Coaching in the BrAIve New World of Artificial Intelligence

Futurist John Naisbitt 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.” With all the headlines and real-life applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we began to wonder if Naisbitt may have gotten it wrong. As a coach whose business is founded on the idea that human agency changes the world, I believe today’s AI algorithms put Naisbitt’s statement to the test.   

I’ve come to the conclusion that our humanness remains a coach’s comparative advantage in this AI world.  

Does this mean we’re steering clear of AI? Not at all! AI has its place in our coaching business. Its benefits open doors and save precious time and energy. Here’s how we’ve used AI for good: 

• AI Coaching apps create a psychologically safe gateway for people who may have barriers to working with a human coach. Real barriers such as cost, a fear of being vulnerable with another live person, and access to coaching are prohibitive. AI coaching apps open doors to people who need coaching, and that is a good thing. 
• AI business solutions support efficiency and engagement. Tools like Grammarly help with digital marketing, Otter.ai creates meeting notes and transcriptions, and virtual assistants offer accessible communication, support, and scheduling. 

We are not jumping on the AI bandwagon blindly. Instead, we approach AI with intention, discretion, and care, allowing us to tap into our own human superpowers. This saves our energy for the stuff that truly matters and sparks the kind of innovations that only humans and human systems can create. 

BE HUMAN is an acronym that helps us remember seven tried-and-true practices to unleash our humanity and set us apart from machines.

Be Intentional

Anything can be wielded for good or evil. Be mindful about how you deploy AI and consider both the benefits and the risks. Consider tradeoffs that come with more time and less authorship. What will you do with the extra time? Is it worth the trade?

Educate Yourself

Stay up to date on AI advancements. Consider merits, drawbacks, and danger zones. Familiarize yourself with the ethical aspects of AI and be a voice for responsible AI technology use and development. The Pew Research Center’s Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humans is a great place to start learning.

Have Real (Tough) Conversations

Engage in genuine conversations with real human beings about today’s issues. Don’t shy away from talking with people who think differently than you — seek them out. Social media and AI can create a dangerous information bubble where we are trapped in information that mirrors our own opinions and villainizes differences. Truth is ever more elusive because AI and social media are only as representative as the data pool that feeds it. Approach questions thoughtfully and actively participate in debates rooted in the lived experiences of others to expand and challenge your perspective. We love NPR’s StoryCorps’ “One Small Step” as a role model for this. 

Unplug

Take a break from your screen. Sit with someone. Go outside. Appreciate the wonder of nature and humanity. Talk or be still. Appreciate the energy of being together in community. Prioritize being. Engage deeply and notice the world and humans around you, and you’ll unlock something AI never can.

Make Changes

Fresh perspectives, novel approaches, and creative solutions that address real human issues will start to appear because you’ve made room for them. Notice opportunities, and don’t stop there. Every change starts with a conversation, so engage others — tap into their minds, engage their hearts, and catalyze action through their hands.

Activate Your Heart and Gut

Take advantage of the whole human experience as you coach. Allow cognition to meet its partners — the heart, hands, and the gut. Using your emotions and what your body tells you can serve your clients as only a human can.

Never Stop Learning

Humans are capable of regenerative thinking, too, as Carol Dweck called this a growth mindset. Sure, AI continues to evolve, but so do we human coaches. Look for possibilities, don’t be deterred by failure but, learn from it. Use your learning to equip yourself with skills that complement AI capabilities so you can make even more impact than you do today.

So, did John Naisbitt get it wrong when 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”? I don’t think so — but it depends on each of us to BE HUMAN. Coaches can lead the way by role modeling and leaning on our human side as we serve.