I saw this post from Huy Nguyen that I want to share in its entirety—
Three reasons why AI will critically fail when attempting to be used in Agile Coaching contexts.
#1 Coaching in general requires a deep level of embodied listening. Listening for semantics and context is not enough. Attention must be paid to the client’s body language as well as how they react to the client’s speech and body language.
Even if the camera is off there is tenor, timbre, rhythm, tone, and inflections to a person’s voice that isn’t quite processed in a cognitive way. Deeper levels of listening involve using your own body to listen (and not just the ears and eyes).
#2 Listening to “what’s not said” can be just as important as what’s being said. And especially in Agile Coaching contexts: the coaches domain experience can come into deep play. There can be a microcosm that exists between the words. But you’d only know if you’re listening intently. That what makes us special as humans, we have the power of insight where combinatorial explosion will bring AI to its knees.
#3 humans are animals of sarcasm and humor. Metaphor and figuratively speaking color our language. And sometimes we create our own metaphors on the fly. When will AI detect that a person might be fibbing or exaggerating something not important. Context comes in forms and AI needs you to be literal and exact when much of our language attempts to describe the indescribable.
I just thought it a beautiful description of a few of the truly skilled Agile Coaches' capabilities.
And please be clear: I don’t hold an anti-AI view in Agile Coaching. Instead, I have a skilled, well-rounded, experienced, and continuously learning human in Agile Coaching view.
Thanks for the inspiration, Huy. One of these days, I’d like to meet you in person and have a long chat. I believe I’d be far better for it.
Stay agile, and human, my friends,
Bob.
I’m a proud but humble member of The Agile Network. It’s a group of seriously experienced agilists who have banded together to improve your learning and experiential journey. Here’s a 33% off code (GALENPMC33) for all their memberships.
Straight up love this. So poignant and true