Embracing technology: The intuitive Assistant’s guide
Technology has become integral to our daily lives in today’s fast-paced roles. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on various industries, including the role of Assistants, has been a topic of discussion.
Back in 2020, Lauren Bradley from The Officials shared her thoughts on how Assistants can embrace initiative technology. We have moved a long way since then! This article explores the continuing significance of embracing technology as an Assistant and how intuitive technology can transform how we work.
The power of technology
Asana, a collaborative task management system, is an example of how technology is revolutionising the Assistant’s role. With goal-setting and tracking features, Asana helps align tasks with company objectives, enabling Assistants to prioritise and rearrange schedules effectively.
While these features are not true AI, they showcase the potential of technology to act as a digital Assistant, supporting strategic decision-making and accelerating growth.
Overcoming tech anxiety
It’s natural to feel some apprehension when encountering new technologies that could potentially change our job landscape. However, the key lies in embracing these advancements rather than resisting them. Technology can simplify our lives and save us time, as exemplified by services like Amazon Prime or Deliveroo. Embracing technology allows us to focus on higher-value tasks and become more efficient in our roles.
The human superpower
Despite the rapid progress of technology, one thing remains constant—the irreplaceable value of human skills and abilities. As an Assistant, your unique perspective, creativity, and emotional intelligence are your superpowers. While technology can enhance productivity and streamline processes, your humanness brings a distinct touch to your work in the role. By embracing technology, you empower yourself to augment your capabilities and become a strategic business partner.
Tech aversion and Assistant career growth
Statistics reveal that 85% of job titles that current college students will hold in 11 years do not even exist yet, with the majority of them being technology-related roles. This fact underscores the importance of embracing technology for career advancement. Assistants who are tech-averse risk falling behind in the job market. Employers are seeing Assistants who can adapt to and leverage technology to drive success. To remain competitive and secure career growth, overcoming tech anxiety and becoming proficient in relevant tools and applications is crucial.
Mastering what you need in your role
Contrary to popular belief, Assistants do not need to master every feature of every application. The focus should be on identifying the features that can make your work more efficient and effective. Start by exploring the technology you already have at your disposal and experiment with its capabilities. YouTube tutorials and online resources are valuable tools for learning how to maximise the potential of different applications. Remember, you only need to be one step ahead of your colleagues and continuously seek solutions that enhance your work.
Technology is here to stay, and it is becoming increasingly intuitive and accessible. Embracing technology as an Assistant is essential for professional growth and staying relevant in the job market. While true AI may still be on the horizon, programmed intelligence and learned responses are already transforming the way we work. By harnessing technology and leveraging your unique human skills, you can become a more valuable asset to your organization and propel your career forward. So, let go of tech aversion, explore new tools, and embrace the possibilities that technology brings to your role as an Assistant.
