AI vs Human Insights: Key Differences and the Sweet Spot

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:

1. 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.

2. AI for speed, humans for sense.
   Let AI handle repetitive, data-heavy, or analytical work, while humans focus on empathy, ethics, and creativity.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Guest podcast exploring sales, leadership, change and AI.

The podcast interview features Andrew, co-founder of Know and Do, in conversation with David Beharall, discussing the realities of sales, leadership, coaching, and change in business.

Andrew shares his journey from his first job at McDonald's—where he learned about systems, process, and early sales skills—to founding a values-driven coaching and consultancy business in the UK. The discussion emphasizes the importance of applied learning: taking knowledge and putting it into action to generate meaningful results.

Key topics covered include:

• Why most people get sales wrong: Andrew explains that many have a negative perception of sales, often associating it with pushiness or bad experiences. He believes the key is to shift mindset and see sales as helping others by offering something valuable, rather than as manipulation or pressure.

• What makes a good coach: The conversation explores the qualities of effective coaches—those who can listen, understand individual needs, and support genuine growth. Andrew highlights the importance of intuition, continuous learning, and adapting to each person.

• Leadership vs. management: Andrew distinguishes between the two, noting that leadership is about setting direction and inspiring people, while management is about organizing and maintaining systems. Both are necessary but require different skills and approaches.

• Practical approach to AI in business: The podcast briefly touches on artificial intelligence, focusing on practical uses rather than hype. Andrew suggests business leaders should look for ways AI can genuinely support their goals without getting distracted by trends.

• Creating real change: Andrew stresses the importance of creating space for change, both personally and within organizations. This involves self-awareness, openness to feedback, and a willingness to do the work rather than just chase trends.

Throughout, Andrew shares personal anecdotes—such as a formative car accident and his experiences in sales and academia—that shaped his philosophy. The conversation is aimed at business leaders, team managers, and anyone considering their next steps, offering insights on mindset, practical learning, and purposeful leadership over following fads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQcJ28AAiXA

David Beharall is an ex-premier league footballer and co-founder of Is This You? www.isthis-you.com.

How to do a 'set/reset' for your business.

How can you do a simple business 'Set/Reset'? 🤔

Today is both the start of Q2 for 2025 📈 and April Fools' Day 😂 (although with the news the way it is, the April Fools' headlines are getting harder to spot).

The question to ask as we go into Q2 is not whether you'll get through the quarter, but what you want to get from it? Where do you want to be at the start of Q3?

You have to be aware of where you're going to make sense of how and what you can control. 🧭

There's a lot of negative narrative in the business press at the moment and it's easy to fall prey to it, unless you've got a clear view on what you can focus on instead.

Too many people fall into the trap of focusing externally, instead of adopting an internal locus on control. This is easily picked up in the language people use and their outlook. The former think things mainly happen to them and they have little control over that, and the latter make things happen for themselves. They steer a different course. ⛵

The burning question then is - Are you clear about what you want to get from the next 12 weeks? ⏳📊

The answer we come across far too often is "not really". Alongside comments like "We've a rough idea....; we don't know what the markets will do....; we're waiting to see what the budget says....; the impact of tariffs....; it's outside of our control we just respond...." 🤞🍀

That's energy sapping, not much fun, and feels very uninspiring.

We've built a really simple framework for doing a quick 'set/reset' with our clients. 📈

These are short interventions, where we get a snapshot of where they are now (current state) and where they'd like to be 3 months from now (desired future state). 🏅 (See the model below).

We add a lot more detail to help reflect on the current state and how clients feel about it. This normally highlights the lack of suitable and varied metrics that help to reveal what’s going on. You need to know much more than just turnover and profit.

It's much easier to fully commit yourself when you know where you're going, how you think you'll get there, and what you'll get from being there. 😃

As the diagram below shows that doesn't mean it's all plain sailing. There may well be challenges, but it's much easier to cope with them if you're clear on the journey, and if you've someone to guide you. Ask anyone who drives the M25 regularly detours or unexpected incidents occur. It’s how we prepare for and react to these that makes the difference.

We work alongside clients in 3 month sprints that build the vision for their Desired Future State and the processes and systems to support their journey. 🤝 📈 We hold them accountable and share others models and tools that help to build their skills and knowledge. Ultimately, these lay a solid foundation for a 2-3 year plan to start to emerge focusing on the Vision, Implementation and Priorities as below. This can then help to launch or relaunch the business and enhance its profitability. 🚀

One page business plan

Let us help you get the most out of your next quarter and/or reset your business planning. Get in touch to see how we can support you.