How do you feel about AI? Some people love it for tasks like automating their inbox or analyzing prospects. Others see it as another tech wave to endure. Whether you regularly use AI or you’re still skeptical about it, learning to use it can help you work smarter and make better decisions.

Erin Mosbaugh contributed a piece for the Atlassian blog that explains the top 5 skills to invest in now as AI continues to develop. She says these timeless skills are becoming even more important because the more AI evolves, the more human skills like creativity and emotional intelligence set us apart.

Want to learn how to get the most out of AI in your role? Read on. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Mosbaugh’s insights on the top human skills for the future of work with AI.

  1. Critical thinking. Mosbaugh points out research that shows that 42% of knowledge workers say they trust AI outputs without verifying them. However, without critical thinking, the time saved translates to risk. Mosbaugh advises using AI as a thinking partner. Ask it to summarize client data or brainstorm new outreach angles. AI can generate ideas but it’s your critical thinking that turns those ideas into something accurate and effective.

  2. Creativity. Promo pros naturally shine in this area. In an AI-enabled world, the ability to spark original ideas and refine AI’s suggestions into something fresh is what sets you apart. Mosbaugh suggests using AI as a brainstorm buddy. You could, for example, ask AI for “bad ideas only” to unlock new directions and generate truly creative ideas.

  3. Emotional intelligence or EQ. Mosbaugh says this is the ability to recognize or tune into emotions — your own and other people’s — and use that awareness to guide how you respond. In an AI-driven workplace, EQ only grows in importance. AI can analyze sentiment, she says, but it can’t build trust, strengthen connections or rally a team around a big idea. That’s on you. She recommends using AI for role play, whether you have it behave like an upset client or a skeptical boss, and then practicing your response.

  4. Technical proficiency. If you can’t work strategically with the tools of your trade, Mosbaugh says you risk getting stuck on the sidelines. Teams with higher AI technical proficiency don’t just use it to automate busywork. Instead, they collaborate with it and embed it across team workflows. She advises setting aside a weekly “practice block” with your team to try new tools, prompts or AI-enhanced workflows.

  5. Decision-making. Yes, AI can crunch numbers and give you options, but it can’t tell you what truly matters or weight trade-offs. Decision-making lets you filter the noise and turn AI’s insights into smart, human-centered action. Mosbaugh recommends making your goals and priorities visible to AI. This helps you get more relevant recommendations and avoid wasted effort.

AI won’t replace you, but it will challenge you to double down on what makes you human. Stay curious and keep learning. That’s how you work smarter with AI.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Erin Mosbaugh is a content strategist at Atlassian, where she focuses on teamwork, collaboration and how technology can help people do meaningful work together.