Artificial Intelligence is…
Google has a very straight forward definition for AI. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence by machines, enabling them to learn, reason, problem-solve, and create. It is a branch of computer science that uses algorithms and data to perform tasks that typically require human cognition. It exists in all sorts of industries and so below the surface, we probably don’t know about it and just take it for granted.
It is used for a variety of purposes like system automation and efficiency, data processing, financial forensics, software development, and the one many of us love and hate – personalization and tailored recommendations. It’s fast, exact, consistent, and has 24/7 availability.
But again, most of us live outside its processing use. Except maybe in one area where I believe we are the most aware of its power. Consider ChatGPT, or perhaps its alternatives like Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and Meta. We ask a question or enter in a couple of facts, and we get our answer, as well as that sought after paper, speech, proposal, or blog.
Are we smarter than AI?
I have never used ChatGPT when writing. I fight the urge. Not because I think I am better or more profound. Certainly not “smarter” or more literary. I just feel the need to make it perfectly imperfect. Let’s be real, I’m not that naïve. I know that happens when I type whatever into the search bar of Chrome. What comes to the screen next may be called Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), and limited…for now…but it still fills the knowledge gap. It simply provides answers, solutions, and recommendations that make our work easier. Or at least seemingly so.
For me, that’s where the danger lies. We acquiesce. Easier means we accept, comply, or agree to something silently, reluctantly, or without protest. Pause for moment. Does easier mean better? Does convenience overshadow complexity? Does unbiased efficiency matter more than conscious emotion?
This is where we surpass AI. Not in our surrender, but in what makes us uniquely human. Maybe it’s our capacity to navigate and balance facts and feelings. It’s our awareness. In an awareness mindset about what AI is and what AI isn’t, we may consider this question. Where do I still add value in a world where AI seems to be out-thinking and outpacing us?
Humanity will always trump artificial intelligence.
So, I came across an article from one of my favorite thought leaders, Dan Pink. The 6 Skills AI Will Never Replace (The Pink Report Newsletter) provides insight and encouragement in six ways we, humans, have the edge and can amplify what AI can do for us and with us.
Asking better questions. Pink shared, “When answers are everywhere, questions become the scarce resource. When answers get cheap, curiosity becomes priceless.” When you are knee-deep in what you’re doing and considering a resource to help, before you worry about all the possible answers, consider all the possible questions. Questions open the door to breakthrough and possibility.
Developing good taste. Pink offered, “Taste…discernment, judgment, the ability to tap your experience, your intuition, and your values and look at a pile of options and say with confidence…that one, that’s it. Iterating relentlessly. AI provides the raw material. Taste shapes it into something real.” Each day we curate our choices. We are constantly creating good, better, and best solutions for what lies ahead. Taste is our filter for all our choices.
Iterating Relentlessly. Pink said, “Here’s the part we don’t like admitting. Most good things start out bad. The magic isn’t in the first spark. The magic is in the relentless revision. AI accelerates the quantity. Iteration delivers the quality.” You don’t have to get it right the first time. You just have to get it right over time. Knowledge gives you options. Iteration gives you excellence.
Composing pieces into something meaningful. Pink stated, “Composition is the ability to synthesize rather than analyze…to see relationships between and combine elements in a way that makes the whole larger and more powerful than the sum of the parts. AI is excellent at delivering ingredients. Humans are better at serving meals.” Be mindful of the ways you arrange and organize what you do to create a clear, balanced, and meaningful action plan.
Allocating human and machine talent. Pink added, “Allocation is knowing which tools to use, which people to involve, which systems to engage, and at what moment. AI multiplies intelligence, allocation decides where to aim it.” Compose, and then distribute and assign your resources accordingly with specific purpose to achieve your desired result.
Acting with integrity. This is where I believe humans far exceed AI. Pink finished, “When intelligence becomes abundant, wisdom becomes even more valuable. And wisdom is rooted in integrity, in making choices based on honesty, fairness, responsibility, and accountability. Integrity isn’t abstract. It’s practical. AI may reshape everything we do, but only integrity and wisdom determine who we become.” This truly human skill bests AI every time because real empathy and connection with another cannot be programmed. It is the product of being fully seen, heard, and felt.
AI is not a replacement for humans; it is a tool for humans to be better.
Embrace AI. Leverage it wisely. And remember one of Dan Pink’s powerful shares, “Technological assets do help you, but your humanity will always be your most tradable asset.” Simply put, “When the world gets more artificial, we need to get more human.”
If you’re embracing the world of AI as it aligns to what you do, consider the following questions.
- What is/are the most common way/ways you engage AI?
- Where does it typically show up in your day-to-day?
- What do you like about it? What do you dislike?
- List one tangible way you can leverage AI to improve your job and/or your team’s job?
- Think of a time before AI. Were things better or worse? Why?
- Consider the six ways humanity trumps AI. Which one or more do you do well? Which one or more needs to improve?
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