Take Control: Becoming the Boss of Your AI Tools
artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we work and make decisions. You now have access to a powerful thought partner available around the clock, capable of offering insights on virtually any topic. however, this presents a critical choice: will you be the driver, actively steering the process, or a passenger, passively accepting the output? Many will succumb to the temptation of outsourcing their thinking to AI. They may not even realize their cognitive skills are diminishing until its too late. Don’t let that happen to you. This article outlines how to harness AIS power without relinquishing your own critical thinking abilities.Leveraging AI as a Partner, Not a Replacement
The key is to approach AI not as an oracle, but as a sophisticated tool that amplifies your existing expertise. Here’s how to take the lead: 1. Start Where You Excel. Begin by applying AI to areas where you already possess deep knowledge. This allows you to critically evaluate its suggestions and identify inaccuracies or biases. 2.Engage in Dialog,Not Just Queries. Rather of simply asking for answers, frame your interactions as conversations. Provide AI with context, constraints, and potential options, then debate the merits of each. For example, instead of “What should we do with our marketing budget?”, try “Considering our target demographic, current market trends, and a budget of $50,000, what are three potential marketing strategies, and what are the pros and cons of each?” 3. Practice Constant Vigilance. Never assume AI’s output is flawless. Actively participate in the process, questioning assumptions and challenging recommendations. Ask yourself: is this truly a good suggestion? 4.Embrace Active Skepticism. Consistently probe AI with your own perspective. If it presents a risk assessment, ask: “Isn’t that downplaying the potential downsides?” This forces a deeper analysis and reveals potential blind spots. 5. Resist the First Draft Temptation. While AI can quickly generate initial drafts, don’t bypass the crucial step of formulating your own thoughts first. The blank page can be daunting, but it’s essential for activating your brain and fostering original ideas. 6. Own the Final Decision. AI should inform your decisions, but you must retain ultimate control. Make the final call and take full duty for the outcome.This reinforces your expertise and builds confidence.Protecting your Cognitive Edge
The danger isn’t that AI will replace us entirely, but that it will erode our ability to think critically and independently. Consider this: consistent reliance on AI for problem-solving can lead to cognitive atrophy. Your brain, like any muscle, needs exercise. If you constantly outsource your thinking, those mental muscles will weaken. This isn’t about rejecting AI; it’s about using it strategically. It’s about recognizing that your unique human capabilities – judgment, creativity, and nuanced understanding – are irreplaceable.The Choice is Yours
You stand at a pivotal moment. The question isn’t if you’ll use AI, but how. Will you be a driver, actively shaping the outcome, or a passenger, passively along for the ride? Choose to be the driver. Choose to leverage AI as a tool to enhance your thinking, not replace it. Your mind is a valuable asset – don’t let it go to waste.The world loves AI. Nearly 1 billion people are using OpenAI products — and it happened in just two years. It’s the Silicon Valley playbook: Make it great, make it cheap, get us addicted, then figure out how to make billions.
we love AI because it offers cognitive shortcuts at a whole new scale. But… this won’t end well for most of us. We’ll let AI take over a few tasks, and soon find it’s doing all of them. We’ll lose our minds, our jobs and our opportunities.
But it doesn’t have to happen this way.Here’s how to see the path ahead — and take a different one.
the beginning of the end
In March 2023, I used ChatGPT for the first time. Now I use ChatGPT or Claude every day. AI has made my brainwork faster and more productive. But I am also getting cognitively lazy.
Take Control: Becoming the Boss of Your AI Tools
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we work, offering a powerful thought partner available around the clock. However, simply adopting AI doesn’t guarantee success. In fact, passively relying on it can be detrimental to your critical thinking skills. This article outlines how to leverage AI effectively – not as a replacement for your intellect, but as a tool to enhance it.why Active engagement is Crucial
Many will choose to outsource their decision-making to AI, unknowingly allowing their cognitive abilities to diminish. Recognizing this potential pitfall is the first step toward becoming a truly effective AI user. Don’t let this happen to you. Instead, focus on using AI to sharpen your thinking and maintain control. The core question isn’t if you’ll use AI, but how. Will you be the driver, or merely a passenger?six Strategies for AI Mastery
Here’s how to take the reins and ensure AI serves your goals:- Leverage Existing Expertise First. Begin by applying AI to areas where you already possess strong knowledge.This allows you to critically evaluate its output and identify potential inaccuracies or biases.
- Embrace Conversational Interaction. Don’t treat AI as a simple answer engine. Instead, frame your requests as discussions. Provide constraints, inputs, and options, then actively debate the AI’s suggestions.
- Maintain Hyper-Vigilance. Never assume AI’s output is flawless. Be an active participant in the process, constantly questioning the recommendations provided. Ask yourself: is this truly a good suggestion?
- Practice Active Skepticism. Consistently challenge AI with your own perspective. Don’t hesitate to probe its reasoning. For example, ask if a proposed strategy adequately addresses potential risks.
- Resist the First Draft Temptation. while AI can quickly generate content, avoid outsourcing your initial thoughts. The struggle of a blank page is vital for activating your brain and fostering original ideas.
- Own the final Decision. AI should be a powerful assistant in your decision-making process, but you must retain ultimate control. Make the final call and take full responsibility for the outcome.
The Power of a Challenged Mind
you now have access to a tool that can offer “expertise” on virtually any topic. However,the true value lies in how you use that tool. Consider the alternative: a decline in your own analytical abilities. This isn’t a hypothetical concern. Without conscious effort, your cognitive skills can atrophy as you increasingly defer to AI. don’t fall into this trap. Use AI to challenge your assumptions, refine your thinking, and ultimately, become a more effective and insightful professional. Ultimately, the goal is not to be replaced by AI, but to be empowered by it. By adopting a proactive and critical approach, you can harness the power of AI while safeguarding your most valuable asset: your mind.take Control: Becoming the Boss of Your AI Tools
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we work, offering a powerful thought partner available around the clock. However, simply adopting AI doesn’t guarantee success. Actually, passively relying on it can be detrimental to your critical thinking skills. This article outlines how to leverage AI effectively - not as a replacement for your intellect, but as a tool to enhance it.Why Active Engagement is Crucial
Many will choose to outsource their decision-making to AI, unknowingly allowing their cognitive abilities to diminish. Recognizing this potential pitfall is the first step toward becoming a truly effective AI user. Don’t let this happen to you.Rather, focus on using AI to sharpen your thinking and maintain control. The core question isn’t if you’ll use AI, but how.Will you be the driver,or merely a passenger?Six Strategies for AI Mastery
Here’s how to establish yourself as the boss of your AI tools,ensuring you remain in control and maximize the benefits:- Leverage Existing Expertise First. Begin by applying AI to areas where you already possess strong knowledge. This allows you to critically evaluate its output and identify potential inaccuracies or biases.
- Embrace Conversational Interaction. Don’t simply ask AI for answers.Instead, frame your requests as discussions, providing constraints, inputs, and options. Debate the suggestions and explore different perspectives.
- Maintain Hyper-Vigilance. Actively participate in the process. Never assume AI’s output is automatically correct. Constantly question whether a proposal is truly sound.
- Practice active Skepticism. Regularly challenge AI’s suggestions with your own viewpoint. For example, ask if a proposed strategy adequately addresses potential risks.
- Resist the First Draft Temptation. While AI can quickly generate content, avoid outsourcing your initial thoughts. The struggle of a blank page is vital for activating your brain and fostering original ideas.
- own the Final Decision. AI should be a powerful assistant in your decision-making process, but you must retain ultimate control. Make the final call and take full responsibility for the outcome.
The Power of a Thinking Mind
Your brain is a powerful asset, and it’s a terrible thing to waste. AI provides an unprecedented opportunity to augment your cognitive abilities, but only if you actively engage with it. consider AI as a collaborative partner, not an autopilot system. By maintaining a critical and inquisitive mindset,you can unlock its full potential while safeguarding your own intellectual strength. This proactive approach will not only improve your results but also ensure you remain a valuable and adaptable professional in the age of artificial intelligence.Staying Ahead of the Curve
the future belongs to those who can effectively integrate AI into their workflow without sacrificing their own critical thinking skills. Don’t fall into the trap of passive reliance. Embrace the challenge, stay vigilant, and become the boss of your AI tools.Your career – and your intellect - will thank you for it.Take Control: Becoming the Architect of Your AI Future
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the landscape of work, offering unprecedented opportunities for those who learn to wield it effectively. However, simply using AI isn’t enough. You need to be in control – the driver, not the passenger. This means actively shaping how AI assists you, rather than passively accepting its output. Here’s how to establish yourself as the boss of your AI tools and safeguard your critical thinking skills.Leverage Your Existing Knowledge
Start by applying AI to areas where you already possess deep expertise. this allows you to critically evaluate its suggestions and identify potential flaws. Don’t blindly trust the results; rather, use your knowledge as a benchmark for accuracy and relevance.Engage in Dialogue, Not Just Requests
Refrain from posing simple questions that solicit direct answers. Rather, frame your interactions as conversations. Provide AI with context, constraints, and a range of options. Then, debate the merits of each approach, challenging its reasoning and exploring alternative perspectives.Maintain Constant Vigilance
Active participation is key. Don’t assume AI’s output is automatically “good enough.” Constantly question its recommendations. Ask yourself: is this truly a sound suggestion, given all factors?Practice Healthy Skepticism
Proactively challenge AI with your own viewpoint. Don’t hesitate to probe its reasoning. Such as, you might ask, “Isn’t that analysis underestimating the potential risks involved?” This forces a deeper examination of the issue.Resist the Allure of Instant First Drafts
The blank page can be daunting, but it’s essential for stimulating your own thought processes. don’t outsource the initial creative effort to AI. Allow yourself the space to formulate your own ideas before seeking AI’s assistance.Own the Final Decision
AI should be a powerful assistant in your decision-making process, particularly for complex or high-stakes situations. However, you must retain ultimate control. make the final call and take full responsibility for the outcome.Why This Matters: Protecting Your Cognitive Edge
You now have access to a 24/7 thought partner with a vast knowledge base. But a critical juncture has arrived. Many will choose to offload their thinking to AI, perhaps allowing their cognitive skills to atrophy. Recognizing this decline can be difficult, and reversing it even harder.Don’t become one of those people. Use AI to sharpen and enhance your thinking, not to replace it. The real question isn’t if you’ll use AI, but how. Will you be the driver, actively steering the process, or a passive passenger, simply along for the ride? Investing in your own critical thinking skills is the most valuable thing you can do in the age of AI. It’s a skill that will not only make you more effective in your current role but also future-proof your career.I used to have to check AI’s drafts thoroughly. But now, it gives me a good first draft 90% of the time, and I’m losing the motivation to check its work.
A year ago, I thought the workforce woudl divide into “those who don’t use AI” and “those who do.” Now I see that’s wrong. In five years, everyone will use AI. The real divide will be between those who manage their AIs — and those who outsource their thinking to it.
How outsourcing degrades our thinking
Humans have always offloaded cognitive work. Before books, bards memorized Homer’s entire Iliad. Now technology is an extension of our brains, enabling us to offload math, navigation and note-taking.
AI is different. It can handle almost any cognitive task, and it feels productive.So AI outsourcing begins innocently. You ask AI to draft an email. It does it well and saves you 10 minutes. Next, you ask it to outline a presentation. It nails it.
You start using it for more complex tasks, like setting strategy. You start depending on AI to do the work,and slowly,your skills atrophy.
Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon released a paper showing gen AI can reduce our critical thinking ability. When knowledge workers are confident in AI’s output, they’re less likely to use their own brains.
People who trust AI (like me) rely on themselves to be its fact-checker. But there are two problems with that: 1) We overestimate our ability to identify AI’s mistakes, and 2) The temptation to skip fact-checking gets stronger.
AI drivers vs.passengers
In the next 10 years, the knowledge workforce will divide into two groups: AI drivers and AI passengers.
AI passengers will happily delegate their cognitive work to AI. They’ll paste a prompt into ChatGPT, copy the result, and submit it as their own.
Short term, they will be rewarded for doing faster work. But as AI operates with less human oversight, passengers will be judged as surplus for adding nothing to AI’s output.
AI drivers will insist on directing AI. They’ll use AI as a first draft and rigorously check its work. And they’ll turn it off sometimes and make time to think.
long term, the economic divide between these groups will widen dramatically. AI drivers will claim a disproportionate share of wealth, while passengers become replaceable.
How to be an AI driver
make yourself AI’s boss in these ways:
- Start with what you know. Use AI in areas where you have pre-existing expertise; be critical of its output.
- Have a conversation instead of asking for the answer. Don’t ask AI, “What should we do with our marketing budget?” Give AI constraints, inputs, options and debate with it.
- Be hyper-vigilant. Be an active participant. Don’t assume the output is good enough. Challenge yourself to ask,“Is this a good recommendation?”
- Practice active skepticism. Constantly probe AI with your point of view. “Isn’t that downplaying the risk of this venture?”
- Resist outsourcing every first draft. The blank page is scary, but it’s crucial for activating your brain.
- Make the final call, and own it. AI should assist with every medium-to-high stakes decision you make, but it doesn’t make the final call. Own your decisions as a human.
Your mind is a terrible thing to waste
With AI you now have a thought partner who’s available 24/7 and has “expertise” on any topic.
But you’re also at a crossroads. you’re going to see many colleagues opt out of “active thinking” and outsource their decision-making to AI. Many won’t even realize their cognitive skills have atrophied until it happens. And by then, it’ll be hard to go back.
Don’t be this person. Use AI to challenge and strengthen your thinking, not replace it.
The question isn’t, “Will you use AI?” The question is, “What kind of AI user do you want to be: driver or passenger?”
Greg Shove is the CEO of Section.
