You Aren't Your Work - You're Your Network

In a world where AI is rapidly transforming the way we work, many knowledge workers find themselves grappling with an existential crisis. For decades, we've been told that our value lies in our hard skills and expertise—the very things that AI is now streamlining. It's no wonder some may feel anxious with their sense of self-worth questioned.

But what if I told you that your true value lies not in your individual output but in your ability to mobilize people around your work? In today's collaborative work environment, almost nothing exists in isolation. The most successful ideas are those that are effectively shared, refined, and implemented by a network of colleagues.

The Critical Value of Relationships

This reminds me of the famous "How to Start a Movement" video. In it, we see a lone dancer who looks a bit silly at first, flailing around by himself. But then, a first follower joins in, showing others that it's safe to participate. Suddenly, the lone dancer becomes a leader, and the movement grows exponentially.

So why do so many great ideas fail? It's not because of "the work" itself but because of poor change management, bad timing, and an inability to rally support. In the past, building those critical relationships beyond your immediate team was challenging – there simply wasn't enough time. And with the rise of remote work, those weak ties became even harder to build and maintain.

When AI Makes Work More Human

But that’s where AI comes in. By dramatically reducing the time and cost of tasks like prototyping, analyzing, synthesizing, and writing, it frees us up to focus on what really matters: building our networks. Think of it as an AI time dividend we can reinvest in connecting with colleagues.

Just like the lone dancer, our individual efforts with AI might feel isolated or even frivolous at first. But when we use our AI time dividend to build connections and rally supporters, we become leaders in our own right. We show others that it's not only safe but rewarding to embrace this new way of working.

This shift in focus from "the work" to the network is more than just a tactical necessity - it's an opportunity for greater fulfillment. When we take the time to "dig the well before we're thirsty" - to proactively connect with colleagues without an agenda or specific, timely need - we open ourselves up to serendipity and deeper human connection.

The Future with AI-Powered Work

So, let's be those first followers. Let's join the dance and show others that there's joy and purpose to be found in this AI-assisted future. When we build our networks, we're not just creating collaborative opportunities – we're starting a movement.

Let's embrace this new era of AI-assisted work, not with fear, but with optimism. Let's cash in our AI time dividend by scheduling random 1:1s, striking up elevator conversations, and offering to help a teammate in need. Let's slow down and ask for feedback. In short, let's do all the things that AI can't do.

In a world where hard skills are increasingly effortless, it's the soft skills that will truly set us apart. Our value lies not in our individual output but in our ability to build and mobilize a network of collaborators. So let's start digging those wells – the future looks bright.

About the author

Tim Bowman is a growth-oriented product marketer with a diverse background that spans strategy, operations, research, and marketing. With expertise in identifying competition, crafting compelling messaging, and enabling sales teams, Tim has made significant contributions during his five-year tenure at Asana where he currently serves as the Head of Compete. Before Asana, Tim spent a decade advising prominent clients, including Microsoft and T-Mobile, on digital transformation strategies. Recognized as a Rising Star of the Profession by Consulting Magazine, Tim brings a unique blend of strategic insights and practical expertise to deliver durable business results.