Lessons from Spreadsheets: Preparing for the Impact of AI on the Future of Work

In 1979, the introduction of VisiCalc revolutionized finance desks by allowing analysts to model scenarios without waiting for IT. However, the empowerment provided by spreadsheets came with a cost, exemplified by JPMorgan’s $6 billion losses due to manual errors. The tension between user freedom and organizational coherence marked the spreadsheet era, leading to the emergence of ‘shadow IT.’ A similar wave of AI innovation is underway, democratizing action but potentially leading to a larger shadow of AI. Spreadsheets and AI agents share a psychology of ownership, where individuals guard their intellectual property. Three lessons from the spreadsheet era are crucial for the future of work: balancing empowerment with structure, planning for integration early, and framing knowledge as collective. Investing in governance, defining ownership, auditing workarounds, and reframing the narrative are essential strategies for leaders today.