Comment on this article by Wendy Lambourne, Legitimate Leadership: Simon Sinek explains very succinctly the positives and limitations of AI. The sentences which stood out for me though were “across all creative endeavors – the transformation happens through the struggle, not just in the finished product,” and later, “it’s the struggle that makes us a better version of ourselves, not the product.” This aligns both to the Legitimate Leadership focus on process, not outcome, and using the task to grow the person as opposed to using the person to get the job done.

Our summary of the article: AI is ‘The Shortcut Temptation’. Let’s face it—AI tools are getting impressively good at producing work that used to take us hours or even days. They can draft reports, generate code, create presentations, and even mimic specific writing styles with remarkable accuracy. For busy professionals, these tools are tempting time-savers.

But during the conversation, Simon offered a perspective that challenges our efficiency-first mindset.

“AI can only tell me what I’ve already thought,” Simon said. “It can’t tell me what I’m going to think.”

When discussing how AI might write content in his style, Simon noted that it would “go on and on about WHY this and WHY that and purpose. But I don’t talk about WHY anymore. That book (Start with Why – editor) came out 15 years ago.”

What Happens When We Skip the Process

And when we create something ourselves—whether it’s a strategic plan, a presentation, or content for our teams—we don’t just end up with a finished product. We gain something more valuable.

“I am smarter, I’m a better problem solver, I am more resourceful, I am more curious, I’m a better pattern recognizer because I went through the awful process of writing the book myself,” Simon said.

He emphasized that “it’s not the fact that the book was written, it’s that I wrote the book.” This principle applies across all creative endeavors—the transformation happens through the struggle, not just in the finished product.

The Relationship Factor

This extends to our professional relationships in surprising ways. Simon shared a scenario about using AI to generate an apology after a conflict with your wife/girlfriend: “You go to ChatGPT and be like, ‘I’m an idiot. This is what happened. Please tell me what I need to say to do the right thing.'”

Even if the AI provides the perfect response based on “all the therapy and all of the listening skills,” there is a fundamental problem: “If she finds out that you got that from ChatGPT … it does not repair the relationship.”

The human element is too crucial. “I’d rather have a bumbly-fumbly fight with you … imperfect because at the end of the day, I know we’re both trying to get to resolution versus you reading me the perfect script.”

The Beauty of Imperfection

Simon introduced a concept that captures why human-created work remains valuable in the age of AI. “Wabi-sabi is a Japanese design concept that means beauty in that which is temporary or imperfect,” he said.

He described Japanese ceramics as “imperfect. They’re bumpy … the glaze is very often imperfect and messy. And they’re the most beautiful things in the world because you can see that it was made by hand.”

This applies to professional work too. Those slight imperfections aren’t flaws to be eliminated — they’re distinctive markers of authenticity that clients and colleagues respond to.

Finding the Right Balance

For those of us navigating careers in rapidly changing environments, the question isn’t whether to use AI tools—it’s where and how to implement them thoughtfully.

“Like everything, I think there’s positive and negative,” Simon acknowledged. “Every tool comes at a cost. Sometimes those costs are worth it, sometimes those costs are not worth it.”

This prompts us to consider which tasks benefit from technological efficiency without sacrificing valuable growth, and where AI might enhance capabilities rather than replace essential human development.

Playing the Long Game

For those focused on sustainable career growth, sometimes the journey matters more than the shortcuts. Simon’s framework of the “infinite game” applies perfectly here — distinguishing between those focused solely on immediate results versus those committed to continuous improvement over time.

“It’s the struggle that makes us a better version of ourselves, not the product,” Simon said. He posed a question worth reflecting on: “You are not growing as a person. And the question is, do you want to grow? Do you want to be a different, better version of yourself when you’re 20, when you’re 30, when you’re 40, when you’re 50, when you’re 60? Or do you want zero growth?”

Professionals who thrive in rapidly changing environments aren’t just those with the most efficient tools, but those who maintain their capacity for growth and connection — even when technology offers an easier path.

Watch the full video here