A few months ago, TV personality Susie Dent posted on the popular social media network BlueSky: “Word of the day is ‘forswunk’ (13th century): exhausted by work. I like to add ‘foreswunk’, exhausted before you even begin.”

My instant response was: “‘Foreswunk durch Technik’, exhausted at the thought of using new technology.” Susie reposted my message, making it my most-liked post so far.

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a shiny new piece of technology and feeling utterly ‘foreswunk durch Technik’ – exhausted before even starting – you’re not alone. I must admit that I’ve seen a fair few technology changes in my career.

When I started working forty years ago, Tippex and carbon paper were vital office tools. Does anyone even remember what they were now? Or the many hours I spent trying to fax legal documents for my boss, phoning to check that every page had arrived safely?

The arrival of AI in the workplace has had a similar effect on many of us, especially in the realm of management support professionals.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to let the fear of the unknown sap your energy or hold you back. Let’s break it down, with a touch of wit and practicality, to help you navigate the world of AI without feeling utterly defeated by it.

The “Foreswunk” phenomenon

Susie Dent’s playful take on the word *forswunk*, meaning “exhausted by work,” and her brilliant extension foreswunk – exhausted before you even begin – perfectly captures the emotional rollercoaster that many experience when faced with new technology. And in the world of AI, this feeling can be all too real.

AI is often portrayed as the ultimate workplace saviour, solving every problem from scheduling conflicts to endless emails.

Yet, for many executive support professionals, AI can feel like an overwhelming and inscrutable beast lurking just beyond the horizon.

The AI revolution: friend or foe?

In theory, AI could revolutionise the workplace. It promises to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and make us all superhuman in our efficiency.

But here’s the catch: we’re human. We have limited capacity for learning new tools, especially when they seem like they might just complicate things further. The mere thought of learning how to use AI effectively is enough to make anyone feel ‘foreswunk’.

Before you let that exhaustion overtake you, let’s reframe the situation and take a more strategic approach to embracing this shiny new technology.

Start small, start simple

The key to surviving in the AI age without feeling overwhelmed is to start small. AI can sound daunting, but the truth is, you probably already use AI in some form.

If you’ve ever used an email filter, a virtual calendar, or a chatbot, congratulations. You’ve been dabbling in AI. The trick is to build on that foundation slowly, taking one step at a time.

For example, consider using AI for scheduling (but always check with your boss, IT department or even legal team if using AI is okay in your organisation!).

Tools like Google Calendar’s smart suggestions or scheduling apps such as Calendly can automate the back-and-forth of finding meeting times, leaving you to focus on more strategic tasks.

Start with tools you’re already familiar with and gradually explore other AI-powered features once you feel comfortable.

Automate the mundane

One of the best ways to keep that ‘foreswunk’ feeling at bay is by using AI to handle repetitive, time-consuming tasks.

Imagine AI as your trusty office assistant that can help you create meeting agendas, transcribe notes, or sort through your overflowing inbox.

AI-driven apps like Otter.ai can transcribe your meetings with remarkable accuracy, while Zapier can automate workflows that integrate different apps (think: automatically saving your meeting notes into your project management software).

This means fewer menial tasks for you to slog through, and more time to focus on the creative and strategic parts of your job.

Manage expectations

Let’s face it: AI won’t do everything for you (yet). It’s not a magic wand that will suddenly make your workload disappear. So, don’t expect perfection.

AI is there to assist, not replace. If you’re looking for a tool that will be 100% accurate every time, you’ll be sorely disappointed—and perhaps even more ‘foreswunk’.

Embrace the idea of AI as a tool to enhance your work, not as a saviour. Don’t expect a flawless assistant; instead, think of it as a highly capable colleague who might occasionally need a nudge in the right direction.

AI as a learning opportunity

Instead of viewing AI as an enemy that’s out to steal your job, look at it as an opportunity to expand your skill set. Embrace it as an invitation to learn and grow.

Whether it’s mastering a new software or exploring the possibilities of automation, adding these new competencies to your arsenal will not only help you in the short term but will also make you more valuable in the long run.

And let’s not forget the AI-driven reports and analytics – they’re like having a personal data assistant that can generate insights and patterns for you, which can be crucial for decision-making.

Learn to interpret these insights, and you’ll find that AI doesn’t replace you; it empowers you.

Embrace your inner superhuman

Yes, the world of AI can feel overwhelming at first. But as with any new skill or tool, the exhaustion that comes from diving into it is part of the process.

Soon enough, you’ll find that AI can take the drudgery out of your job, leaving you with more time to focus on what truly matters: making strategic decisions, building relationships, and pushing your career forward.

So, the next time you feel ‘foreswunk durch Technik’, take a breath, start small, and remember: AI is there to assist, not overwhelm.

Embrace it, and soon enough, you’ll be the one teaching others how to navigate the new world of work, all while looking like the calm, cool, and collected professional that you are.