In today's AI-driven world, authenticity is about embracing what makes us human. News product designer and academic Mario García suggests that to remain indispensable, we must infuse our creations with personal essence, just like cultural provocateurs Salvador Dalí and Oscar Wilde did in their eras. This essence can be achieved by prioritizing emotional intent, vulnerability, and imperfection in our work.
Authenticity is vital because it distinguishes human output from AI's algorithmic products. Humans infuse feelings into creative work, whereas AI relies on patterns and logic. For instance, a designer might select colors evoking personal memories, creating a site that resonates uniquely with users. This human touch is essential in crafting authentic and innovative work.¹
To maintain authenticity, it's crucial to guide AI rather than relying on it completely. Adding personal stories to AI drafts can make content feel real and relatable. Being clear about tone, audience, and purpose when giving AI instructions is also essential. AI can assist in clarity and structure, but tone should reflect the leader's intent.
Authenticity isn't just about expressing yourself without filters; it's about using the best tools available to communicate more clearly. Leaders should prioritize transparency, empathy, and user agency when using AI. This includes visually showing the level of AI involvement in real-time, empowering readers to decide for themselves how much weight to give a message.
In the age of AI, cultivating authentic intelligence involves asking better questions, reading beyond your feed, seeking disconfirming evidence, writing clearly, and showing up for people when it's inconvenient. Authenticity requires accessing your own emotions and being intentional about using AI as a tool to amplify emotional intelligence, not mask it.
