Critical Thinking in the AI Era
I’ve noticed across leadership groups to boards, teams typically accept AI’s first response – rather than pushing back and advancing further.
Recently when using voice-mode with a leadership group developing fuel strategies, I noticed that the AI’s citing of a local law firm in the transcript gave them reassurance that the advice was accurate – despite the fact AI can infer incorrectly from sources and sometimes hasn’t even reviewed the citations listed.
So I showed how adding just four words to the prompt “Don’t guess, quote sources” can push the AI to search and quote rather than incorrectly paraphrase.
Remember, always combine AI’s reasoning with your own critical thinking for greater results.
For example, a more critical use of AI’s image-mode can elevate your strategic planning:
“Create a future of work infographic showing how work will change over the next 10 years to 2036…”
“That’s way too ordinary and predictable. Highlight lesser known more interesting trends. Display these in a scene showing work happening in 2036 as compared to 2026…”
“That makes it look like the present is terrible while the future will be perfect. Life is far more complex and nuanced than that. It also makes it look like work only happens in offices. Show a scene in 2036 across all types of work around the world with infographic notes highlighting what’s changed from today…”
Ultimately in this AI Era, it’s about using our new intelligence tools more thoughtfully.
And critically.