Workers with this mindset are thriving in the AI era, says BCG leader

In today's rapidly evolving work environment, a proactive approach is becoming essential for success, according to Julia Dhar, BCG's North America leader of the people and organization practice. She emphasizes the importance of what she calls a "high-agency mindset," a trait found in employees who actively seek clarity in their roles and believe their actions can create meaningful change. Dhar's insights come amid findings from BCG's 2026 AI at Work Research report, which revealed that a significant 72% of workers feel that the skill requirements for their jobs have evolved, with 88% anticipating the need for substantial upskilling in the next five years. In a time marked by anxiety over AI disruptions in the workforce, those with a high-agency mindset are better positioned to adapt and thrive. Rather than dwelling on uncertainties, these employees focus on controllable factors, taking proactive steps toward their goals. Dhar encourages individuals to think strategically about their daily activities, suggesting that even small actions can expand opportunities. "The more you take action, the more it ends up expanding the surface area of opportunity," she states. Practical applications of this mindset can include identifying recurring issues and developing solutions independently, such as creating tools to alleviate team frustrations or automating processes like organizing customer feedback. High-agency workers stand out not because they seek approval, but because they are self-motivated and continuously seek to improve through feedback. As AI continues to reshape workplace dynamics, the research indicates that while 42% of employees report saving a full workday each week through AI tools, a notable 66% do not receive guidance on how to optimize this newfound time. Dhar points out that the most successful employees are those who can discern valuable tasks, enhance workflows, and focus on high-impact activities. With expectations for individual contributors to manage AI workflows increasing, the ability to drive initiatives forward with minimal direction is becoming crucial. Dan Diasio, EY global consulting AI leader, notes that many entry-level positions now require candidates to adopt a managerial mindset early in their careers, reflecting the growing importance of adaptability in an AI-integrated workplace.