, use them in your main work.
Keep Checking: Look at how AI helps and find new ways to use it.
This way, you'll use AI well without getting lost in how it works. You'll get better at your job, work faster and better, and get ahead of others.
To Wrap Up
AI is here, but you don't need to know everything about it. Your strength is knowing your field, your business, and how to lead. AI is just a tool to make these strengths even better.
So, don't worry about mastering AI. Focus on using AI in your work. That's how you'll get ahead. By doing this, you'll stay on top and push your business forward in new ways.
Remember, in business, it's not about knowing everything—it's about knowing how to use what you have. Right now, AI is one of the best tools you have. Use it well, and you'll be laughing all the way to the bank.
And hey, if you're still feeling lost in the AI wilderness, don't fret. There's always some tech exec out there who's spent 25 years becoming the AI expert I've just told you not to be. Take Josh Rowe, for instance – he's gone and made a career out of this AI malarkey. But don't hold that against him – he's a top bloke who can help you figure out how to use AI in your business without turning you into a coding hermit. So, if you're keen to chat about AI-driven solutions that won't make your head spin, give Josh a call. He promises to use small words and minimal tech jargon.
Josh Rowe is a technology executive with over 25 years of experience in digital transformation and AI/ML. He led REALas from startup to acquisition by ANZ and currently delivers transformative AI solutions as a Principal Consultant at Time Under Tension. Josh specialises in AI-driven solutions that enhance business processes and customer experiences.
