There has been much excitement recently in tech circles about the potential impact of ChatGPT, the latest release from OpenAI, and its effects on the future of work. Some have suggested that emerging technologies like this one could make certain knowledge-based jobs obsolete and change the nature of work in many industries for good.
The future of work has always fascinated me. I am particularly interested in how advances in technology, automation and artificial intelligence will shape everyday life, not only for the people immersed in it.
For those who have not been following along: ChatGPT is an advanced AI chatbot from OpenAI, the San Francisco company behind GPT-3 and DALL-E 2. It is widely regarded as the best chatbot available to the general public.
As business leaders we must increasingly understand the art of the possible.
With nearly two decades as a senior digital or technology leader, I have watched emerging technologies play a growing role in and around the future of work. Having first deployed what are now commodity technologies in the recruitment and publishing industries, led technology acquisitions to gain a competitive edge, and advised business leaders and investors on creating value through digital and technology initiatives, I now believe we are at a tipping point.
I have watched robotic process automation deployed successfully (even on green screens) as a sticking plaster over inflexible systems that hold back operations and growth. Those same technologies are still being deployed today for want of a technology strategy and know-how.
I have been fortunate to travel the world visiting corporate innovation facilities and accelerator and investment hubs, often frustrated by how unnecessarily complex emerging technologies are made to seem, and disappointed by the adoption that follows.
As someone who follows emerging technology, I am always looking for practical ways to demonstrate the art of the possible. I have been struck in recent weeks by how one of the most advanced technologies in the world has been simplified for anyone to use. So the purpose of this article is a practical example of ChatGPT and how it could be used, today, by anyone.
A worked example, December 2022
Me: Where should I open my next office? It should be accessible and appealing to product designers and application developers.
ChatGPT: When choosing a location for your next office, there are a few factors to consider. First, you should look for a location that is accessible and convenient for your target employees. This might mean choosing a city with a strong transportation network or a location that is easily accessible by car. Additionally, you should consider the overall appeal of the location to product designers and application developers. This might mean choosing a city with a thriving creative or tech scene, or one that offers a high quality of life with a vibrant cultural and social scene. Some examples of cities that might be a good fit for your office include San Francisco, London, Berlin, and Tokyo.
Me: Help me choose between London and San Francisco.
ChatGPT: Both London and San Francisco are excellent choices for a new office, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between the two cities.
Accessibility: London has a well-developed transportation network, with multiple airports and a comprehensive network of train, bus, and subway services. San Francisco is also easily accessible, with a major international airport and a comprehensive network of highways, buses, and trains.
Talent pool: London is home to a large and diverse pool of talented professionals, with a strong concentration of product designers and application developers. San Francisco is also a hub for tech talent, with a thriving startup scene and a large community of experienced professionals.
Cost of living: London is generally more expensive than San Francisco, with higher costs for housing, food, and other essentials. This can impact your budget and your ability to attract top talent.
Quality of life: Both London and San Francisco offer a high quality of life, with plenty of opportunities for recreation, cultural activities, and social engagement. However, San Francisco has a more temperate climate and is known for its natural beauty, while London offers a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene.
Ultimately, the best choice for your new office will depend on your specific needs and priorities. It might be helpful to conduct some research and visit both cities to get a better sense of their respective strengths and drawbacks.
Me: How much office space will I need for a 30-person office?
ChatGPT: The amount of office space you will need for a 30-person office will depend on a number of factors, such as the layout of the space, the type of work being performed, and the amenities and facilities you want to provide. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to need about 150-200 square feet per person for a standard office layout. This means that for a 30-person office, you will need a space that is at least 4,500-6,000 square feet in size. However, it's important to note that this is just a rough estimate and you should consider your specific needs and requirements when determining the right size for your office.
Me: How much will a 6,000 square foot office cost in central London?
ChatGPT: I'm sorry, but I don't have the information needed to answer your question accurately. As a large language model trained by OpenAI, I don't have access to current market data or real estate listings, and I don't have the ability to browse the internet for additional information. The cost of a 6,000 square foot office in central London will depend on a number of factors, such as the location, condition, and amenities of the space, as well as the current state of the real estate market. It would be best to consult a local real estate agent or property management company for more accurate and up-to-date information on the cost of office space in London.
What it showed
This release of ChatGPT uses OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model and has clearly generated a lot of excitement. Rumours are already circulating about the next iteration, GPT-4, due soon. As the last response shows, the current model has no access to real-time data or the internet; at some point it undoubtedly will, and that will unlock much more.
The technology goes well beyond natural language. It is already being used to write, suggest and validate code; GitHub Copilot, built on OpenAI Codex, offers real-time suggestions inside the editor. Good examples are appearing in autonomous vehicles, healthcare and finance.
There are understandable ethical concerns about advanced AI, but anyone who has tested GPT-3.5 cannot help being impressed. The future of work may be uncertain, but this technology can already play a role in everyday life, and one thing is clear: as business leaders we must increasingly understand the art of the possible.
Disclaimer, as published: this article was written by David Reynolds and the opinions are my own, not my employer's. I did ask ChatGPT whether the article was readable. It suggested I add a few punctuation marks and break the text into shorter sentences. I decided to ignore the AI.