When Smart Gets Lazy

THE AI JOKE

"What do you call a computer's favorite snack? Microchips."

TAKEAWAYS

• Use AI as a tool, not a crutch. Critical thinking must stay in the driver’s seat.
• The MIT study showed overreliance on AI may cause cognitive decline if users stop engaging mentally.
• Switching from “brain-only” to “brain + AI” yielded short-term gains—if used responsibly.
• Copy/paste AI use may save time but risks long-term skill atrophy and reduced creativity.
• The best AI use is like having a sparring partner—one that helps refine your thinking, not replace it.
• Leaders should set guardrails to help teams use AI responsibly and transparently.
• Tools like ChatGPT handle complicated tasks; humans still shine in complex ones involving ambiguity and judgment.
• Jim’s fitness journey illustrates how AI tools can support personal growth, but effort and human insight are essential.
• Online courses can help teams cultivate critical thinking—essential in an AI-driven world.
• Don’t automate wisdom; automate grunt work.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – The AI Joke & One-Liners
03:00 – MIT Study: AI, Critical Thinking, and Cognitive Debt
07:00 – Balanced AI Use vs. Copy-Paste Culture
10:00 – AI as Tutor, Not a Crutch (Language Learning Example)
13:00 – Jim’s Fitness Journey: Tools vs. Shortcuts
16:00 – Leadership and Critical Thinking in AI Use
18:00 – Complex vs. Complicated Tasks
22:00 – Human Wonder & Strategic Thinking
24:00 – Warnings for Overreliance and Corporate Layoffs
26:00 – Tools: Online Courses for Critical Thinking and Leadership

TOOLS

Online courses for employees and managers (and both who want to become leaders):

FREE

UC Davis: Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional: https://www.coursera.org/learn/critical-thinking-skills-for-professionals

• Certificate, free course
• Apply critical thinking skills to complex problems.
• Apply a model for solving problems and pose questions to further understanding of specific problems.

HarvardX: Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles: https://www.edx.org/learn/leadership/harvard-university-exercising-leadership-foundational-principles?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• How to identify and unbundle complex challenges
• How to understand the role of formal and informal authority
• How to identify the key perspectives of stakeholders
• How to build and renew trust relationships
• How to approach conflict
• How to implement personal strategies for surviving and thriving amidst change

HarvardX: Structure and Function of Argument: Introduction to Critical Thinking: https://www.edx.org/learn/philosophy-ethics/harvard-university-structure-and-function-of-argument-introduction-to-critical-thinking?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• Analyze everyday arguments to boost communication skills.
• Visually map arguments to strengthen reasoning.
• Listen better and engage in respectful debate.
• Use thought experiments to sharpen arguments.
• Improve logic and EQ in tough conversations.
• Spot assumptions and biases in arguments.
• Stay curious and calm in disagreements.

PAID

Harvard: Disruptive Strategy: https://pll.harvard.edu/course/disruptive-strategy
Certificate

• Become fluent in disruption theory and gain confidence in articulating complex viewpoints
• Apply strategic frameworks to assess new opportunities and potential threats
• Acquire techniques for executive-level strategy formulation and team management
• Cohort learning

Harvard: Strategic Leadership: https://pll.harvard.edu/course/strategic-leadership
Certificate

• Gain the insights, frameworks, and tools to inspire yourself and better lead your team and organization.
• Learn how to ask better questions,
• Leverage a diverse workforce
• Address the complex problems your organization faces in new ways.
• Cohort learning