Embracing AI: The Calculator for Words

January 29, 2025 | 365 Views

Embracing AI: The Calculator for Words

Curt Archambault, FMP

Education Strategist, CHART | Partner Consultant, People & Performance Strategies

I am a proud user of AI. No regrets, no concerns, no second-guessing. In fact, I own it unapologetically. Recently, I heard someone describe AI as “the calculator for words,” and that resonated deeply. Just as a calculator simplifies complex math or a GPS streamlines navigation, AI takes the swirling chaos of my thoughts and turns them into consumable, actionable content.

Think about it: We use tools every day to make our lives easier. We use phones to connect, cars to travel, and microwaves to heat our lunch. AI is no different. It’s a tool, a remarkable one, that accelerates creativity and productivity in ways that were previously unimaginable. Whether you’re a business leader, a creative professional, or just someone trying to organize their life, AI can be a game-changer.

Why Grind When You Don’t Have To?

Could I spend hours grinding out a well-crafted article, a perfectly worded email, or a captivating piece of learning content? Sure, but at what cost? Time missed with my family. Time stolen from personal care, growth, or just sitting in blissful silence. From years of experience in business, I’ve learned one universal truth: Time to market is critical. Whether it’s a new product, an innovative idea, or even just my own thoughts; AI helps me get there faster.

Even this article? Yup, AI lent me a hand. It’s not about laziness; it’s about leverage. Why spend precious hours agonizing over word choices when AI can amplify my voice and get my message out quickly and effectively? More importantly, this allows me to spend my energy where it really counts—on deeper strategic thinking or simply connecting with people I care about.

Infinite Possibilities

My favorite use of AI? Recipes. Yep, I stand in front of my refrigerator, list a few ingredients, and ask AI to whip up a dinner plan. It’s like having a Michelin-starred chef on standby, except it works with whatever random assortment of groceries I forgot to plan for. And guess what? It has *never* let me down. It’s a little slice of magic that turns the daily grind into something fun and creative.

But AI’s utility doesn’t stop at the kitchen. It crafts emails that resonate, summarizes complex ideas, and even helps me brainstorm solutions. Which brings me to this thought: How is using AI any different than a CEO gathering their team to solve a complex problem? Or a team leader delegating tasks to arrive at the best outcome? The essence is the same: using available resources to work smarter, not harder.

Let’s look at it another way. When a CEO asks their team to collaborate on solving a challenge, no one accuses them of cheating or taking shortcuts. Instead, it’s seen as smart leadership. They’re leveraging their team’s collective intelligence to drive better results. AI, in many ways, is my collaborator. It’s the team member that’s always ready to brainstorm, draft, or refine.

Action Steps for Hospitality Trainers

For learning and development leaders, particularly in hospitality, AI offers transformative potential. Here’s how you can integrate it into your training initiatives effectively:

Action Steps for Hospitality Trainers

By integrating AI into your toolkit, you can save time, enhance learning outcomes, and focus on what truly matters: empowering people to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences.

AI as a Collaborator, Not a Competitor

Let’s address the elephant in the room: AI shaming. Why does it exist? Perhaps it’s rooted in fear—fear of change, fear of dependency, or fear of being replaced. But the truth is, AI is a tool, not a rival. It doesn’t take away from my ability to think or create; it enhances it.

Imagine criticizing someone for using a dishwasher instead of hand washing their plates or a Roomba instead of a broom. Ridiculous, right? So why do we treat AI any differently? Tools have always been an extension of human ingenuity. The wheel wasn’t met with pitchforks, and neither should AI.

There’s also a stigma that AI somehow diminishes the value of the work we create. I’d argue the opposite. By eliminating repetitive tasks, AI allows us to focus on what truly matters: the insights, the creativity, the human connection. AI doesn’t replace us; it empowers us to be better versions of ourselves.

The AI Balancing Act

That said, like any tool, AI comes with a caveat: Use it wisely. It’s easy to get swept up in the glitz and glamour of instant solutions. But there are questions we should ask ourselves: Are we using AI to shortcut genuine understanding? Are we critically evaluating its outputs? Are we staying mindful of the potential biases embedded in its algorithms? AI is brilliant, but it’s not infallible.

Consider this: A calculator doesn’t teach you math; it helps you perform it. Similarly, AI doesn’t think for us; it enhances our ability to think. But we must remain vigilant, ensuring we’re using it as an extension of our skills and not a substitute for them.

Embrace, Don’t Erase

Instead of shaming or fearing AI, we should embrace its potential. That means celebrating its ability to free up time and energy for things that truly matter—like spending time with loved ones or pursuing personal growth. It also means approaching it with a healthy skepticism, ensuring it remains a tool in our hands and not the other way around.

The key is balance. Use AI to amplify your voice but remain the author of your story. Let it enhance your work without overshadowing your skills. Embrace its potential without losing sight of its limitations.

So, let’s own our use of AI. Let’s celebrate its ability to amplify our efforts and speed up our creativity. And let’s never forget that it’s not a replacement for us—it’s an enhancement. Whether it’s solving a complex business problem, training the next generation of hospitality professionals, or finding a recipe for dinner, AI is here to help. And I, for one, am grateful for the assist.

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