During this season of thanksgiving and anticipation of the birth of Christ, it’s a GREAT reminder of how truly blessed I am to be associated with so many good people because of my work.
As I reflect on this past year, there is much to be thankful for and a big part of my Thanksgiving goes out to each of you for your ongoing support, friendship, professional association and just staying connected in a crazy-busy time in history.
I’ve read lately about artificial intelligence (AI) and how machines and tech are taking over the world of work. Being in the people business, I can’t envision a day when people aren’t valued by companies for their creative contribution and ability to learn and adapt to the ever-changing environment. Without human interaction, nothing really gets done. Someone must tell the machines what to do! And as an old sales guy at heart, nothing really happens until something is sold.
We are also hearing and reading a lot about Millennials and how they won’t be able to cope in a competitive world. (Maybe that is part of the fascination with AI) I still have faith in this creative and tech-savvy group of young people and you should too.
Check out this quote from Socrates who lived over 400 years before Christ – “The children now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise.” Sound familiar?? It was obviously much the same back then yet civilization forged ahead despite ruckus and lazy kids!
My point is, as a family, community, workforce and ultimately, as a society, we need people to produce goods and services. Artificial Intelligence can never replace Human Intelligence. If you step back and give it some thought, I’m certain you will agree.
There’s no doubt that our manner of work will be different in the future. But, we’ll still be working together and relying on each other to produce the goods and services necessary to meet the needs of our society as a whole.
So, we need each other in 2017! Let’s work together and do GREAT things in our work and within our communities!
It has been a year of ups, downs and a few sideways, but in the final 2016 analysis, it’s been a fantastic year. I look forward to another year full of anticipation and great hope for our future of work!
As we move forward into another exciting year of change, remember our firm continues to help companies thrive through people and we do two things extremely well:
1) Executive Recruiting
2) Leadership Development
If we can assist your organization in any way in the new year, please keep us top of mind. It would be our privilege to serve!
Best wishes for a truly blessed and Merry Christmas with family and friends. And Happy New Year!! Looking forward to seeing and talking to you in 2017!
Blessings,
Dan Heiman
President – www.cornerstone-kc.com
