The Human Advantage: Why being Human is the Ultimate Comparative Advantage in the AI Race
Over a recent long weekend, the search for some good, old-fashioned relaxation presented itself – enter: the 2020 Netflix documentary "The Social Dilemma”. Even after a walk with the dogs and a nice evening out for dinner, the possible dark side of AI stayed top of mind and the risks it revealed for how AI can affect our lives when we lose touch with our humanity.
With the surge of tools like ChatGPT from OpenAI, we were reminded of what we (still) believe is at the core of how we work at The Axela Group: being human. The Axela Group was founded upon the knowledge that embracing our human side is the key to making change in business, society, and saving our planet. In fact, we even quote futurist John Naisbitt on our About Us page. He said, "The most exciting breakthroughs of the 21st century will not occur because of technology, but because of an expanding concept of what it means to be human." Today’s AI algorithms put Naisbitt’s statement to the test.
A BrAIve New World
It’s a brave-new-AI world out there. Regenerative AI – tech that is capable of self-improvement and autonomous evolution - has captivated the imagination of scientists, engineers and consultants, like us. It’s more than a little unnerving to imagine that we, coaches and consultants, could potentially be replaced by a “bot”. But can we really be replaced?
And not only can we be replaced, but will we unwittingly be seduced by the ease of AI and start to outsource our decision-making to machines, losing our accountability for the world we are creating?
Embracing Our Humanity as a Comparative Advantage
Our humanity is our comparative advantage in this AI world. That holds true for coaches and consultants like us – and for the businesses and organizations we work with. Does that mean we won’t use AI at all? No! Full disclosure: the first draft of this blog was written with ChatGPT input. What it does mean, though, is we use AI with intention, discretion and care. Using AI responsibly allows us to “right size” its place in our world. By using it with intention we tap into human agency (rather than circumvent it), spend our precious energy on the important things, and power breakthroughs that only humans and human systems can.
So how do we hold onto our humanity as our secret advantage, as we navigate AI’s possibilities and challenges? We have some ideas, and we’re sure you do to. These 7 tips have been co-created and tested out with real people.
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Keep up with the latest AI developments, understand the pros, cons, and potential risks. Get familiar with the ethical considerations around AI and be a voice for responsible AI development. The Pew Research Center’s Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humans is a great place to start learning.
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Hone your human skills - curiosity, creativity, empathy, compassion and intuition. These human traits, along with emotional intelligence, are powerful decision-making tools that allow us to make judgements beyond cold logic. Practice, role model, and expand these skills.
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Adopt a growth mindset and commit to lifelong learning. As AI continues to evolve, equip yourself with skills that complement and enhance AI capabilities. Think critically, master emotional intelligence, and use AI to speed up routine tasks so you can put your energy where the world really needs you: whether that’s bringing a human touch to people in your life or by using your human sensibilities to navigate complex problems we face today (and bring others along for the ride).
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In this hyper-connected world, the importance of genuine human connection is irreplaceable. Sit with someone. Talk or be still. Appreciate the energy of being together in community. When you prioritize face-to-face interactions, engage deeply, and practice empathy, you unlock something AI never can. Collaborate with others, actively listen, and embrace diverse perspectives.
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Talk with real people about real issues, especially when people think differently than you. In this age of social media and AI, we run the risk developing our own “truths” that are reinforced by the media we consume. AI is only as good as the data it pulls from, so question what you find there, and engage in thoughtful debates rooted in lived experiences of others to expand and challenge your perspective. Story Corps’ “One Small Step” is built on this premise and we think they’re onto something.
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As you talk with people about tough stuff, you open the door to possibilities – to different ways of thinking and to new ways to tackle the pressing social, environmental and economic challenges of today. We believe that all human change starts with a conversation. At first it’s usually a conversation in your head, but then it gets a little bigger when you share it with someone. Rather than turn to ChatGPT as your thought partner, have the courage to share it with another real, live person. Invite their thoughts, feelings, perspectives, ideas, and wisdom. Help others find a space to belong as you navigate the huge challenges we face today. This collaboration fosters synergy and produces innovative solutions that AI, operating in isolation, could never achieve. That’s because only humans have the ability to care, and it has always been passionate people who have created human momentum and sparked movements that have changed the course of history. We are betting that will hold true in the future, too.
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Everything – every technology, every idea -- can be used in the service of good – or evil. So be thoughtful about how you use the power of AI and lean heartily into your human side.
Remember, technology can supercharge our abilities, but it's our humanity that truly propels us together toward breakthroughs. By embracing our unique human qualities, we can shape a future that values technological progress and places it in the hands of intentional humans, so it enriches our shared human experience – and doesn’t diminish it.