Collaborate, Delegate, Automate, or Eliminate
In my coaching sessions, I often emphasize the phrase, "Collaborate, Delegate, Automate, or Eliminate wherever possible." As Turbo Thinkers©️, we have a tendency to overcomplicate things. Our ideas grow larger and larger, and our to-do list becomes longer and longer. Our minds race ahead with countless possibilities, both positive, leading to Fantasyland, and negative, delving into The Dark Side. Furthermore, we often believe that we must execute every step on our own, thinking that anything less would be considered cheating. But how true is that?
What we do know is that Turbo Thinkers©️ can struggle with initiating tasks when the conditions aren't optimal. Without interest or novelty, our turbo brain remains stuck in the garage. How can we lower the threshold so that the task feels easier? How can we tap into our core strength of curiosity and infuse fun into our work? How can we grant ourselves permission to enjoy what we do?
It is through this perspective that I view the use of artificial intelligence as a tool, a reasonable accommodation in the workplace. Similar to using noise-canceling headphones, taking necessary breaks, or prioritizing essential job duties, incorporating assistive technologies like timers, apps, and calendars can significantly support our productivity. We already embrace assistive technology in our homes in various ways. Is it considered "cheating" when we use a dishwasher or a washing machine? What about a crockpot or a toaster? We engage with social media for entertainment, trust our banks to safeguard us from fraud, rely on navigation tools, voice and face recognition on our devices, and even welcome autocorrect in our writing—all examples of artificial intelligence enhancing our daily experiences.
I am by no means an expert in AI or AI ethics. However, as a Turbo Thinker©️ coach working with clients worldwide, I am excited to witness how tools like Chat GPT bring ease and enjoyment into our lives. We can choose to force ourselves through the day with sheer willpower and self-discipline (although that rarely works), or we can opt to play with a new toy to achieve the same objectives. I don't suggest plagiarism, but rather see how Chat GPT can be employed to generate a first draft or assist in editing and synthesizing information. It may initially seem creepy, but it's undeniably cool! Every week, clients share their discoveries of new tools that support our working memory, aid in organizing information from meetings and communications, or assist in scheduling and planning. Why not automate the tasks that require our executive function skills, allowing our brains the time and space for creativity and exploration? As one of my clients put it, "I value a greater sense of spaciousness: the room to reflect, wander, and simply be." Let's embark on this adventure and give your brain the spaciousness it deserves.