LEARNING & GROWING: How you can use Artificial Intelligence

The arrival of AI

 It doesn't seem like that long ago when we woke up and the big news was AI, machine learning and the end of the world as we know it! It seems like there are two camps, those frightened by it and those who are exciting by the opportunities it creates. I confess that I 100% belong to the second group!

For me it started with Bard, as a Google One subscriber ( largely because I needed extra storage for all the photos I take) I was given early access. Then Bard became Gemini and went mainstream. At the same time Microsoft added CoPilot to Edge and Bing search engines and I was spoilt for choice.

I think it's important to get an overview of AI and this video 'Generative AI in a Nutshell' is very good at explaining in simple language.

How do I use it?

When I'm researching a subject I would typically use Google for my info. So if I was looking for information on Empathetic Listening I would get a definition and 46,600,000 results. Then I would wade through the first few pages and pull out information and muddle through. 

However, if I use CoPilot (my AI of choice) I can ask:- 

'What is empathetic listening and could you provide examples. Can it be developed and if yes, how would you go about developing this skills. I am looking at coaching my granddaughters who have just started at university.'

This is what CoPilot came up with:-

Empathetic listening is a powerful communication skill that goes beyond merely hearing words. It involves understanding the emotions and meaning behind what someone says, as well as what they might not explicitly express. When you practice empathetic listening, you create a safe space for others to feel seen, heard, and validated. Let’s delve into this skill and explore examples and development strategies:

Definition of Empathetic Listening:

Empathetic listening combines active listening, reflecting feelings, and questioning techniques with the interpersonal ability of empathy.

As an empathic listener, you intentionally show care and concern toward the speaker as they express their views or feelings.

This support not only validates the speaker but also enables you to respond more genuinely and wholeheartedly.

Stephen Covey’s Perspective:

In his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Covey emphasizes the importance of empathetic listening.

He suggests five levels of listening:

• Level 1: Ignoring the other person entirely.
• Level 2: Pretending to listen.
• Level 3: Selectively listening to what they say.
• Level 4: Attentively listening.
• Level 5: Listening with empathy.

Examples of Empathetic Listening:

Imagine your granddaughter shares her struggles with adjusting to university life. You respond:

“It sounds like transitioning to university can be challenging. How are you feeling about making new friends?”

Another example:

Your granddaughter expresses anxiety about upcoming exams. You say:

“I understand how stressful exams can be. Is there anything specific you’d like to talk about or explore together?”

Developing Empathetic Listening Skills:

Model Empathy: Demonstrate empathetic listening in your interactions with them.

Active Practice:

• Encourage them to actively listen during conversations.
• Teach them to focus on the speaker, avoid distractions, and reflect on feelings.

Ask Open-Ended Questions:

• Encourage curiosity by asking questions that invite deeper sharing.

Role-Playing:

• Practice scenarios where they take turns being the listener and the speaker.

Discuss Emotions:

• Explore emotions and how they impact communication.

Feedback and Reflection:

• After conversations, discuss what went well and areas for improvement.

Remember, empathetic listening fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a supportive environment. By coaching your granddaughters in this skill, you empower them to connect authentically with others during their university journey. 🌟👂

As a retired trainer I'm impressed and I'd forgotten Covey's book and the five levels of listening.

Having fun with AI

The following are some of the fun things I have asked AI to do:-

• I am spending 4 nights in Bury St Edmunds, could you recommend popular tourist attractions that I should see and a good restaurant for each of the nights that I will be there. I have a car so driving will not be a problem.
• Create an image of a chocolate brown doberman driving a tractor and mowing a field. It did this but created an American version of a doberman with pointed ears, so I asked it to change the ears to floppy ears as we have in the UK. Then put a barn on the field and blur the background.
• Write a poem about a Doberman called Luka who learned how to ride a tractor and mow a field. It came up with a poem in which Luka was mowing wheat in an unnamed village, so I typed in the village was Shackleford and he was mowing grass.
• How would you go about teaching a group of seniors to play pickleball. They come from a variety of ball games and have never played pickleball.
• Design a 7 day itinerary for the North Coast 500, recommending Airbnbs to stay in for each of the nights. Highlight all the attractions I need to see on the trip.

The CoPilot app can be downloaded to any smartphone and is available on the Edge search engine. Just copy any of the bullet points above and see what it comes up with. Then try a few of your own searches and see what AI comes up with.