Bookworm: Humility is the New Smart

Edward D Hess and Katherine Ludwig help us to develop human excellence in the Smart Machine Age.

What’s the premise of the book?

Edward D Hess and Katherine Ludwig (both from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business) argue that, instead trying to compete with robots, today’s human workers should become better at the things machines can't master.

Robots can do everything, can’t they?

They’re not (yet) good at anything involving emotional engagement. Our ‘human’ skills may be our saviour. The authors recommend mastering skills such as listening, quieting our egos, and learning how to manage our insecurities and fears. We also need to think about how other people feel.

Because robots can’t do that?

Exactly. The book is all about adapting to a new type of evolutionary threat. The authors, who call this period ‘the Smart Machine Age’, prescribe mindfulness as a way of slowing down so that we’re thinking deliberately, not letting panic cloud our judgement.

How do I quiet my ego?

In order to be less defensive and more open-hearted, we should take criticism seriously, not lash out at the person who gave it because we think they were wrong. A healthier attitude to our own sense of self will help us collaborate with our colleagues – something that is going to be increasingly important in a robot era.

We should also listen to ensure that others feel heard.  If we truly listen to people, we’ll find that it’s easier to work with them and that they’re likely to listen more attentively to us.

Is this part of humility?

Yes, the authors say that humility is a frame of mind that rids us of biases and reframes the world so that it’s less about us and more about others. Listening to other people and showing empathy means being open to ideas that might make a fantastic difference in our organisation.

What am I most likely to say after reading this book?

 “We can stay one step ahead of AI through compassion, listening and mindfulness.”

What am I least likely to say after reading this book? 

“Humility is overrated.”