In today’s AI-driven world, having a head full of facts isn’t as important as knowing how to ask the right questions. According to Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, figuring out what questions to ask is the real skill that will set you apart. Speaking on the “ReThinking” podcast, Altman shared that intellectual horsepower is no longer the golden ticket—it’s about asking insightful, thought-provoking questions.

Gone are the days when being a walking encyclopedia made you the smartest person in the room. Now, it’s all about connecting the dots, recognising patterns, and using AI to your advantage. As Adam Grant, the podcast host, put it: “It’s more valuable to be a connector of dots than a collector of facts.”

And it’s not just about chatting with humans. As AI becomes smarter, those who can craft perfect prompts to get the most out of chatbots (a skill known as prompt engineering) are in high demand, with some jobs paying over $100k annually.

But Altman isn’t alone in pushing soft skills. Billionaire Mark Cuban also believes that curiosity, adaptability, and mental agility are the top traits needed for success, especially in a world that’s constantly changing.

So, forget memorising the periodic table. Get good at asking the right questions, stay curious, and adapt quickly. After all, AI might take care of the grunt work, but humans will still be needed for creative problem-solving and critical thinking.

Want to get ahead in the AI game? Check out CNBC’s new online course on using AI to boost your career. And don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter for more tips on thriving in this new world of work.

Source Info: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/13/openai-ceo-top-ability-you-need-to-succeed-age-of-ai-ask-great-questions.html

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