Rethinking AI in the context of coaching...

I recently saw a post on LinkedIn proposing that AI is threatening the traditional ‘personal’ engagement of coaches and coachees- suggesting that the coaching process is only focused on one thing- a client ‘outcome’. With this in mind, solution-based AI interaction will replace human coaches. I personally do not subscribe to this point-of-view. The first thing to remind ourselves here is that coaching is trust-based and is not transactional. Conversations take place in an emotional world that includes how you might be feeling about a particular issue, involving body language, eye contact and active listening (that is appreciative listening). Coaching is not always outcome orientated either- for many it is a journey of personal development with achieved milestones celebrated and enjoyed along the way. In an article I wrote some time ago about the value proposition of coaching I cited a number of other areas that machine learning (AI by any other name) might miss; earning trust and confidence, referencing personal experiences, improve your self-confidence (especially with real feedback from a real person) and improve the quality of your thinking. As social animals we also love to feel connected to others.

Forgive the reading quality of the attached article I picked up while travelling in the UK this summer…the article references Emily Bender and her thoughts on what is, to her, just advanced automation when thinking about AI.

Let me know what you think….

Steve

Ref: The Oldie Magazine (UK)