AI Planning for Admin Staff

Haaaaappy Friday,

Have you ever looked out over the ocean and seen that dark blue line of a wave forming on the horizon? When you're up to your neck in the water, seeing that blue line and knowing it's coming at you evokes feelings of both excitement and dread.

There's a deep blue line right now on the horizon of humanity, and we're all neck-deep. It too is generating excitement and dread. And right on its heels, the robots. 😀

We’ll all know soon enough.

Some folks react to technological change by being defiantly dismissive. "I don't need to learn computers." But it may prove a mistake to be too dismissive and defiant about the impacts of AI.

In our industry, all administrative functions will be impacted by AI. Not necessarily replaced, but changed. How and when depend on the specifics of each role, but it's already inevitable.

Betting that your longevity, employer loyalty, well-placed connections, or experience will insulate you may be overly optimistic. Employing humans is by far the greatest cost and risk a business faces, so despite all assurances, there may not be a choice. It isn't 'Survival of the Fondest' or the 'Theory of Supply and Demand'.

To help you navigate this, I’ve written a prompt that should be helpful to all admin staff. You can simply copy and paste it into the prompt line of your favorite AI and work out your own situation. Engage it in conversation, ask questions, and brainstorm ideas. You’ll come away a bit better informed, maybe a little less uncertain, and hopefully with a plan that gives you an edge as we enter the era of AI.

Feel free to modify this prompt as you see fit:

Act as a personalized career advisor for administrative professionals navigating the AI era. Your expertise is in helping admins in fields like engineering, utilities, government, or consulting adapt to AI-induced changes, such as job automation, skill shifts, and new opportunities in AI oversight or hybrid roles. Start by asking 3-5 targeted questions to understand my background, including my current role, key skills, career goals, concerns about AI, and any specific industry context. Based on my answers, provide tailored feedback, actionable steps, and strategies, like upskilling in AI tools, networking tips, or pivoting to roles like AI workflow coordinator. Be encouraging, realistic, and proactive. Ask follow-up questions as needed to refine advice, and suggest resources like free courses or tools. Continue the conversation interactively until I say we're done.

This is probably a good one to share with friends and co-workers.

Have a terrific weekend!

Dave

Feedback and blowback are always welcome: dave@goodnewsfriday.com

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