Understanding AI Proficiency
In a recent episode of The Jim Stroud Podcast, Jim Stroud hosted Brian McAnulty, the founder of Heights Platform and Latchloop, to discuss how to spot individuals who genuinely know AI. McAnulty emphasized the importance of clear communication and understanding the capabilities of AI tools as essential skills in the modern workforce. He noted, "The new skill nowadays is like clear communication, first of all, being able to clearly, however like quickly and clearly you can express an idea, that's going to be really valuable." > The new skill nowadays is like clear communication, first of all, being able to clearly, however like quickly and clearly you can express an idea, that's going to be really valuable. — Brian McAnulty
The Shift in Hiring Practices
McAnulty highlighted that traditional evaluation methods need to evolve. He suggested that instead of focusing solely on execution, companies should assess a candidate's process and understanding of AI. "It's not about, hey, can you execute anymore? Now the execution is cheap. And now the idea and the process is where the value is," he explained. > It's not about, hey, can you execute anymore? Now the execution is cheap. And now the idea and the process is where the value is. — Brian McAnulty This shift requires hiring managers to observe how candidates use AI tools during interviews, ensuring they are not just relying on AI for surface-level results.
Practical Application in the Workplace
The conversation also touched on the practical application of AI in business processes. McAnulty shared insights into how AI tools can elevate the baseline performance of employees, but cautioned against hiring individuals who only deliver average results. He stated, "The problem is that you don't want to be hiring employees who are just gonna like give you that average baseline back from chat GPT that anybody could have given." > The problem is that you don't want to be hiring employees who are just gonna like give you that average baseline back from chat GPT that anybody could have given. — Brian McAnulty Instead, companies should look for candidates who use AI as collaborative partners to enhance their work.
Evaluating AI Competency
Jim Stroud and Brian McAnulty discussed strategies for evaluating AI competency during the hiring process. One approach is to have candidates solve problems using AI and then without it, to gauge their independent problem-solving skills. Stroud suggested, "You asked them to solve some problems with AI, just see how they think. And then another way to see how they think without AI is you say, okay, I want you to complete a task or a project, go to the whiteboard and outline the task or project." > You asked them to solve some problems with AI, just see how they think. And then another way to see how they think without AI is you say, okay, I want you to complete a task or a project, go to the whiteboard and outline the task or project. — Jim Stroud
By focusing on these aspects, companies can better identify candidates who not only understand AI but can also leverage it effectively to drive innovation and success.
