Have you ever seen that clip of Steve Jobs talking about a study on energy efficiency in animals? It’s a great watchif you haven’t seen it. In a nutshell, he explains how humans are far less efficient than a large proportion of the animal kingdom until you put them on a bicycle. Then, we blow straight to the top spot.
So what was the point of Jobs’ anecdote? It’s that tools like bicycles—or in this case, generative AI—are incredible at supercharging our inherent abilities.
The Misunderstandings
Since launching my course How To Research and Write Using Generative AI on LinkedIn Learning back in March (the most popular AI course on the platform, thank you for watching!) I’ve spoken to lots of organisations taking their first AI steps and noticed a troubling trend in the way both managers and workers are approaching AI.
They’re doing so through a skewed lens that’s causing them to perpetuate fear, experience disappointment, and even risk serious harm to the business.
So this is my advice.
For Business Leaders: Elevate, Don't Just Automate
Many execs see AI as a breezy shortcut. They want to use it for efficiency, speed and reduced overheads. And sure, it can be a cost-cutter, but if that’s all you’re using it for, you’re missing out on its transformative power.
It’s like only evaluating a bicycle for its ability to let you cruise downhill with your feet in the air. And downhill is exactly where this approach will take your business.
You need to look at this metaphorical bicycle’s ability to cover longer distances and help people on the more challenging parts of their journey. AI is best used when it helps individuals achieve more rather than simply do less.
For Those On The Frontline: Be the Hero, Not the Sidekick
Over the past few months, I’ve been taken aback at how many people have asked me how they can get AI to generate accurate output they can run without checking.
Getting AI to do your job for you obviously makes you replaceable. But worse than that, it leads to poorer results (unless you’re actually pretty bad at your job) and it robs you of your purpose (unless you go through your day like a soulless automaton).
If you’re counting on AI to be an error-proof, one-size-fits-all genius, think again. It’s more like a super-eager intern happy to have a bash at anything you throw their way.
AI is not a magic wand, it’s your sidekick.
It needs your expertise to set it off in the right direction at the start (with a well-written prompt). It needs your knowledge and judgement to assess its output. And it needs your style and taste to add that finishing sparkle of human pixie dust.
It’s better that you master AI than it masters you.
So What Should Your Game Plan Be?
So, as we pedal into an AI-augmented future, ask yourself: Are you using this technology as a mere gimmick or as a transformative tool? Are you chasing small efficiencies or setting your sights on leading the pack? Are you looking to outsource your tasks or to upscale your output?
This is definitely the time to invest in your skills. And the great news is there are lots of fantastic LinkedIn Learning courses on the topic beside mine. You can find a list of the most popular courses in this post.
And if you’re already using AI and you want to use it to amplify your abilities further, you may want to sign up for my Promptly Yours newsletter.
It’s never been easier to get on your (metaphorical) bike and upgrade those skills.
