Productivity. For centuries, it’s been the gold standard for measuring success in work and business. How much can you produce? How fast? How cheaply? These were the metrics that built the industrial age and shaped the modern office. But as AI and networked technologies advance, those rules are changing—radically.

It’s time to rethink productivity—and the way we prepare people for the future of work.

The Problem with Traditional Productivity

Picture this: you’re on an assembly line, turning bolts on widgets as fast as you can. Or maybe you’re in a call center, rushing to resolve as many tickets as possible. That’s traditional productivity: doing more with less effort, time, and energy.

Enter AI. In this world, AI is the ultimate tool. It processes data faster, automates tasks, and doesn’t need breaks. Robots zip around warehouses stacking boxes, and chatbots answer customer questions instantly. For businesses, this means cost savings and efficiency.

But for workers? It can feel like a threat. AI framed this way seems to be about replacing us, not working with us. And that’s a problem because it misses the point of what AI can really do.

The future of productivity isn’t about squeezing out more widgets or tickets—it’s about shifting the focus entirely, from efficiency to impact.

A New Vision of Productivity

In a world increasingly shaped by networks, where information, not energy, is the currency, productivity takes on a whole new meaning.

Think about creative work. Say you’re a filmmaker. Productivity isn’t measured by how many hours you hold a camera—it’s about pulling together the right crew, finding the perfect location, and crafting a story that resonates. It’s about connecting the dots.

Now imagine this at scale. In traditional systems, productivity is about doing. In a networked system, it’s about orchestrating—using tools like AI to navigate oceans of data, find collaborators, and uncover opportunities.

For example:

• Old model: A legal researcher spends days poring over case law.
• New model: AI surfaces relevant cases in minutes, freeing the lawyer to focus on building a compelling argument.

Or take marketing:

• Old model: Teams manually analyze ad performance spreadsheets.
• New model: AI tools like ChatGPT identify trends and optimize campaigns in real-time, letting marketers focus on creative strategy.

This isn’t just about efficiency anymore. It’s about amplifying what humans do best: thinking, connecting, and creating.

The Leadership Balancing Act

As productivity evolves, so must leadership. Traditional hierarchies and rigid processes work for routine tasks like payroll. But when it comes to innovation or solving complex problems, they fall short.

The most forward-thinking organizations are embracing networked leadership. Picture cross-functional teams where ideas flow freely, and decisions are made collaboratively—enabled by AI.

For instance:

• Old model: A manager assigns tasks and tracks progress up the chain.
• New model: A team co-creates solutions, using AI for instant feedback and coordination.

Here’s the catch: these two models—traditional and networked—need to coexist. Leaders have to know when to lean into structure and when to let go. Routine, operational tasks? Stick to the playbook. Complex, creative challenges? Open up the network.

The ability to shift seamlessly between these modes will define the leaders of the future.

Why This Shift Matters

This isn’t just a nice-to-have idea–it’s a survival skill for the future of work.

1. AI and automation are here to stay. Traditional roles focused on efficiency will shrink. The jobs that thrive will be those where humans add value machines can’t: creativity, empathy, and innovation.
2. The networked economy is the new normal. Productivity in this world isn’t about output—it’s about how well you use information to create impact.

Take healthcare as an example:

• Doctors use AI to analyze patient data faster, shifting their focus from diagnosis to personalized care.

Or education:

• Teachers use AI to tailor lessons to individual students, turning productivity into better outcomes, not just more lectures.

This shift demands that we rethink education. It’s not just about preparing people for jobs—it’s about equipping them with the mindsets and tools they need to thrive in a world where AI levels the playing field and every person has the potential to create.

Preparing for the Future of Work

The way we educate students, recent grads, and emerging leaders has to evolve. It’s not enough to memorize formulas or follow the playbook anymore. The future calls for adaptability, creativity, and the ability to collaborate in networked systems.

Here’s how:

1. Teach People How to Learn, Not Just What to Learn

The pace of change means today’s knowledge might not solve tomorrow’s problems. Success depends on the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn.

• Critical thinking: Evaluate information, question assumptions, and challenge biases.
• Agility: Experiment, adapt, and recover from failure quickly.
• Self-reflection: Know your strengths and areas for growth.

Imagine a computer science class where instead of just coding, students use AI tools to solve real-world problems, adapting to unexpected challenges along the way.

2. Foster Collaborative Problem-Solving

In the workplace of the future, silos won’t cut it. AI enhances individual contributions, but teamwork—especially across disciplines—will define success.

• Work in diverse networks: Value different perspectives and communicate effectively.
• Leverage AI as a collaborator: Use it to share insights and solve problems no one person could tackle alone.

Example: A design student, an engineer, and an AI specialist team up to create a sustainable product. The AI handles data analysis, while the team interprets results and refines the idea.

3. Prioritize Creativity and Originality

With AI democratizing access to tools, originality becomes the differentiator.

• Encourage exploration: Follow curiosity and take risks without fear of failure.
• Build storytelling skills: Articulate visions and inspire action.

Example: Students use AI to analyze a global issue, then present a creative solution in a way that rallies others to their cause.

4. Develop Emotional Intelligence

As AI takes over repetitive tasks, qualities like empathy and communication are more valuable than ever.

• Active listening: Hear others’ perspectives and build trust.
• Adaptability in leadership: Lead effectively in both structured and networked environments.

Example: Business students practice navigating team conflicts, learning to manage interpersonal dynamics with empathy and clarity.

5. Embrace the Process of Creation

Creativity isn’t linear—it’s a process of discovery, iteration, and execution.

• Spot patterns: Use AI to uncover insights you might miss.
• Seek feedback: Treat input from peers, mentors, and AI as part of the creative journey.

The Question for Every Emerging Leader

In this new world, education isn’t just preparation—it’s empowerment. AI levels the playing field, giving everyone access to the same tools, knowledge, and opportunities. The differentiator isn’t how much you know—it’s how creatively and effectively you apply that knowledge.

This is where AI shines, not as a replacement for human effort but as a catalyst for human potential. AI enables us to think bigger, see connections we might have missed, and focus our energy on the work that truly matters. It empowers us to unlock new ideas, solve complex problems, and design systems that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

The question for people is: What will you create?

By embracing creativity, fostering collaboration, and staying adaptable, we can prepare the next generation not just to work in the future but to shape it. It’s not about competing with AI—it’s about partnering with it to achieve things we’ve never imagined.

The future isn’t just about doing more—it’s about creating more. With AI enabling human potential, we can turn bold visions into reality. And that’s a future worth working toward.