Everybody is talking about what AI can do, and for good reason. It can summarize research, write code, generate images, analyze enormous amounts of information and answer questions before most of us have finished typing them. Honestly, the advances have been amazing, and I use it for something nearly every day.
LOVE stories by church media expert Phil Cooke? Click here.
But when it comes to concerns about AI — particularly when it comes to taking people’s jobs — I think we’re asking the wrong question.
Instead of asking, “What can AI do?” leaders should be asking, “What becomes more valuable because AI can do so much?”
Need for wisdom
Let’s start with wisdom.
Information is not the same as wisdom. Wisdom comes from understanding people, recognizing what matters, learning from experience, and knowing what to do when the answer isn’t obvious.
Discernment
Then there’s discernment.
AI can calculate probabilities and suggest options. But leaders still have to decide. And the decisions that matter most usually involve values, consequences, conviction and responsibility.
Character
Character may become even more important.
AI can write an apology, but it can’t mean it. It can generate a statement about integrity, but it can’t live with integrity. Courage, humility, compassion and honesty still require a human being.
Trust
Which brings us to trust.
I’ve been writing a lot about trust lately. As AI-generated material floods our screens, I believe we’ll start paying far more attention to who’s behind the message. Who do I believe? Who has earned credibility? Who consistently tells me the truth?
AI will keep getting better. Learn it. Use it. Take advantage of everything it can do. But don’t miss what’s happening underneath all that technology.
The more machines can do, the more valuable it becomes to be a wise voice worth trusting.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Phil Cooke and originally published by philcooke.com.
