TL;DR: As AI commoditizes skills and automates execution, the traditional methods for evaluating talent have become obsolete. True value no longer lies in the ability to perform a task, but in the uniquely human capacity to define problems, integrate knowledge, and make responsible judgments. In this new era, I have developed a simple but powerful formula for identifying high-potential individuals: the MAN Framework, a multiplicative formula that prioritizes Morality, Asking, and Network as the core, irreplaceable assets of the modern professional.
I am James, CEO of Mercury Technology Solutions.
The speed of AI is staggering. A report that once took days can now be drafted in seconds. A proposal that required a week of planning can have its entire structure generated in a moment. This incredible leap in efficiency has created a profound new challenge for every leader: when skills and execution are compressed to the level of a tool, what is the remaining value of a human?
Many of my peers have asked me how we should now evaluate talent, especially when resumes, portfolios, and even interview answers can be augmented or entirely generated by AI. After two decades of leading and building teams, I have developed a deep understanding of what truly constitutes "talent," and I can tell you that the rise of AI has not diminished its importance; it has simply clarified what we should have been looking for all along.
The "MAN" Framework: A New Formula for Talent
The old archetypes of the "Doer," the "Extender," and the "Strategist" are no longer sufficient. AI can now perform or assist with all these roles. True breakthroughs now come not from answering questions, but from asking the right ones.
To identify the individuals capable of this, I have distilled my thinking into a simple but practical formula I call the MAN Framework. I see this as a multiplicative formula: Morality x Asking x Network. The reason is simple: if any one of these core elements is missing or valued at zero, the individual's total impact and long-term potential collapse to zero.
M = Morality: The Foundation of Trust and Responsibility
This is the foundational layer. In an age where AI can be used to generate convincing but false information, a person's ethical compass and commitment to integrity are paramount. This is the quality of a Responsible Judge—someone who, in a world of information overload, has the wisdom and the accountability to make a final choice and stand by it. Without this moral foundation, all other achievements are brittle and will eventually collapse.
Actionable Interview Questions for Morality:
- "Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision with incomplete data. How did you ensure the outcome was ethical and fair?"
- "Tell me about a time you made a mistake that impacted your team or a client. How did you take ownership of it?"
A = Asking: The Engine of Innovation and Clarity
This is the engine of exploration. The most valuable individuals are no longer those with all the answers, but those with the best questions. This is the quality of a Problem Definer—they have the insight to question assumptions and identify the real problem that needs to be solved, not just the one that was assigned. A lack of curiosity and a failure to ask the right questions will inevitably lead to a loss of direction.
Actionable Interview Questions for Asking:
- "Tell me about a time you were assigned a task, but you ended up solving a different, more important problem. What questions did you ask to uncover the real issue?"
- "Walk me through how you would approach a complex, ambiguous project from the very beginning. What would be your first five questions?"
N = Network: The Amplifier of Connection and Impact
This is not about the size of a person's contact list; it is about their capacity for connection, empathy, and integration. It is the quality of an Empathetic Humanist and a Cross-Domain Integrator. They can connect the dots between technology, business, and human nature, and they can communicate complex ideas in a way that builds trust and confidence. This is what amplifies their influence and allows them to build something larger than themselves.
Actionable Interview Questions for Network:
- "How would you explain a complex technical concept to a non-technical client to ensure they felt understood and confident?"
- "Describe a time you had to persuade stakeholders with different priorities to agree on a common goal. How did you build consensus?"
Conclusion: The Irreplaceable Human Core
The true measure of talent is the product of these three elements. AI can simulate skills, but it cannot simulate a soul. The next time you evaluate a person, I urge you to look beyond what they do. Look at how they think, how they ask, and how they choose.
Because in the rising tide of artificial intelligence, cultivating these three qualities is what it means to be an invaluable human.
