The context ladder is a model I use in training and advisory work. It divides work into four steps according to how much context and human judgement the task requires:
- 01 Rule-based – tasks that follow fixed patterns, can be repeated and can be checked. This is where AI is strongest.
- 02 Interpretive – tasks where someone has to read material and understand what it means in this particular context.
- 03 Situational – tasks where the right answer depends on the situation, the relationship and the timing.
- 04 Direction-setting – tasks about purpose, priorities and direction.
The point is that every job is moving up. As I see it, AI above all takes over the rule-based tasks. What remains are the tasks that require more context: interpreting, reading the situation and setting direction. People get more of the whole of their work back.
That makes the ladder a tool for leaders and employees alike. It shows where AI can take over, and where skills development should be directed as work moves up the ladder.
In practice
Take an ordinary working week and place the tasks on the four steps. How much sits on the bottom step today – and what would you spend the time on if AI took it? The answer points to the skills that are becoming more important in your organisation.
»The more context a task requires, the more human judgement it requires.«
The context ladder goes hand in hand with the AI role atlas, which helps decide which role AI should play in each task – and it is used in my courses and workshops.