AI is no longer the future – it’s here and now.

However, I wish there was more buzz around the importance of the other 2 letter abbreviation, ending with I, EI, also known as Emotional Intelligence. Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to perceive, interpret, demonstrate, control, evaluate, and use emotions to communicate with and relate to others effectively and constructively.  I also believe that emotional intelligence is more important than the other 2 letter abbreviation with an I, IQ, also known as Intelligence quotient.  IQ is, in short, a measure of a person’s reasoning ability.  Why do I say that?  Because it is believed that your IQ accounts for only 20% of your success in life. Your emotional intelligence and social intelligence determine the other 80%.

EI has been around since the cavemen, which is why we now have dogs as pets.  Dogs are descended from the gray wolf through having a “nice gene,” which allowed them to be domesticated about 130,000 years ago.  Proving that being nice allowed the species to adapt and survive.  Obviously, there is more to EI than “being nice,” but hopefully, you can understand the correlation.

AI is quickly becoming a powerful force in workplaces around the world. With its ability to speed up processes, reduce errors, and automate mundane tasks, AI can provide an invaluable asset to employers looking to streamline their operations. But AI simply can’t replicate certain aspects of work – emotional intelligence.  That’s why I believe AI will likely replace emotionally unintelligent people, as I believe EI is likely more important than AI, and to prepare for AI, we need to first build a workplace based on emotional intelligence.   For more on this specific topic, see my article “The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Building a positive workplace culture.”

Humans possess the unique capacity to empathize with others, understand complex emotions, and communicate effectively. Emotional intelligence is a key driver for successful interpersonal relationships both within teams and with customers. For organizations to remain successful in today’s competitive marketplaces, this human-centric approach must be maintained and nurtured through hiring practices and training programs.

I believe if an employee isn’t willing to contribute and engage in a company’s growth through their work, then AI will likely be able to step in and take over their tasks.

Where AI may replace unengaged employees, it cannot replace the emotional intelligence that is unique to humans. For businesses to remain competitive and successful, they must embrace the power of AI while recognizing the value of human relationships and emotions. By doing so, organizations can ensure a team of engaged individuals with technical expertise and emotional intelligence – the perfect combination for success in today’s digital world.

AI does have the potential to revolutionize businesses by making processes more efficient and cost-effective, but it will only replace people who aren’t interested in helping the business grow. Therefore, companies need to ensure that they have an engaged workforce willing to contribute to their success. With the right combination of human and machine capabilities, businesses can propel their growth and stay ahead of the competition.  By relying on AI and emotional intelligence, businesses can reap the many benefits of technology without sacrificing their core values or compromising customer satisfaction. With these two powerful forces combined, employers can look forward to a more efficient and productive workforce no matter what changes occur in the future.