Forum: CEO was only stating the truth about job landscape
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I am writing to support Standard Chartered chief executive Bill Winters for his candid statements (StanChart CEO reassures staff after backlash over ‘lower-value human’ remark, May 20).
A CEO’s job is to maximise returns on all forms of capital. To not do so would be a dereliction of duty. The harsh reality is that the advancement of AI has lessened the value produced by human capital (us, the workers). Just because you don’t say it doesn’t make it less true.
What should be applauded is Mr Winters’ courage to call a spade a spade and highlighting that workers are now providing less value. This may nudge those laid off to upgrade their skills and “value” as they proceed with the next phase of their careers.
By not telling workers the reality of the current harsh hiring landscape in exchange for sensitivity and letting their skills stagnate would be the real tragedy.
I hope CEOs and leaders will continue to speak the hard truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Only then will we advance as a nation.
Aaron Gan Ming Chern
