When Leaders Fear AI and Automation: How Myth-Making Undermines your chances of success
How leaders talk about change can have a profound impact on the chances of success. Automation, for example, is often talked about as if it’s about to change everything, everywhere, overnight. From self-driving cars to AI-powered offices, people tend to imagine a future where machines take over all the work and humans are left behind. Automation and AI have become two of the most spoken buzzwords in modern business.
Yet, for all the attention they receive, they’re often misunderstood. Many organisations still hesitate to explore Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) because of myths that make them sound complicated, expensive, or dystopian, when in fact these are among the most practical tools for improving efficiency.
In fact, many of the things we believe about automation, like the idea that robots will steal every job, or that technology always makes life easier, are myths that oversimplify what’s really going on. The truth is that automation doesn’t just replace people; it changes the way we work, the skills we need, and highlights the value we place on human judgment.
Understanding the myths around automation isn’t just about separating fact from fiction, but more about recognising that the future of work depends as much on our social and political choices as it does on the technology itself. Only by questioning these myths can we shape automation into something that truly benefits everyone, rather than letting fear or hype decide its impact for us.
If your business is exploring automation, or if you’re sceptical about its promises, this guide will help separate fact from fiction by debunking the most common RPA myths perpetuated by those who fear the journey ahead.
Myth #1: Robots Will Take All Our Jobs
One of the most common and persistent fears surrounding automation is the idea that machines will replace human workers entirely, leading to massive unemployment and social collapse. It’s a fear that resurfaces whenever a new technology emerges, from the textile machines of the Industrial Revolution to the rise of computers and, most recently, artificial intelligence. This fear seems logical at first: if a robot or algorithm can do a task faster, cheaper, and without rest, why would employers keep hiring people?
However, history tells a more nuanced story. When new technologies emerge, they do eliminate some jobs, but they also create others, often in ways that are difficult to predict. For example, while automation has reduced the need for certain manual or routine roles, it has also generated demand for technicians, data analysts, designers, and other professionals who build, maintain, or work alongside these systems.
Moreover, automation tends to change jobs rather than erase them. Instead of replacing human workers, machines often take over repetitive or dangerous tasks, freeing people to focus on more creative, social, or problem-solving aspects of their work. This shift can make jobs more engaging and even more productive if workers are given the right training and support.
The real issue, then, is not that automation will make human labour irrelevant, but that societies and companies often fail to manage the transition fairly. When workers are displaced without opportunities to retrain or adapt, automation becomes a threat instead of a tool for progress. The myth that “robots will take all our jobs” overlooks this reality. It’s not the technology itself that determines whether automation helps or harms people, but the choices we make about how to use it.
Myth #2: RPA is Only for Large Companies
Another widespread misconception about automation is that it is a privilege reserved for large corporations with vast budgets, cutting-edge technology, and dedicated IT departments. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) assume that automation is too expensive, too complex, or simply not possible for their scale of operations. This belief has long discouraged smaller businesses from exploring tools that could streamline their work and make them more competitive. Automation is not an exclusive luxury and is becoming increasingly accessible to organisations of all sizes.
The growth of affordable cloud-based platforms and user-friendly digital tools means that small businesses can now automate routine tasks. This includes the help of low-code platforms that enable users to create applications using visual interfaces with minimal coding, as well as no-code platforms that facilitate the creation of automation workflows through simple templates and actions. Scheduling, inventory management, customer service, and data entry are offered without the need for massive financial investment or technical expertise.
More importantly, automation can have a greater impact on smaller companies precisely because their resources are limited. By automating repetitive administrative tasks, small business owners and employees can focus more on strategic work, innovation, and customer relationships, areas where human creativity and flexibility still matter most. Far from being a threat, automation can level the playing field, allowing smaller companies to compete with larger ones in terms of efficiency and responsiveness.
The myth that automation only benefits big corporations overlooks this potential. When smaller businesses embrace automation thoughtfully, they can amplify their human touch, using technology to enhance productivity and make better use of the skills and ideas that only people can provide.
Myth #3: RPA and AI are the Same Thing
As automation technologies have become more advanced, terms like RPA and AI are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion about what each actually does. Many people assume that RPA and AI are the same because both involve machines performing tasks that humans once handled. However, this myth oversimplifies two very different technologies.
RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is rule-based automation: it follows strict, predefined instructions to complete repetitive, structured tasks like data entry, invoice processing, or report generation. It cannot “think” or make decisions on its own; it simply executes what it has been programmed to do, quickly and accurately.
AI (Artificial Intelligence), on the other hand, is designed to simulate aspects of human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and pattern recognition. Through techniques like machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP), AI can analyse data, adapt to new information, and even make predictions or recommendations. More information on this can be found in our article The Dual Power of RPA and AI in the Modern Enterprise.
Understanding the difference between RPA and AI is important because they serve different purposes and have distinct implications for the workplace. RPA is ideal for improving efficiency and reducing manual errors in repetitive tasks, while AI enables more complex cognitive functions that support decision-making and innovation.
When these technologies are combined, what’s often called “intelligent automation”, businesses can achieve far more powerful results, blending the speed of RPA with the adaptability of AI. The myth that they are the same limits how people imagine automation’s potential and can lead to misguided investments or unrealistic expectations.
Recognising their differences helps organisations choose the right tools for their needs, empowering workers rather than replacing them.
Myth #4: RPA is Too Complex and Requires IT Experts
Another common misconception is that RPA is too complicated for the average worker or small business to understand. Implementing RPA certainly requires some initial training and a clear understanding of how business processes work. However, modern RPA tools are becoming increasingly user-friendly, often designed with visual interfaces and low-code or no-code options that make them accessible even to non-technical users. The real challenge lies not in the software’s complexity, but in how well organisations support employees in learning and adapting to it.
However, closely related to this is the belief that automation automatically makes work easier and more efficient for everyone involved. While automation can certainly reduce tedious manual tasks and streamline processes, it doesn’t always simplify work in practice. In many cases, automation transforms how effort is applied rather than removing it, meaning workers may find themselves needing to monitor, manage, or correct automated systems rather than performing the tasks directly. This shift can create new kinds of stress and responsibility, especially when employees are not properly trained to use these tools.
Automation is not a “set and forget” solution; it requires human oversight, adaptation, and sometimes significant rethinking of how work is organised. When companies fail to prepare their teams for these changes, the promise of efficiency can quickly turn into frustration and confusion.
When introduced and integrated correctly, RPA can significantly reduce the overall workload, making tasks feel less overwhelming. The myth that RPA is too complex discourages many from exploring its potential, but it can be a practical and empowering tool for improving everyday work, provided businesses invest in proper training and change management.
Myth #5: RPA is Too Expensive
One of the strongest convictions preventing companies, especially smaller ones, from implementing automation is the belief that it is too expensive to use. For many, automation seems like complex software systems and long, disruptive installation periods that only large companies can afford.
While that may have been true in the early days of industrial automation, this has changed entirely. Today, many automation solutions are cloud-based, subscription-driven, and scalable, meaning businesses can start small and expand as they grow. Tools like RPA software, chatbots, and workflow automation platforms have become far more affordable and accessible, allowing even startups and small businesses to benefit from them. In many cases, the initial cost of automation is quickly offset by the savings it generates through reduced manual errors, faster processing times, and greater performance consistency.
However, it’s still important to acknowledge that automation isn’t completely cost-free. Effective implementation requires planning, investment in training, and ongoing maintenance to ensure systems stay up to date and secure. But these costs are strategic investments rather than unnecessary expenses. The myth that automation is too expensive often overlooks the hidden costs of not automating such as inefficiency, burnout, and missed opportunities for innovation. When approached gradually and thoughtfully, automation can deliver a strong return on investment.
The real question is not whether companies can afford automation, but whether they can afford to be left behind by those who use it wisely.
Myth #6: RPA isn’t Secure
Another widespread concern is the belief that automation inherently makes systems more vulnerable to cyberattacks or data breaches. Because automation relies heavily on digital platforms, cloud infrastructure, and interconnected software, many people assume that introducing automated tools automatically increases security risks. While it’s true that automation can introduce new technical vulnerabilities when implemented carelessly, the idea that automation is inherently insecure is misleading.
In fact, automation can greatly enhance security when it is properly designed and managed. Automated systems can perform continuous monitoring, detect irregularities faster, and respond instantly to potential threats, significantly reducing the window of opportunity for cybercriminals. For example, automated security tools can flag unusual logins, encrypt sensitive data, and even isolate compromised systems before damage spreads.
The real security risk lies in how automation is deployed and maintained. Like any technology, automated systems require responsible oversight, regular updates, and strong cybersecurity practices. When organisations neglect these elements, they expose themselves to threats, not because automation is insecure, but rather because it has been poorly managed.
Ironically, many of the same myths that discourage companies from adopting automation, such as fears of complexity or high cost, also prevent them from taking advantage of tools that could make their systems safer. By combining automation with human expertise and ethical governance, organisations can strengthen their defences rather than weaken them.
The myth that automation isn’t secure overlooks the fact that security is a matter of design and responsibility, not the technology itself.
Myth #7: RPA is Only for Simple Tasks
Another common misconception about automation, and RPA specifically, is that it can only handle basic, repetitive, or low-level tasks such as data entry or scheduling. While that may have been true in the early stages of automation, modern technology has developed beyond these limits.
Today, automation can carry out more complex functions that involve analysis, decision-making, and even creativity. Advanced types of RPA, such as data reconciliation, virtual assistants, or fraud detection, enable systems to recognise patterns, interpret human language, and generate insights from large volumes of data. Meaning, automation can now be found in many areas such as financial forecasting, medical diagnostics, customer service, and even content creation.
However, this does not mean that automation can replace human intelligence. The most effective use of automation lies in combining humans and machines, where technology handles repetitive or data-heavy tasks, and people contribute empathy, creativity, and ethical judgment. The belief that automation is only useful for simple work underestimates its potential and ignores the ways it can enhance human capability rather than diminish it.
Myth #8: RPA is Just Another Tech Trend
Perhaps one of the most short-sighted myths about automation is the belief that it is simply a passing trend, one that will fade once the excitement wears off. This perception often appears because new tools and platforms seem to develop constantly, each promising revolutionary change. So, some people dismiss automation as hype rather than a lasting transformation.
This was the same for the wireless radio when it first came into commercial use in the 1920s, when most people thought it was a fad that would never become commonplace.
However, this view overlooks how deeply automation has already reshaped the modern world. From manufacturing and healthcare to education and public administration, automation has become embedded in daily operations, influencing everything from how we produce goods to how we communicate and make decisions. Far from being temporary, automation represents a long-term shift in how societies function, much like the Industrial Revolution or the rise of the internet.
Automation continues to evolve because it is driven by ongoing needs, not by short-term fascination. Even when specific technologies or platforms become outdated, the underlying goal of automating processes to improve performance remains constant.
Dismissing automation as a trend risks missing opportunities to adapt, innovate, and stay competitive in an increasingly digital economy. Understanding automation as an enduring force rather than a temporary phenomenon allows businesses, governments, and individuals to better prepare for its challenges and harness its benefits.
Conclusion
These myths about automation often say more about our worries than about what’s really happening. Ideas like “robots will take all our jobs,” “automation is only for big companies,” or “it’s too expensive and not safe” create fear and confusion that stop people from seeing its real potential.
Automation isn’t an unstoppable force that replaces humans, nor is it a passing trend; instead, it’s a set of tools we design, control, and improve. When used wisely, it can make work more meaningful, efficient, and creative, not less.
Of course, it comes with challenges and requires training, planning, and responsibility. But the more we understand what automation can and can’t do, the better we can shape it to work for everyone. By moving past the myths and looking at the bigger picture, we can build a future where technology supports human potential instead of threatening it.
