The changes brought about by the novel coronavirus in 2020, the rapid growth of IT in 2021, and the rapid development of AI in 2023, alongside the swift march of globalisation, have propelled us into an era where it is commonplace for language to be processed by AI.
With most tasks now being carried out by AI, language skills alone are no longer sufficient for evaluation. Speaking English alone may not make you stand out in a world where globalisation is advancing rapidly. The era of AI-mediated language exchange has arrived. In the age of AI, while AI excels in information processing, human abilities remain a significant determining factor in outcomes. And the demonstration of these human abilities is concealed within the study of international etiquette, protocols, and cross-cultural theories.
Let’s explain why learning these skills is more important than ever in the era of AI, both in the workplace and in private life.
The Difference Between “Human Skills” and “Artificial Intelligence (AI)”
Emotion and Empathy
AI operates based on data and algorithms, but it does not possess emotions. Humans, on the other hand, have the ability to understand and empathise with emotions.
In business settings, emotions and empathy are essential for building relationships and establishing trust with customers and team members. For example, in customer support, it is difficult to gain the trust of customers and can even lead to losing trust if AI provides responses that lack emotion and empathy, even if it handles the issue.
In private relationships, such as friendships and family, emotions and empathy deepen connections and build trust. Stronger bonds are formed when friends and family receive emotional support from each other.
Humans can build trust by understanding and empathising with others’ emotions, and this ability to connect emotionally is essential for forming the foundation of human relationships and cultivating rich connections. International etiquette plays a valuable role in showcasing these emotions and empathy.
Non-Verbal Communication (Body Language)
Modern AI is specialized in text-based communication, but non-verbal communication is equally important. Gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, and behavior play a crucial role in conveying information, reducing misunderstandings, and strengthening relationships. Effective communication in business has a more significant impact than words alone.
In business situations, non-verbal communication is essential for building trust with customers and delivering effective presentations. Salespeople and presenters can convey confidence and empathy to their audience by using facial expressions and gestures, thus strengthening relationships.
In private settings as well, non-verbal communication in situations like dating expresses emotions and intimacy, deepening relationships. Smiles and gestures can convey affection and interest to the other person, helping to build wonderful relationships. While AI can analyze these movements and mimic them, replicating the “synchronization” that occurs in human interactions is currently impossible.
Non-verbal communication involves the “exchange of air” controlled by humans. Learning this science from international etiquette and behavior methods allows humans to convey the correct message to others.
Problem-Solving Skills
AI follows algorithms programmed for specific tasks, but humans can handle complex problems and unknown situations. In both business and private life, most challenges are related to human relationships. To address these challenges, flexibility is necessary to respond to unpredictable situations and new opportunities. Individuals with problem-solving skills are indispensable in society.
In business situations, it may be necessary to meet specific client requests. For example, if an advertising agency is creating a new ad campaign for a client with unique requirements, AI can assist in generating ad copy based on past data. However, if the client’s requirements are special and different from previous projects, a human is needed to understand the client’s needs and come up with creative ad copy.
In private situations, problem-solving skills are important. Various challenges arise within households, and maintaining smooth relationships is required. For example, scheduling family activities or improving communication within a family requires human sensitivity and mediation skills. Demonstrating problem-solving skills in private situations is essential for building a happy life.
Learning international etiquette and cross-cultural theories scientifically allows individuals to understand people’s emotions more theoretically and analyse them. This is something only humans can do.
International Cultural Understanding
In today’s business environment, international cultural understanding is increasingly important. As trade and collaboration with different countries and cultures grow, understanding communication and business transactions between different cultures is crucial.
AI can understand language translation and cultural characteristics, but in actual international business and interpersonal relationships, human cultural sensitivity and adaptability are essential. Respecting different cultural backgrounds and possessing appropriate communication skills, humans can build international relationships and contribute to success.
International etiquette and protocols are helpful in these situations. Actions that only humans can perform and not AI, building trust with others.
Ethics and Values
Ethics and values have a significant impact on actions and decisions in both business and private life. AI follows programmed guidelines, but it does not have the ability to address ethical dilemmas or differences in values.
Humans possess self-awareness and ethical judgment, and they act based on values, making ethical decisions when cooperating with others. Ethical responsibility and value adjustments are essential for success in business and personal life. Moreover, having ethical leadership and a sense of social responsibility is important for organizations and communities.
Such “heartfelt communication and processes” make the difference.
In Conclusion: The Importance of “Human Skills” in the AI Era
AI excels in information processing, making it useful for information gathering and efficient tasks. However, emotions, non-verbal communication, and human charm are beyond its capabilities. In the future, individual human qualities will be the key to differentiation, trust-building, and achieving numerous accomplishments.
English language skills are becoming increasingly common, and what sets individuals apart is not language ability but “humanity”. Politeness, refinement, communication skills, and more serve as the means of expression for these qualities, and the significance lies in learning international etiquette, protocols, and cross-cultural theories.
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