In my newsletter, I’ve mentioned AI more times than I can count. I do so not just because it’s a buzzword, but because artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work, live, and think. Ethan Mollick, a professor at Wharton School, offers insights into this transformation in his book Co-Intelligence, exploring how we can coexist with this new form of intelligence. If you’ve ever wondered how to collaborate with AI as a coworker, teacher, or creative partner, Mollick’s book is a must-read.
Mollick describes three sleepless nights required to learn how to work with AI. One will be filled with excitement, another with fear, and the third with searching for solutions and strategies for effective collaboration. My own sleepless nights have lasted two years, with these phases interweaving. They aptly describe the complex relationship we should cultivate with AI.
What roles does AI play, according to the author?
AI as a Coworker
Mollick treats AI as a partner that enhances human capabilities. He outlines four principles for effective collaboration: understanding AI’s limitations, leveraging its strengths, maintaining oversight, and using human judgment as the ultimate authority. In my view, these principles strike a good balance between trust and control, and I strive to apply them in my work.
Imagine your AI coworker as an infinitely fast intern—eager to assist but prone to bending the truth.
AI as an Idea Generator
From creating art to crafting business strategies, AI proves to be a valuable partner in creative endeavors. As Mollick emphasizes, AI’s output still relies on human input and vision, underscoring that creativity will increasingly be a collaborative process between humans and technology.
AI as a Teacher
Mollick explores AI’s role as a teacher, coach, and collaborator, predicting that it could boost productivity in some industries by as much as 80%. Personalized AI models as teachers or trainers could revolutionize education, making it more accessible and tailored to individual needs.
Challenges
The author’s optimism is compelling. As an AI optimist myself, I recognize its potential, but it’s crucial to remain mindful of the challenges:
- Ethics: Does AI align with our values?
- Over-reliance: Will we lose our capacity for critical thinking?
- Inequality: Will AI deepen societal divides?
At the core of AI’s biggest risks lies the fact that it lacks any inherent reason to share our ethical or moral perspectives.
Practical Tips
- Start small: Experiment with AI tools in your daily life. Use them to generate ideas, automate repetitive tasks, or summarize information. Tools like ChatGPT or Notion AI can give you a taste of co-intelligence.
- Learn the basics: Understand how AI works and its limitations. This knowledge will help you use it responsibly and effectively.
- Incorporate AI into education: If you’re a professional, explore how AI can help you grow your skills. For educators, consider using AI tools to personalize learning for students.
- Collaborate, don’t delegate: Treat AI as a partner, not a replacement. Whether you’re working on a project or brainstorming ideas, engage AI as a co-creator.
Conclusion
Ethan Mollick’s central takeaway is a rejection of the idea of humans competing against machines. The future lies in collaboration between people and AI. The potential for AI to enhance creativity, productivity, and learning is immense—but only if we approach it thoughtfully. By applying Mollick’s principles, we can harness co-intelligence to work smarter.
Career Lessons from Rachel Feintzeig: How to Negotiate, Build Confidence, and Find Balance
Rachel Feintzeig, an experienced columnist for The Wall Street Journal, recently concluded her 11-year journey writing about career growth and work-life balance. Here are three standout insights from her farewell column.
1. Get What You Want
Negotiation is all about preparation and strategy. Feintzeig emphasizes the importance of having a BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement). In practice, this means developing a solid backup plan, whether it’s finding a new job, securing remote work, or building an additional income stream.
She’s also a strong advocate for salary transparency. While conversations about pay might feel risky, they are powerful tools for promoting fair compensation. Approach these discussions with tact and mutual respect to help create more equitable workplaces.
2. Confidence Over Workaholism
The most admired coworkers are those who combine competence with confidence. Feintzeig points out that overworking often benefits the company more than the employee. Instead of endlessly “grinding,” focus on what truly matters—tasks that have a significant impact and align with your goals.
For HR leaders and managers, this lesson highlights the value of fostering what Cal Newport calls “slow productivity.” Encourage employees to alternate between periods of intense focus and rest. This approach not only boosts efficiency but also builds a culture of engagement.
3. A Full Life
Feintzeig’s reflections on work-life balance underscore the importance of diversifying sources of fulfillment. For working parents or those juggling multiple demanding roles, having a variety of passions—from family and hobbies to community involvement—can provide a valuable perspective during challenging times.
The Future of Work According to Prof. Jeffrey Sachs
During the Future Investment Initiative (FII8), Prof. Jeffrey Sachs and Jerry Todd shared their vision of the changing nature of work and the need for educational reform. Here are the key takeaways:
1. Automation Accelerated by AI
Automation has been transforming industries for years, and artificial intelligence is speeding up this process. While AI holds the potential to revolutionize productivity, it also presents serious challenges: the elimination of jobs and growing economic inequality.
2. Inequality – Greater Than Ever
The benefits of AI will be distributed unevenly, deepening existing gaps between industries, regions, and workers. Social and economic inequalities are likely to become even more pronounced. How can we prepare for these shifts? It’s a question worth reflecting on.
3. Rethinking Education – Learning to Adapt
In an era where robots and AI can handle tasks that once required hours of human effort, education must evolve. The focus is no longer solely on specific skills but on the ability to adapt quickly to new challenges. As Prof. Sachs noted: “Nobody knows what we’ll be doing in the next 10–15 years.” With the rapid pace of technological development, long-term career planning is becoming increasingly difficult.
Shaping Your Work Story in an Uncertain World
Each of us has our own “work story”—a narrative about what we do and how we grow professionally. As the world evolves, so do these stories. Researchers cited by Andy Spence have identified seven competing narratives we construct about the future of work.
Dataism: Trust the Algorithm
Story: Data, not human intuition, should drive decisions, placing algorithms and data analysis at the forefront while sidelining human input.
Signals: Algorithmic management in Amazon warehouses; the rise of digital employees.
Extreme future vision: Your personal AI agent determines your breakfast, considering sleep patterns and your work schedule.
Exterminationism: Robots Take Over
Story: Automation leads to massive job cuts, creating a dystopian future.
Signals: AI-driven Hollywood writer strikes; forecasts of millions of lost jobs by 2030.
Extreme future vision: By 2050, mass unemployment forces governments to implement job-replacement programs.
Re/Upskilling: Learn or Be Let Go
Story: Lifelong learning becomes essential for staying employed.
Signals: Singapore’s SkillsFuture program; the popularity of online education platforms.
Extreme future vision: AI drives micro-learning tailored to current market needs.
Augmentation: Humans and Machines in Harmony
Story: Technology enhances human abilities rather than replacing them, aligning with Ethan Mollick’s vision mentioned earlier in the newsletter.
Signals: AI-assisted surgical tools; AI assistants analyzing legal documents.
Extreme future vision: Brain-computer interfaces enable problem-solving during sleep.
Technological Singularity: AI Surpasses Us
Story: AI exceeds human intelligence, permanently altering society.
Signals: Predictions of AGI by 2045; ethical debates dominating boardroom discussions globally.
Extreme future vision: Superintelligent AI demands citizenship; humans upload their minds to computers for digital immortality.
The Death of Work
Story: Automation disproportionately affects low-skilled jobs, deepening inequality.
Signals: Cashierless stores like Amazon Go; pilot programs for autonomous trucks in the U.S.
Extreme future vision: Governments introduce benefits for workers displaced by automation.
Deintensification: The Age of Luxury
Story: Technology reduces working hours, fostering creativity and leisure time.
Signals: Successful trials of four-day workweeks; growing support for universal basic income (UBI).
Extreme future vision: By 2051, UBI becomes standard, enabling mass digital detoxes.
These narratives shape the future of work profoundly. But what does this mean for you personally? How do these shifts impact your career decisions and development?
- Understand Dominant Narratives: Which trends are shaping your industry? Critically evaluate their promises and pitfalls.
- Craft Your Own Story: Don’t let external forces dictate your career path—actively align your goals with emerging opportunities.
- Invest in Flexibility: Develop strategies prioritizing adaptability, from financial independence to lifelong learning.
Which narrative resonates most with you? What steps are you taking to align your career with the changing world of work? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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What Did Bob Iger Reveal About Disney’s Magic?
What makes Disney special? In a recent episode of Nicolai Tangen’s podcast, Bob Iger, Disney’s CEO, shared the secrets behind the company’s success. Here’s what sets Disney apart, according to its CEO:
At Disney, staying current is non-negotiable. Employees are encouraged to tune into the zeitgeist. Disney’s products must reflect the pulse of the present.
Disney’s leaders must balance two essential roles:
- Managing the present: Ensuring smooth operations and maintaining high standards.
- Planning for the future: Creating room for innovation.
A leader should be guided by opportunities, not fear.
Curiosity drives discovery and innovation at Disney, but self-care is equally important. Iger emphasized that taking care of one’s health and energy is crucial for effective leadership.
Is LinkedIn Already Full of AI?
A report from Originality AI, a company specializing in detecting AI-generated content, reveals that 50% of English-language posts on LinkedIn are written using generative artificial intelligence. Surprising? Alarming? Or perhaps just a logical outcome of technological progress?
Here’s the real question: is a poorly written post about changing jobs, a great team, earning a certificate, or a company event better than one generated formulaically by AI? In my opinion, the difference is minor. Both should start with the question: “What do I want to achieve by posting this on LinkedIn?”—and probably never get published.
By the way, what about this newsletter? Am I writing it with the help of AI?
Yes, but I’m the author of every idea and thought. AI helps me communicate my thoughts more clearly, but I choose the topics and draft the initial versions. I collaborate with ChatGPT and Gemini to refine the final text.
And you? How do you use AI in your work? Do AI-generated LinkedIn posts bring value to you? Let me know in the comments 👇
How to Build Professional Relationships?
The Journey to Synergy (TJS) model offers an intriguing framework for understanding how relationships evolve from competition to collaboration.
Everything Is Competition
At this stage, interactions are defined by zero-sum thinking: one party’s success comes at the expense of the other. A common behavior here is gatekeeping—excluding others due to bias or the desire to maintain the status quo. While such situations can be demotivating, they also help identify where not to invest your energy.
Coexistence
Here, both parties acknowledge each other’s presence but keep interactions minimal: “I know them, but we don’t talk.” This can stem from personality differences, divergent career goals, or mismatched values.
In professional settings like IT or HR, this might look like colleagues who respect each other’s work but rarely collaborate due to differing priorities. Coexistence isn’t inherently negative—it simply reflects the current state of the relationship.
Communication
At this level, basic information is exchanged without deeper engagement—akin to casual LinkedIn connections or surface-level conversations at networking events.
In Western cultures, this status is common. However, moving beyond it requires intentionality: showing genuine interest and taking proactive steps.
Collaboration
At this stage, both parties contribute to a shared, low-risk goal—for instance, co-presenting at a conference or participating in a group project. Collaboration is transactional but lays the groundwork for deeper connections.
Coordination
Coordination occurs when one party adopts the other’s goal as their own—for example, promoting a colleague’s course or co-organizing a conference event.
This stage demands trust and alignment but can be risky without prior relationship-building. Research shows coordinated actions strengthen trust and foster long-term satisfaction—essential for leaders aiming to create synergistic teams.
Equal Collaboration
This is where the magic happens: two or more people work together toward the same goal, sharing responsibility and trust. Examples include co-authoring a book or founding a startup—endeavors requiring mutual respect and an understanding of each other’s strengths.
Synergy
Although collaboration is ideal, synergy can sometimes blur boundaries to a toxic extent, erasing individuality. This overly dynamic “team spirit” can lead to burnout and imbalance. Recognizing this state and maintaining boundaries is crucial.
Practical Application
Evaluate your relationships using this spectrum:
- Who are you in synergy with? How did it happen?
- Who would you like to start a business with?
- Who makes you feel excluded?
Got something interesting?
If you have an article, podcast, or book that you think might interest me, let me know in a private message on LinkedIn!
Until next time,
Discover more from Wiktor Tkaczyk
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