Category: Strategy

Today’s [AI] mistakes frame AI’s future

On By brainsbriIn Curiosity, Modern Challenges, Observations, Perspectives, Strategy, technologyLeave a comment

AI makes mistakes. I’ve seen it. You probably have as well.

But it’s doing exactly what it should at this stage. As early AI adopters, we share the pain of the initial owners of the first Model T –

  • We are the ones with sore arms from endlessly hand-cranking our engine since there was no electric starter yet
  • We are the ones complaining about the bumpy ride since suspensions weren’t what they are today
  • We are the ones fed up with driving in the rain, and eating bugs as we drove because there was no windshield yet

How did all the creature comforts and enhancements come about to give us the automobiles of today that we know and love?

Feedback.

Users reported their experience and updates followed.

And while it took years for some of these automotive enhancements to come to fruition (e.g., electric starter), technological updates of today happen in weeks or months.

And while a select, elite few had the privilege of “beta testing” the Model T, we all get a shot at molding this new technology we call AI.

We all have the opportunity to leave our unique imprint on the future of AI – so when any platform makes a mistake, don’t complain.

Be patient.

Teach it something.

It’s learning.

How many days to replace a light bulb?

On By brainsbriIn Curiosity, Project Management, Random Thoughts, Strategy, Systems ThinkingLeave a comment

It took nearly a year and a half for a paper towel dispenser to be replaced in my office.

Because it was too expensive? Not likely – I’d guess under $100.

Because it was too complex and needed that amount of time? Nope – that type of task should conservatively take about 4 hours of actual work to complete.

Complex tasks need that amount of time to be completed.

Simple tasks – like this dispenser – are sidelined to focus on the complex, “more meaningful” tasks. Simple tasks could (and should) just be handled when they are identified, but they are delayed by complex project management processes.

Simple tasks are bogged down by process.

But without process, complex tasks inevitably fail.

What’s the solution?

Back in my Day

On By brainsbriIn Deep Questions, Personal Development, Random Thoughts, StrategyLeave a comment

Life was difficult “back then” – those that preceded my generation went through hell, and I commend them on their journey. Their feelings are valid.

But my empathy ends when, on their ascension to power, they adopt the very practices they claim to hate.

The ones who subjected them to those detrimental practices are long retired – or in some cases, probably dead now – this new cohort can choose one of two paths for leading the next generation:

  • Continue previous practices, demanding the newcomers experience the same “rite of passage” they experienced.
  • Contemplate how they would have preferred to be treated, and do that instead.

The former approach saddens me. Irate with their previous leadership, and either unable or unwilling to address it with them, this new regime passes the negative energy downhill as a way to feel better.

The “I had to do it, so do you” mentality.

But there’s no more admirable act than the latter path – to suffer through adversity on the ascent, but then choose a better path when given the power to similarly subject others to the same fate.

A path toward progress.

Society collectively obsesses over continuous process improvement, but what about continuous people improvement?

We constantly improve everything in the workplace except the human condition.

Make the right call.

Be better.

Do better.

We feel your pain for what you went through – honestly – but take the bold leap to improve the human condition.

If you choose not to, then that’s a shame – but we will patiently await our turn to do the right thing.

Building up to the Boycott

On By brainsbriIn Imagine a world..., Personal Development, Perspectives, Random Thoughts, StrategyLeave a comment

Imagine a world where we all stopped buying non-essentials for three months.

What power the masses could wield with such discipline. But that would be difficult.

The better move is gradual – over the next six to eight months, train yourself by heavily scrutinizing your spending, and slowly remove unnecessary purchases from your life.

Spending 10% less 8 months from now during the upcoming holiday season would be a win.

Then repeat next year.

The Abundance Illusion

On By brainsbriIn Environment, Observations, Perspectives, Strategy, Systems ThinkingLeave a comment

Full tank of gas? It’s NASCAR, baby! Let’s go!

Running on empty? Drive it like Grandpa stole it.

New tube of Toothpaste? gimmie all the mint!

End of the tube? squeeze it, roll it, press it until you get that last little bit, and that’s good enough to brush with.

Same with shampoo. Or soap. Or anything else in a tube or bottle or container.

We don’t realize how little we truly need until the stockpile is nearing depletion.

In most cases we can’t truly know what remains. Any idea how many fish are left in the ocean? I certainly don’t. Yet our default is to the abundance mindset, believing the cache is bountiful, when in most cases it isn’t.

 You require much less than you realize. Pay attention. Use less.

Bringing checkers to a chess match

On By brainsbriIn Personal Development, Random Thoughts, Strategy1 Comment

“You brought checkers to a chess match.”

Me, in a fictitious scenario

This line seems like it would be the perfect nerdy mic drop.

The implication, in my mind, is that the individual on the receiving end thinks so differently from me that they don’t even understand what ‘game’ we’re playing. They’re so lost they can’t keep up.

Of course, my underlying message isn’t as effective as I originally thought because we all truly do think differently. The proper response, however, is to bridge those gaps with clear communication. We must become effective translators instead of criticizing others because of our differences.

Commonality always exists. Find it.

Let’s examine chess and checkers. My thoughts thus far paint a picture of two completely different games, one being superior than the other.

However, they are both two-player games played on the same board. They have the same objective. They both have kings. They both require a strategy.

Neither game is superior. Similarly, your unique thinking style isn’t any better or worse than others. Instead of isolating or demoralizing others on the grounds of alleged inferiority, find the common thread and build on it.

As for my line, it sounds great in a dream – but I hope I never use it.

Save the Everyman!

On By brainsbriIn Personal Development, Strategy1 Comment

A few years ago I started a movement. It had one follower.

Intrinsic Tranquility: Your Household Process Management Specialist

I was going to fix everyone’s problems by helping them run their homes well. I was going to Save the Everyman (and woman)!

Aside from my desire to help those that never asked for my help, I was completely obsessed with the name. I thought I was so clever. A complex synonym for inner peace. What brilliance!

No need to ask around if anyone actually wanted this help though, because I had struck “branding gold” with the name. It would sell itself!

Shockingly (not really), the concept never took off, but my efforts were certainly worthwhile despite the lack of success. I took a risk. I failed. I learned.