In this week’s newsletter, let’s take a deep dive into discernment within the AI world. Artificial intelligence may be popular, but your own human intelligence is key in putting it to good use.

AI Doesn't Think for Itself

It’s debatable whether AI “thinks.” A lot of AI technology relies on neural networks, which are computational models designed similarly to the functioning of the human brain.

AI is trained on large sets of data. It learns from them and is designed to recognize patterns and make predictions. You could say it’s not that different from how humans learn and think, because we do these things, too.

But AI certainly doesn’t “think” in the same way as a human does. It’s not known to have feelings or be conscious (though even scientists who study consciousness don’t have a firm definition of what it means). As far as I know, ChatGPT isn’t sitting there mulling over the big questions of existence, or looking forward to lunch... or maybe its next set of training data?

Where AI Offers an Advantage

Regardless of whether it “thinks,” artificial intelligence is a powerful tool when you use it right. There’s a lot that AI can do better or more quickly than people – and your team can use it for those purposes where it makes sense. Below are some areas where it’s especially helpful.

• Efficient content generation: Prompt a generative AI model like ChatGPT and you can get a marketing email or an image in a matter of seconds, designed to your specifications.
• Customization: AI can perform highly specific tasks according to instructions. This can help you to personalize everything from marketing materials to education that adapts to the learner.
• Breadth of information: The best AI models are trained on huge datasets, and many have access to the internet, the world’s largest information repository. AI search tools can find you what you want and explain it in plain language, and large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT can answer questions as if they were an expert on a wide range of topics.
• Analysis: AI can process and analyze large amounts of information rapidly. AI tools are being used to recommend products to customers, make financial recommendations, work with data and coding, diagnose diseases, and more.

Why Human Thinking Is Needed

When talking with others about AI, I’ve encountered an interesting mix of excitement and fear. Many are finding gains in productivity and help from these tools in their work and personal lives. Some people are afraid that AI is going to take their jobs, while others have seen their earnings and client numbers drop.

A few have joked that ChatGPT could have their job and they wouldn’t miss it! “If AI is so responsive and clever, why doesn’t it do my work while I watch Netflix?”

Not so fast! (Sorry.)

You may not have the whole internet in your head, but don’t underestimate the brain you’ve got! AI is imperfect, and there are many areas where human intelligence is needed to make sensible and effective use of what artificial intelligence generates. Here are a few.

• Fact checking: Many AI tools will give you what your prompt asks for, whether it’s true or not. I’ve seen LLMs invent books that don’t exist when asked for a bibliography. Make sure that you check any output for accuracy!
• Critical thinking: Beyond fact checking, human judgment is crucial when looking over anything an AI comes up with. AI models carry the biases of their training data, and they don’t understand context in the same way that people do.
• Innovation: AI models may create novel output, but they lean heavily on what came before and on information that prominently featured in their datasets. Humans’ divergent thinking – think “shower ideas” – makes unique leaps that are far less likely to be seen from an algorithm.
• Emotional resonance: AI is responsive, but humans can share experiences with one another. AI, as it currently exists, can't connect from a place of genuine, relatable personhood.

What's Next?

It’s an imperfect analogy, but I like to think of using AI as being a bit like riding a horse. It’s powerful, willful, and responsive, but you hold the reins, and it’s your job to guide it in the direction you want it to go. As the “rider,” you have power, too.

Our article What Is AI? gives an overview of what artificial intelligence is and isn’t.

For guidance on using AI with your team, check out How to Use AI as a Manager.

And read our article Critical Thinking for more on how to use your intelligence wisely.

Tip of the Week

Assert Yourself!

By Simon Bell, Mind Tools Writer

Do you sometimes feel as though your ideas aren't being taken seriously? Or do you struggle to make your voice heard? If so, consider developing your assertiveness.

To be assertive, you need to believe in your own value. Remember, you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Assertiveness isn’t the same thing as aggression. After all, if you don't stick up for your rights, who will?

Voice your wants and needs confidently to your manager and colleagues. Don't leave it to others to guess what they might be. What would help you to achieve your goals? What would you like to do more of?

Using "I" statements such as "I need..." or "I feel..." can help you to get your points across firmly. Similarly, using definitive verbs like "I will..." rather than "I might..." sends a clear, strong message.

If you still feel as though you are not being heard, don't give in. Repeat your message and be firm. Eventually, the other person will realize that you really mean what you're saying. But keep your cool, and stay polite and respectful; otherwise you risk creating conflict.

Pain Points Podcast

Don't miss the latest episode of our “Pain Points” podcast!

This week, Jonathan Hancock and guests discuss how to connect your team with your organization’s mission. What is a mission, and why is it important? If your team is hybrid or remote, how can you ensure they’re on the same page about what matters?

Featuring special guest Kirsten Wilson, Head of Product, who shares her insights from leading a geographically dispersed team.

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News Roundup

This Week's Global Workplace Insights

Three Ways to Handle Hybrid Working

The workplace landscape has undergone a profound transformation, with a staggering 74 percent of U.S. companies embracing permanent hybrid work setups. But while the shift has been rapid, challenges persist. As a recent Forbes article suggests, there are three main factors that organizations and managers need to consider.

• Embrace hybridization. To thrive in this new version of the working world, companies must first understand that the hybrid model is the new standard. They then need to adapt their workflows to match. Not all jobs suit hybrid working, but a majority can be made to.
• Learn to love the data. Decision making based on smart use of data is vitally important. Granular insights inform workspace design and optimize use. The accuracy of those insights depends on data about, for example, use of facilities. This data needs to be quantitative and collected over time. That way, managers have the whole picture to help in decision making.
• Police the policies. Corporate policies must undergo a thorough re-evaluation to cater to hybrid work dynamics. Implementing measures like team schedules and enhanced office amenities can improve the hybrid work experience.

With meticulous planning, reliance on data, and adaptive policies, companies can navigate and excel in the era of hybrid work.

Neurodiversity: The Legal Angle

U.K. employment lawyers have noticed a recent surge in inquiries from companies grappling with neurodiversity issues, according to a report in the Financial Times. These inquiries often relate to employees who have disclosed conditions like autism or ADHD during performance reviews.

This trend reflects a broader societal shift, with more adults being diagnosed as neurodivergent due to increased awareness of the conditions.

However, navigating the intersection of employee privacy, performance management, and neurodiversity poses challenges. The legal landscape is complex, requiring employers to accommodate conditions deemed disabilities under the U.K. Equality Act of 2010. Companies are seeking advice on remote work and adjusting corporate policies to support neurodiverse employees.

This rising demand has spurred the growth of companies offering neurodiversity workplace support, highlighting the need for flexible and scalable solutions to accommodate diverse staff needs effectively.

See you next week for more member-exclusive content and insight from the Mind Tools team!