The top of the diamond: the changing face of career progression?

Despite this positive, there is a risk that employers end up with an over-reliance upon AI focussed skills at the expense of professional development. Simon Pratt, chief operating officer at Portman Finance Group, referred to the need for their graduates to learn the trade. Claire Reid, PwC UK's chief technology and innovation officer, talks about sector knowledge and understanding clients. In addition to these areas, employers would seem well served by also focussing on softer skills that will surely become more in demand, such as critical thinking, empathy and leadership qualities that will allow employees to navigate agile work landscapes. 

As such, in many industries the traditional pyramid progression structure might give way (if it has not done so already) to more of a diamond shape. In such a structure, the 'middle' will offer considerable latitude for enhancing skills with employees progressing or gaining seniority in a much less traditionally vertical way. It may also be where the majority of workers would aim to spend their careers. It seems likely that the honing of skills will become much more valuable than the accumulation of technical knowledge.  

With AI adoption in many industries in relative infancy, the time is now for businesses to think about the next 5, 10 or 15 years and what skills they will need from workers to sit alongside AI and AI use. It is important not to neglect the potential worry and uncertainty of employees as the pyramid gives way to the diamond. Sage employers should aim to bring employees along on the journey by proactive engagement.