Why Even Smarter AI Might Still Be Socially Clueless

Thinking ≠ Theory of Mind Let’s start with something basic — but deeply human. We humans just get that other people have thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and intentions — which may be wildly different from our own. This ability is called Theory of Mind (ToM). It’s how we sense when someone’s upset even if they say, “I’m fine.” It’s how we pick up on sarcasm, irony, and all the delicious messiness of human interaction 😊. By the age of four or five, most children begin to develop ToM. Before that, they assume everyone sees the world exactly as they do. You’ve … Continue reading Why Even Smarter AI Might Still Be Socially Clueless

COVID-19: Are you being heard?

As Nancy stretched in her Herman Miller chair that evening, the fatigue of sitting for hours didn’t bother her any longer. Just two days ago in a casual chat with her supervisor she mentioned how her back hurt sitting continually at the home desk, and lamented if only she could afford a Herman Miller chair like the one at work. Her supervisor suggested she speak with HR about it and three hours later she was driving to office to get home her favorite Herman chair! COVID has thrown multiple challenges at managers and supervisors to stay connected with their teams. … Continue reading COVID-19: Are you being heard?

Quest(ion) of Perfection

 Perfection is the enemy of progress A bold statement by Winston Churchill. It cannot be, one may argue, a blanket statement. Indeed, perfection does make sense when we refer to the basic rules, the fundamentals like mathematical tables, a musical composition. theorems etc. Move over to the world of problem solving in organizations. Once the objective is clear and the why determined, it beats me why leaders spell out the how, when , where, who –  meaning they actually have the entire solution figured out in their minds – the “t”s crossed and the “I”s dotted. All they expect is for someone to execute  – and … Continue reading Quest(ion) of Perfection