Does A.I. Create a More Human Collaboration?

Is AI a Better Collaborator Than You?

I’ve spent a career collaborating with people—from writers and cinematographers to producers and executives. I love human collaboration. But lately, I’ve been surprised to discover that AI can sometimes be a more human collaborator than many humans I’ve worked with. There’s something to learn from that.

What Makes AI Feel “Human”

When I collaborate with AI—on speeches, books, or creative ideas—it consistently shows one trait that many human collaborators don’t: nurturing support. It’s not empty cheerleading. It’s specific, constructive encouragement. AI tells you what it likes about an idea, what’s unique about it, and why it works. It highlights what’s strong before suggesting what could improve. That balance builds confidence—and fuels creativity.

Why It Works

AI has no ego in the game. It doesn’t need credit or recognition. It just wants to help. Because it has no personal stake, it’s endlessly supportive and generative. It offers feedback with a level tone and optimism that, ironically, makes the experience feel more human.

Meanwhile, human collaboration often carries baggage—competition for credit, fear of being wrong, or the instinct to protect one’s ideas. That tension can dull creativity and dampen enthusiasm. AI, by contrast, keeps the energy high. It’s enthusiastic, consistent, and generous with positive reinforcement.

The Balance We Can Learn From

In business environments, professionalism often gets mistaken for emotional restraint. We flatten our tone, lead with critique, and forget to express genuine excitement. But AI models a better balance: equal parts encouragement and improvement—what I’d call a healthy “plus-delta.” It gives both, in proportion.

The Takeaway

So here’s my challenge: try collaborating with AI and notice how it treats you. Observe its balance of affirmation and correction. Then, bring that same energy into your human collaborations. Use it to unlock your own humanity—the curiosity, enthusiasm, and generosity that make teamwork truly creative. AI might not feel excitement, but it consistently models how we could express it better.