Innovative Concepts

Staging

I noticed multiple lawnmowers staged on lower yards around our neighborhood. Due to the slope’s grade and the proximity of stairs, it is more convenient for homeowners to place a second push lawnmower at the low point of their property and use it for a limited area that is difficult to reach.

How might we stage our resources so we can act when needed, even if it means dedicating an item with a greater range than the deployment area? How might we identify where staging might be more effective than repetitive load-in/load-out scenarios?

River Speed

If we proceed at river speed, our ability to navigate is minimal. If we paddle faster or slower (against the current), our ability to make significant maneuvers is greatly increased. Go for the ride when you can, it nice to be swept along by the current. However, if we need to take action or move across the river body, then adding power may be the most effective way to navigate.

How might we toggle between the river current and paddling with power in our own work?

Recommended

What is the difference between receiving a cold call versus a referral? When a potential client calls stating that I was recommended by another organization (or individual), suddenly, we develop a triangle. There is the cause seeking professional services, my work as a consultant, and the third party who has encountered my talents somewhere prior. By having three fixed points, it is easier to develop and nurture a connection. When I receive a cold call and a request for a proposal, the decision on who to engage for the work is often based on price or other lesser considerations.

What is the third fixed point that elevates your work/engagement with others? As a social sector organization seeking contributions, a known donor asking another potential donor to engage is often far more successful than a random solicitation. When seeking a new board member, even a previous board member with connections to a candidate may be the best initiator of a conversation. Triangles allow us more flexibility and provide more latitude, even if we stumble during our first encounter.

Interpreter of Space

Who is your guide to navigating the terrain ahead? Who can interpret the spaces and blank spots on the map? Roadside attractions are easier to reach with their interpretative signs and pullouts. The landscapes that lack features often test our wayfinding skills the most. How might we prepare for the isolated and desolated sections of our journey with as much care as we commit to reaching the iconic summits?

Preserving From the Outputs of Progress

What are the benefits and residual impacts of our work output? When we look at the light pollution map, we see where the man-made illumination has the most radiance and which parts still retain dark sky characteristics. There are now Dark Sky Reserves dedicated to preserving regions from human-produced lighting.

The More You Know

It is convenient to see a commercial airplane as a uniform piece of aviation equipment. However, focusing only on the control surfaces adds depth and dimension to our understanding of all the possible inputs that impact operations.

How might we illustrate the control surfaces of our own enterprises without overwhelming our audience? Super fans might desire more information, but casual observers might be better served with a more basic orientation. How might we decode our work to build a better understanding of the expertise it takes to keep our organization aloft?

When Does Craft Matter?

Do you care if you receive a donor letter written by AI? How about a school report card remarking on your student’s progress generated by a large language model (LLM)? What if it is a piece of original artwork painted by a bot? What is your threshold for accepting human craftsmanship versus artificial fabrication?

We are navigating a changing landscape. Software programs and apps assess the likelihood of AI or human authorship and provide an estimation in percentages. What do you feel is essential that maintains a human touch, and what can be leveraged to an LLM platform?

How might we discuss our AI thresholds before we find ourselves simply adopting them out of convenience?

For demonstration purposes, below is Chtgpt’s rewrite of the above blog post. It is laid out with more structure, employs more sophisticated language, and is academic in nature. As a reader, which do you prefer?

Navigating the Evolving Relationship Between Human and Artificial Creations

In today’s evolving landscape, the distinction between creations authored by humans and those generated by artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly nuanced. Software programs and applications now possess the capability to assess the probability of AI versus human authorship, often providing confidence estimates in percentages. This advancement prompts us to consider what elements of creation require a distinctly human touch and where leveraging large language model (LLM) platforms can be beneficial.

Maintaining a Human Touch

Certain aspects of creation are deeply intertwined with human experience and creativity. Artistic expression, emotional resonance in writing, and the intuitive judgment involved in decision-making are domains where human involvement traditionally adds unique value. The ability to convey complex emotions through art, capture the subtleties of human experience in literature, or make nuanced ethical decisions are areas where the human touch remains irreplaceable.

Leveraging LLM Platforms

On the other hand, LLM platforms offer unprecedented capabilities in generating content that is coherent, informative, and contextually relevant. They excel in tasks such as data analysis, content creation for routine reports, and even generating original artworks based on learned patterns and styles. These platforms can efficiently handle repetitive tasks, freeing up human creativity for higher-order thinking and innovation.

Establishing AI Thresholds

As we integrate AI into various aspects of creation and decision-making, it becomes crucial to establish clear thresholds for its application. Rather than adopting AI solutions purely out of convenience, careful consideration should be given to where AI enhances efficiency without compromising the integrity of human-centric values like creativity, empathy, and ethical judgment.

Initiating the Conversation

To navigate this transition thoughtfully, organizations and individuals must engage in open dialogues about AI thresholds. This involves defining criteria for when AI is appropriate, ensuring transparency in its implementation, and continuously evaluating its impact on the quality and authenticity of our creations. By proactively discussing these thresholds, we can harness the benefits of AI while preserving and celebrating what makes human craftsmanship and creativity uniquely valuable.

In conclusion, as we navigate the intersection of AI and human creativity, maintaining a balance between leveraging LLM platforms for efficiency and preserving the irreplaceable human touch is paramount. By establishing clear AI thresholds and fostering open conversations, we can shape a future where technology complements, rather than replaces, human ingenuity and expression.

One Job

Jetways and Airstairs located at commercial airports have one job. They are necessary to load and unload passengers and crew. They are deployed for high-use periods and then sit idle. When reviewing utilization patterns, these items might not deliver a compelling return on investment. However, when a plane filled with people arrives, they are essential.
How might we not prioritize utilization metrics but look at the resource’s impact? A ladder would cost less money, but customer satisfaction would definitely drop. Even more critical, a jetway allows us to efficiently board a $100 million commercial airplane that does benefit from monitoring utilization metrics.