The real risk isn’t AI taking our jobs. It’s AI taking our curiosity, because the moment we stop asking ‘why’ and ‘what else,’ we stop leading.
I recently came across a term that stopped me in my tracks: Algorithm Awe.
It describes the moment when we accept an AI-generated answer without question—much like when the most senior person in a meeting speaks and the room quietly falls in line. The response sounds authoritative, coherent, confident… so we assume it must be right.
But here’s the truth I keep coming back to: AI is a powerful partner, not an unquestioned authority.
A wise colleague once told me, “Invite computers into the group, but keep humans in the loop.” That guidance feels even more relevant today. The real opportunity isn’t in outsourcing our thinking—it’s in co‑creating with these tools.
When I use AI, I want it to challenge my assumptions.
I want it to present the strongest version of the opposing view.
I want it to help me see what I might be missing.
And then—critically—I want my human teammates and me to verify, validate, and make the final call using the skills that make us distinctly human: empathy, adaptability, critical thinking, and creative problem‑solving.
A few practical ways to avoid Algorithm Awe
- Ask “What else might be true?” before accepting the first answer.
- Request counterarguments to pressure-test your thinking.
- Bring others into the conversation—AI should expand perspectives, not narrow them.
- Pause before acting and check whether the recommendation aligns with your values, context, and lived experience.
Have you caught yourself slipping into Algorithm Awe? How do you keep your team grounded and engaged as AI becomes more integrated into daily work? Share your experiences and insights so we may keep learning together.
And if you or your organization want support building practical, human-centered AI habits and leadership skills, let’s talk!
#LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #AIandHumanSkills #CriticalThinking
Bill Ryan
Bridging Distance, Building Excellence – As founder and CEO of Ryan Consulting, I transform how organizations thrive in remote and virtual environments.
For over 25 years, I’ve been fascinated by one question: How do we create extraordinary connection and performance when teams aren’t in the same room? This question has guided my career helping organizations harness the full potential of their distributed workforce.
My approach is refreshingly practical. I align what I call the 3P’s—Purpose, People, and Process—creating frameworks where remote teams don’t just function, they flourish. In today’s landscape of rapid change, this alignment isn’t just helpful—it’s your competitive edge.
Working together, we’ll craft solutions precisely calibrated to your organization’s unique challenges. Whether through customized workshops on performance support, process refinement, mobile solutions, or organizational effectiveness, I bring proven strategies that deliver measurable results.
My greatest satisfaction comes from watching leaders, teams, and individuals discover they can collaborate more effectively across distance than they ever thought possible. In a world of constant change, that’s not just good business—it’s transformational.
Ready to reimagine what your remote workforce can achieve? Let’s connect.