🤖 AI in Lean Learning: Partner or Crutch?

Our July Central Coast Virtual Lean Coffee ☕️ led to a thoughtful discussion on AI’s role in learning and coaching. We explored whether AI is helping us think better - or doing the thinking for us.

Here are a few insights that stayed with me:

💡 AI can help us get started fasterOne participant pointed out that AI can accelerate learning by giving us a first draft, a starting point, or even a nudge in the right direction. It helps us spend more time evaluating and adapting, and less time stuck at square one.

🧭 The human element still mattersAnother participant reminded us that some of the most meaningful coaching happens when you’re asked a question you never thought to ask - or when someone gently points out that you’re solving the wrong problem. That spark is hard to replicate.

⚖️ It’s not either/orThe consensus seemed to be that AI isn’t replacing human thinking - it’s enhancing it. The best use of AI is as a partner that helps us stay curious, challenge our assumptions, and build stronger learning habits.

One of the most practical tips shared? Use AI to turn transcripts into flashcards. Simple idea, big impact.

Someone also raised a great long-term question: if AI becomes our go-to coach, how will future human coaches get their practice in? Food for thought.

It’s clear AI can add real value, but it’s up to us to use it thoughtfully.