As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in daily work, the conversation often centers on mastering the latest tools. However, Francisco Tonarely, a Miami-based Business Development Representative in enterprise technology, argues that the more pressing question is which human abilities become more valuable when AI handles routine tasks. He identifies communication, adaptability, judgment, curiosity, and relationship-building as critical skills in an AI-supported workplace.
Tonarely emphasizes that the goal is not to compete with AI on speed or efficiency but to excel in areas requiring context, judgment, and interpersonal understanding. “The opportunity is to become better at the things that still require context, judgment, communication, and understanding other people,” he said.
Recent research underscores the growing importance of these abilities. Deloitte's 2026 Global Human Capital Trends research, conducted with Oxford Economics and based on responses from over 9,000 leaders across 89 countries, found that 85% of leaders consider developing organizational and workforce adaptability critical. Yet only 7% said their organizations are leading in helping workers continuously grow and adapt.
Adaptability is a daily necessity as AI reshapes tools and job expectations. Deloitte's research shows that one-third of workers experienced 15 major changes in the past year, but only 27% said their organizations managed change effectively. Tonarely stresses that adaptability requires discipline: “You cannot change direction every time something new gets attention. At the same time, you cannot become so attached to the way you have always worked that you stop noticing when there is a better way.”
Curiosity is equally vital because AI provides answers quickly, but the quality of those answers depends on the questions asked. Tonarely notes that a curious professional will question outputs, seek missing information, and consider alternative interpretations. Deloitte's January 2026 study of 1,394 employees highlighted curiosity as one of the enduring human capabilities associated with high-performing teams. Tonarely believes curiosity is especially important for younger professionals: “AI can help you learn, but you still have to care enough to understand what you are learning.”
Judgment remains indispensable. AI can summarize data and suggest responses, but humans must decide whether those suggestions fit the context. Deloitte's research indicates that organizations taking a human-centered approach to AI are more likely to achieve returns exceeding expectations than those focused solely on technology. Tonarely explains, “Good judgment comes from understanding the situation, not just having information.”
Communication also becomes more critical when information is easy to produce. Tonarely points out that effective communication depends on understanding the audience. “You can have all the information in the world and still communicate it poorly,” he said. In enterprise technology sales, where he works, tailoring explanations to different levels of technical understanding is key.
Relationship-building cannot be automated. AI can help prepare for meetings and draft follow-ups, but trust develops through consistent, genuine interactions. Tonarely asserts, “Technology can help you prepare, but it cannot make somebody trust you. That comes from how you communicate and what you consistently do.”
Tonarely does not see AI skills and human skills as competing priorities. Deloitte found that only 6% of leaders are making progress in designing effective human-AI interactions, and 65% believe their culture needs significant change. Individuals can take responsibility by experimenting with AI while strengthening their judgment, communication, and relationships. “The people who do well are not necessarily going to be the ones who resist AI or the ones who depend on it for everything,” Tonarely said. “I think it will be the people who learn how to use it while continuing to develop their own judgment, communication, adaptability, and relationships.”
