My high school-aged daughter recently shared that students are turning to ChatGPT for questions on homework assignments. Questions like “what does my teacher mean by this assignment prompt?” Because they’re either too embarrassed or don’t have time to talk to the teachers.
AI tools are creating new opportunities left and right, but it’s impossible to ignore this growing disconnection that’s going on. This tendency to avoid asking other human beings for help is relevant to business, too. It’s in our nature as humans to not want to admit that we don’t know something, because there’s often a social or professional risk to that. There’s no risk asking ChatGPT even the stupidest question you could possibly imagine. Maybe that’s why I saw someone type “what should I order at Chipotle” into ChatGPT while in the line at Chipotle the other day.
As someone who embraces AI in the B2B realm, I think it’s also important to seriously consider when you’re turning to AI–both in your personal life and at work. Yes, Perplexity can help me develop a brief on trending pain points in client services this quarter. But that shouldn’t come as a substitute for speaking with the real humans on my team about what they’re seeing and experiencing at our agency.
So, what can you do to foster more meaningful professional connections while embracing the real value that AI can still offer us?
I’ll close out with a few simple starting points:
Painfully obvious, I know. But in-person events are in fact on the rise as people recognize the value of connecting face-to-face in this “AI-driven” world. If you don’t typically make time for in-person events, I challenge you to attend just one in your area this quarter. Only good can come from it.
Small, authentic gestures remind clients you value the relationship and help you stand out from AI-polished noise. A short weekly check-in can go further than any automated campaign. Keep it unmistakably human by referencing a recent conversation, adding a small personal touch, and letting your natural tone show through. Just 3–5 sentences that show you’re paying attention will go a long way.
A quick reset, like stepping outside, stretching, or taking a short walk can boost focus and energy. Making it a team effort, whether it’s a shared company break or a light activity together, turns it into a fun way to recharge while building morale. Your team will thank you for it, and performance will go up in the end. Even a few minutes away from screens helps creativity and collaboration come back stronger.
Teams will use AI more responsibly when they know when to use it. Forming a small AI task force or running short internal sessions can help everyone understand best practices, ethical boundaries, and when human judgment should take priority. The result? A team that feels empowered rather than displaced, and more connected because AI is framed as a shared tool rather than a substitute for human input.
AI is reshaping work as we know it. Every week, I dive into critical topics surrounding AI in business strategy, marketing, and more.