Imagine having an assistant that continuously helps you to communicate in a more effective, yet still genuine and true-to-yourself manner. What if, by doing so, you could also improve your ability to provide superior service to others?
I recently had a conversation with a CEO that brought an important issue to light. He showed me an email response from a colleague that was clearly not from the person’s own mind, heart, and vocabulary. It was indeed… artificial! And because of this kind of communication, trust and spontaneity were challenged. It just did not feel right and trustworthy!
Allow me to share my journey and insights into the intricate relationship between AI and authenticity in the realm of business communication.
In the beginning, using AI assistance felt like a shortcut, a cheat. I would turn to ChatGPT to refine my email messages, making them more polished without losing their casual flair. Sometimes, I sought improvements and clarity. However, I always ensured that the final product bore my personal touch, ensuring it was a true representation of my message, my words. Any language hiccups were, undoubtedly, on me.
Over time, my perspective evolved. AI became a valuable helper in my quest to serve people better. It boosted my efficiency, allowing me to convey my thoughts more effectively and reach a wider audience. It was almost like upgrading from a hand drill to an electric one or transitioning from a typewriter to a computer.
Nevertheless, we can’t overlook the potential perils of AI. One primary concern is the risk of becoming overly reliant on it, allowing it to replace our genuine efforts and creativity entirely. Stories of individuals using AI to generate entire books, devoid of expertise or research, are becoming more common. Whether this practice is ethically acceptable remains a subject of ongoing debate. If machines replace human ingenuity, it poses both practical and moral concerns.
So, where does this leave us in the evolving landscape of AI and business communication? I believe the answer lies in finding a delicate balance. AI can be a powerful tool for improving communication and productivity. Still, it should never replace the unique human qualities that define us — our personal and relational touch, expertise, creativity and authenticity.
As professionals, let’s view AI as a versatile tool in our arsenal — similar to an electric drill or a computer — never as a substitute for what makes us individually exceptional.
Ultimately, I think, it’s not about resisting AI but about using the energy and riding the wave that’s already there – using it wisely to amplify our authentic voices. The true magic unfolds when AI complements our human touch, rather than overshadowing it.
Thank you for being part of the Ways2Grow community, and I eagerly await your thoughts and advice on this crucial topic if you want to share them.
