I. Introduction
In taking courses to gain greater proficiency in applying AI tools like ChatGPT, I noted that each course reinforced the criticality of how we use these tools – the intention, purpose and goal. As with anything in life, what you put in is what you get out. This is the same with ChatGPT and other AI tools. The user’s ability to provide context, direction, instruction and knowledge is key to the end result. In addition, ChatGPT and AI tools use natural language, so personalizing and making it your own requires developing a persona. And yes – this is all part of critical thinking and emotional intelligence. Let’s take a closer look.
II. Essential Core Skills
- Critical Thinking is the ability to analyze, evaluate, reason and make unbiased decisions. Components of this includes – Problem-solving, creativity, logic, skepticism, and intellectual curiosity.
- Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand and empathize.; essentially self-awareness. This emphasizes having strong social skills.
Together these core skills are essential for decision-making, problem solving, building relationships, fostering collaboration, leadership and personal growth.
III. The Role of AI in Critical Thinking and Emotional Intelligence
AI tools, are meant to help analyze large datasets, automate routine tasks to increase productivity and efficiency, and even provide different perspectives to aid in problem solving. It is meant to be a supplemental tool.
AI seeks to mimic certain cognitive functions through recommendation engines, decision-making aids and ability to influence. The downside is that this may cause users to rely less on critical thinking. AI does not have a personality or social skills. It has some emotional cues, but they are limited.
Placing over-reliance on AI can lead to a lapse in personal judgement, reasoning, problem solving and inevitably an incorrect solution. AI tools are based on large, finite datasets and algorithms. Meaning, the results are only as good as the information in these datasets, on which AI is trained, which inevitably have embedded bias. Over-reliance due to complacency can lead a user to run with incorrect conclusions.
From a human element perspective, increased reliance on AI communication tools, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, reduces direct emotional exchanges that foster empathy and understanding and may lead to misinterpretation.
High Level Summary of a Handful of AI Tools***
| AI Tool / Application | Pros | Cons |
| ChatGPT (OpenAI) Automates customer service interactions, handles inquiries, and solves common issues. | High volume requests. Can handle a wide range of topics and question. Can be used for many applications. | Limited empathy. Struggles with complex issues. May require human escalation. |
| Jasper – Content Generation Assists in writing articles, blogs, social media posts, and more. | Speeds up content creation. Generates content types. Can assist with SEO. | Quality can vary. Needs human refinement for depth and creativity. |
| DeepL Translator – Language Provides real-time language translation for text, conversation, documents and more. | Instant translations. Supports multiple languages. Helps break language barriers. | Can miss cultural nuances. May produce less accurate translations for complex text. |
***Reference – ChatGPT
IV. The Role of AI in Business and Finance
Within a business or finance environment, there is no doubt that AI can revolutionize financial services by streamlining processes, automating decision-making, enhancing predictive capabilities and creating models, presentations and visuals. However, having a foundational understanding of a subject or the fundamental ideas, will harness best results and mitigate the risk of going astray. While AI enhances decision-making in specific areas (e.g., forecasting, transaction processing or modeling), an over-reliance on algorithms could limit critical thinking in financial strategy, innovation, and leadership.
Critical thinking drives the ability to quickly pivot or adapt in a fast-changing environment. Emotional intelligence goes beyond data-driven, quantitative analysis and models. It requires qualitative elements, like understanding team dynamics, client relationships and reaction driven responses, to name a few. AI is not equipped to fully comprehend all of these aspects. Make sure AI is telling the story that you want to tell.
V. Finding the Balance Between AI and Human Skills
- Use AI as a Supplemental Tool, not a Replacement – Use AI to handle repetitive tasks, data collection or to gain different perspectives that build on your knowledge.
- Foster Critical Thinking – Engage ChatGPT and AI tools in a dialogue by providing context and content and by applying a healthy skepticism, intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills beyond AI provided solutions. Ask questions and ensure a diverse perspective to mitigate bias.
- Utilize Emotional Intelligence– Engage in a dialogue, develop a persona, moderate tone to foster collaboration, and gain diverse perspectives. Gauge your reaction and apply your own intuitive thinking when prompting and evaluating responses.
- Role Reversal – Turn the tables and be the influencer to harness the best of AI tools like ChatGPT.
I recently completed a learning path on LinkedIn – Building ChatGPT Skills for Business Professionals. I highly recommend this course and encourage continuous learning. Additionally, you will find other courses like Building Critical Think Skills in the Age of AI. If you are a user of Premium LinkedIn, take advantage of the LinkedIn Learning resources to help build a transformative skillset.
VI. Conclusion
AI tools are not replacements for a strategic partner, critical thinking or emotional intelligence. AI is meant to be a supplemental tool. Critical thinking and emotional intelligence are essential to human development, relationships, continuous learning, healthy skepticism and problem solving. Utilize AI as a tool to enhance knowledge, research, human judgment and interpersonal skills. Turn the tables on AI. Let ChatGPT and other AI tools do the heavy lifting and focus on influencing data responses by applying critical thinking and emotional intelligence to guide the strategies, decisions, and relationships that ultimately drive success.
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