Sep 17, 2025
While artificial intelligence has been around for years, its presence in the workplace is growing — and not everyone is comfortable with that.
According to a 2025 Pew Research Center study, 52% of Americans said they're worried about the future impact of AI on jobs, and 32% believe it will ultimately reduce job opportunities.
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Although some companies may look to replace human roles with AI, that approach has limitations. Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman recently told CNBC’s “Closing Bell Overtime” that AI may replicate technical skills, but it still falls short when it comes to uniquely human abilities.
“AI can generate lots of great ideas, but you still need a human there to say, ‘This is the thing other people want,’” he said.
To stay competitive, Garman recommends focusing on soft skills — like communication, adaptability, and time management — which are valuable across almost any job.
He emphasized critical thinking in particular, calling it "the most important skill going forward."
The importance of critical thinking
A McKinsey report found that 71% of organizations now use AI regularly in at least one business function. Common areas where AI is regularly applied include:
- Marketing and sales
- Product or service development
- Information technology
- Service operations
- Knowledge management
While AI is increasingly useful in these areas, some skills humans do better. According to a report by MIT's Sloan School of Management, there are core capabilities that AI still can’t replicate, including:
- Expressing empathy
- Building interpersonal connections
- Exercising judgment and ethics
- Demonstrating creativity and imaginative
- Providing vision, leadership, and hope
As Garman told CNBC, critical thinking is key to navigating a world with growing AI presence. It enables people to approach problems from multiple angles — while considering the emotional, logistical, and financial factors to craft thoughtful solutions.
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How to employ critical thinking at work
Even as AI becomes more commonplace, employers continue to value critical thinking as a key human skill. Some ways to strengthen critical thinking abilities include:
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- Taking the time to assess challenges before reacting
- Asking questions to gain deeper insight
- Considering the needs of others (such as peers or customers)
- Staying objective and open-minded
For example, suppose you’re tasked with expanding your company's product reach. A critical thinker would ask: why aren’t more people buying the product now? Or, what specific needs does this meet? These questions would lead to more effective and targeted marketing.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights many roles where critical thinking is especially important, including:
- Software developer
- Medical and health services manager
- Chief executive
- Operations research analyst
- Aerospace engineer
- Financial examiner
- Computer and information research scientist
- Biochemist/biophysicist
- Legislator
- Actuary
The reality, though, is that many companies can benefit from having critical thinkers on their teams. Even with strong technical skills, your ability to think critically can set you apart.
For instance, a software engineer needs more than coding skills — they must understand how users interact with a product and how to improve their experience. Likewise, a store manager must anticipate customer needs and make decisions that improve service and drive sales.
If your long-term goal is job security, focus less on job titles and more on how to develop the human skills — like critical thinking — that machines can’t replicate. That may be your best path to a stable and fulfilling career.
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Maurie Backman has been writing professionally for well over a decade. Since becoming a full-time writer, she's produced thousands of articles on topics ranging from Social Security to investing to real estate.
