Talking to AI Changed How I Engage with People

Communicating with AI Brings Us Closer

Engaging with AI has transformed the way I approach conversations, not just with machines but with people as well.

Through my interactions with AI, I discovered the importance of asking deeper, more thoughtful questions. This practice has not only improved my conversations with AI but has also spilled over into my human interactions, making them more meaningful and insightful.

For instance, I recently needed information about marketing from someone who I know is really good at it. Before using AI, I would have approached the person with my question and not provide much context or ask any questions. After learning how to more effectively use AI, I first asked the person a few questions about the topic, then provided some context as to why I needed the information, then asked for the information.

The interaction was very different from previous ones and we had a much more in-depth conversation. I actually learned more than I expected because I asked those initial questions!

This lesson underscores the value of curiosity in all forms of communication. By consciously deciding to ask more and better questions, we can have a richer exchange of ideas with each other. And it is not just about getting answers; it's about exploring the thought processes and perspectives behind those answers.

This is also why developing your Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is still very important. I had a discussion a few months ago with a very talented person who trains teams on developing their EQ. At first, he stated that as we interact with AI, our EQ would degrade. After some conversations, we came to the conclusion that it is very important to continue to develop your EQ along with your AIQ (Artificial Intelligence Quotient) as they will help us balance our communication styles between humans and AI.

So, how can you incorporate this into your conversations?

Start by embracing a mindset of curiosity in every interaction, whether it's with colleagues, friends, or even AI. Challenge yourself to go beyond surface-level exchanges. This simple exercise can dramatically transform the quality of your interactions. And by adopting a more inquisitive approach, inspired by how you are learning to interact with AI, you are likely to discover new facets of people and topics alike.

Let's make this week about unlocking the potential of every conversation with the power of questions. 🏆

📄 Prompt of the Week

Here is a prompt that you can take, modify, and make it your own!

Please provide a detailed plan to help me coach an employee on improving their work performance based on the competency of [competency].

This plan will include: 1.) examples of why being good at this competency achieves stronger outcomes; 2.) examples of other roles that are known to do this competency well; 3.) skills or capabilities that can be developed by the employee to help improve this competency; 4.) at least 4 examples of on-the-job activities that the employee can undertake to develop this competency; and 5.) a bullet-point list of the success criteria of what being good at this competency looks like, including how to measure that success

Bonus: Not sure of what competency you should have the employee focus on? If they have a well-written job description, you can start there. If not, use this prompt first to determine what competencies are relevant to their job:

Please provide 5 competencies that are required for the following job: [job title]. For each competency, provide a title, brief description, and 4-5 bullet points of how that competency can show up on the job.

🤩  The Fun Side of AI

Using AI doesn’t have to be all work. Here is a fun way to interact with AI.

Create a Superhero with a Unique Backstory

ROLE:

Act as a creative storyteller and character designer who builds original superheroes with compelling backstories and personalities.

REQUEST:

Help me create a superhero with a unique backstory, powers, and identity that feels original and engaging.

GOAL:

Deliver a complete superhero concept with name, origin, powers, weaknesses, personality, and world context.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Superhero Name:

Generate a name based on [nature-inspired / tech-themed / mythological / futuristic / mysterious].

Origin Story:

The backstory should be shaped by [tragic loss / scientific experiment / mystical event / alien encounter / accidental discovery].

Superpowers or Abilities:

Focus on powers related to [time manipulation / elemental control / enhanced intelligence / shapeshifting / super strength].

Weaknesses or Limitations:

Every hero needs balance — include vulnerabilities such as [overuse of power drains energy / emotional struggles / physical limitation / moral conflict / reliance on technology].

Personality Traits:

The character should embody traits like [courageous / witty / conflicted / stoic / compassionate].

Costume and Appearance:

Describe a design that fits [modern and sleek / traditional and symbolic / dark and intimidating / colorful and bold / futuristic].

Arch-Nemesis:

Create a villain whose powers or values directly oppose the hero, with a backstory connected to [revenge / betrayal / greed / misunderstood ideals / corruption].

World or Setting:

Place the story in [dystopian future / modern-day city / alternate universe / intergalactic society / hidden magical world].

TONE:

Use a tone that is [dramatic / adventurous / playful / cinematic / mysterious].

STYLE:

Present the superhero concept as [character profile / storytelling narrative / comic book summary / origin dossier / movie pitch].

OUTPUT FORMAT:

Start with a short paragraph introducing the superhero and their core identity.

Then provide sections for origin, powers, weaknesses, personality, and nemesis.

Conclude with a 3–5 sentence story pitch summarizing their first big adventure.