Year 2 Post-GPT: How My Year Was Shaped and Why Work Must Remain Human
December 2024 – or, in the new chronology, Year 2 Post-GPT – marking two years since the go-live of the first version of ChatGPT. Requests like “Write a rhyming speech for my aunt Hannelore’s 60th birthday” or “Draft an outline for a whitepaper on the impact of generative AI on talent acquisition” – OpenAI’s chatbot has become an indispensable tool for many since November 2022, serving as both collaborator and colleague. Imperfect yet always available, it helps tackle writer’s block or tight deadlines. This past year, we at Zortify leaned on ChatGPT again for tasks like crafting social media posts.
Sometimes, though, it’s not perfect, as we’ve seen. 😉
The best posts? They came from us—straight from the heart, prompted by passion.
Hyperfocus and Hyperteams, Thanks to AI
December 2024 also marks six years of Zortify and two years of unwavering focus on what we believe will have the greatest impact on modern HR practices: AI-driven HR diagnostics. Our goal is clear: achieve an unprecedented level of accuracy in recruiting and development. This means fewer mis-hires, more productive teams, and the right people in leadership positions.
This focus sparked significant internal changes – some positive, some challenging. Team members left, others joined. Leveraging our own technology, which offers personality diagnostics and objective insights, we’ve built a dream team. And we’re growing. If you’re considering a career change in 2025 – especially in Sales – get in touch!
The Bright Side of AI
In December 2024, many businesses are still stuck in the old era – 2022 pre-GPT. While AI adoption has grown this year, it’s mainly large corporations taking advantage of the new tools:
- 48% of large enterprises use AI, compared to
- 28% of midsized companies and
- 17% of small businesses.
For many, the main obstacle remains a lack of knowledge. Clearly, we’re still in the early stages of widespread AI adoption in the economy.
However, in social media, the story is different. Fake news and deepfakes have become so pervasive that they threaten democratic systems. It’s a stark reminder of AI’s power—unfortunately, in its darkest form.
On the bright side, AI is also enabling remarkable things:
- People relieved of tedious routine tasks,
- Candidates finding jobs that align with both their skills and personalities, and
- New, exciting roles emerging at the intersection of human and technological expertise.
Everyone wants these five colleagues* in 2024 (*or: this one AI)
While 2023 (Year 1 Post-GPT) focused on fears about job displacement, 2024 brought the realization that AI won’t replace humans in many areas; instead, it’s making human contributions more crucial than ever. Good work still hinges on collaboration – with other people and within diverse teams. It thrives on inclusion, objective analysis, and respecting individual uniqueness.
Looking ahead to 2025, the advance of AI will make the human element indispensable.
Why the Human Element Matters
1. AI Makes Human Expertise Absolutely Essential
In an age of ever-shorter innovation cycles, failing forward has become essential. Success lies in learning as we go, guided by those who are already a few steps ahead – those who’ve either learned from their mistakes or designed predictive models to avoid them.
At Zortify, we aim to be these forward-thinkers, guides, and shock absorbers for our clients. We teach the skills needed to use AI technology effectively, enabling businesses to focus on their unique challenges.
Incidentally, this is becoming a legal requirement in 2025. The EU AI Act mandates that employees working with AI possess adequate skills. With our certification program, we’re helping clients easily transition into this new era.
2. Culture Development Remains a Human Task
2024 has proved once more: culture first, AI second. Technology only succeeds within a supportive culture. Toxic work environments or outdated mindsets aren’t fixed by AI alone.
At Zortify, fostering a respectful and inclusive culture remains a core value. For me this includes taking on seemingly trivial tasks when necessary – whether it’s organizing meals for a certification event or stepping in to fill an unexpected gap.
At the same time, in view of our realignment and the associated changes since 2023, it was important to me to highlight and celebrate the achievements of our team. A good example of this and an absolute highlight in 2024 was our Zortify Connect Day, celebrating both our clients and our team. Hearing clients openly share their positive experiences with us was a testament to our team’s efforts and a major motivator.
There will also be a CONNECT Day in 2025. Pre-Registration has already started.
3. Leadership Requires Human Intuition, Clarity – and Free Calendar Time
Good leadership remains inherently human. It’s about knowing when to guide, when to step back, and when to empower team members. AI-based diagnostics can help identify and develop leaders with these qualities but cannot replace the human touch.
In 2024, I focused intensely on saying “no” to distractions, ensuring alignment with our priorities. This required clear communication – an area I worked to improve by preparing more thoroughly for meetings and fostering dialogue through active listening.
In my view, active listening remains the number one leadership skill. AI can support this, for example by identifying socially desirable behavior as such and providing insights that go beyond first impressions and the obvious. However, it is no substitute for an open door and an open ear policy fostered by leaders. Personally, I have consciously taken more time for feedback and review meetings in the past year and invested in our corporate culture.
An example of that was the implementation of “Open Calendar Time” on office days for spontaneous conversations and personal exchanges. These moments strengthened collaboration and trust within our team.
Conclusion
AI profoundly shaped our lives and work in 2024. In 2025, even more businesses and individuals will harness its potential. Still, collaboration will remain fundamentally human. Successful HR departments will blend deep AI expertise with the empathy and nuance that only humans can provide, using technology to elevate their impact.
At Zortify, we’re proud of our progress in 2024 – thanks to our amazing team. As the year ends, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for the connections we’ll forge in 2025.
Happy Holidays!
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