Knowledge workers complain about being referred to as “resources”. We don’t want our work to be thought of as a commodity. It’s dehumanizing. And it arouses the fear of being replaced by machines — if work doesn’t require creativity, chances are it can be automated.
So what can we do?
First of all, stop complaining about being called a resource. That doesn’t help. It won’t persuade anyone that you’re more valuable and it won’t make you feel better.
Focus on the value you provide that isn’t a commodity. What do you do that’s creative? Make it clear. Sell it. It’s on you to do that. Nobody’s going to do it for you.
