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Armin Ronacher: Anger, Anxiety and Agency
Anger at work is generally unproductive and creates a negative environment for colleagues. Discovering a shared vision within a company and aligning with it, or accepting it if disagreement exists and change isn't possible, is crucial. A prevalent question in the tech industry is how to avoid anger amidst rapid changes, particularly concerning AI. The author suggests that feelings of disorientation and anxiety are more appropriate responses than anger. Anxiety acknowledges uncertainty about the future without assigning blame. Anger, however, requires a target and implies external wrongdoing. While AI may bring productivity gains, there's concern these will benefit companies over employees. Many tech leaders express doubts about AI, worried about costs and competition from large AI labs. Instead of anger, the author proposes embracing uncertainty, which can foster curiosity and engagement with new developments. Genuine excitement is another alternative, leading to a sense of empowerment and freedom. The author notes that AI's benefits are often seen in personal projects, not just company profits. This shift highlights the uncertainty leaders face, with many projecting confidence despite private doubts. The author experiences this duality of excitement and uncertainty regarding their own profession and business. While anger can feel more actionable by providing a villain, it often misdirects focus during disruptive changes like AI. Although societal, environmental, and global impacts of these changes are concerning, dwelling on anger towards individuals is unproductive. Instead, remaining curious and excited about experimentation is encouraged. This approach will allow for informed decisions about when and where resistance is truly warranted.