There’s lots of talk at the moment about AI taking jobs and the AI bubble potentially overheating. In this article, I wanted to share some thoughts on the subject and allow people to think through some of the basic elements of using AI to improve work performance.

NB. When I mention AI think about the range of models and tools that sit under this broad umbrella term and what they offer. AI is much broader than just large language learning models (LLMs) and there’s loads of them to chose from as well.

Table showing AI and human strengths in selected work areas.

The above table highlights some key work areas where the strengths of the input from both AI and human insights can be seen.

It’s not a binary discussion - use it or don’t use it. AI is simply a tool, but as with any tool it’s about understanding how it can be used and when to use it. This tale is as old as time. Someone invents the wheel, the thresher, the printing press, the train, the car, nuclear bombs you get the gist. Progress brings challenge and people can be resistant to change. However, I think AI offers a different scale of opportunity for smaller businesses that was previously the domain of much larger businesses. It will change the landscape in most sectors.

Remember, AI can hallucinate, but so can humans. Neither is infallible. Choose carefully and sense check regularly.

Here are some basic thoughts on the sweet spot of human intelligence and AI and how can they be jointly used to produce better outcomes.

The Sweet Spot — “Augmented Intelligence”

The most effective approach isn’t AI or human — it’s AI + human in a feedback loop:

AI for breadth, humans for depth.
Use AI to surface patterns, summarise large inputs, and suggest options then use human judgment to interpret and prioritise.
AI for speed, humans for sense.
Let AI handle repetitive, data-heavy, or analytical work, while humans focus on empathy, ethics, and creativity.
AI as a thought partner.
It can act as a “second brain,” helping you challenge assumptions, stress-test ideas, or explore multiple scenarios before choosing one.
Continuous dialogue.
The best results come when humans guide the AI with context, values, and intent, and then iterate on its outputs rather than accepting them blindly.

In Practice Examples

In coaching or strategy:
AI can analyse survey data or sentiment trends; you interpret what that means for leadership, culture, or motivation.
In marketing:
AI drafts options based on audience data; you choose the one that best fits tone, brand voice, and purpose.
In policy or finance:
AI models outcomes; humans weigh moral, social, and political implications.

What are your thoughts feel free to share how you use AI in your business? If you want some advice we’d be happy to discuss options with you. Feel free to get in touch.