This is an attachment from an IBM training manual from 1979. The quote alone is remarkable:

“A computer can never be held accountable; therefore, a computer must never make a management decision.”

In a world where AI and technology seemingly lead the way in everything and are involved in way too many of our conversations, this eye-opening statement from over 40 years ago tells the entire story.

Accountability is a human result. It’s a human expectation. Managing people, managing decisions- those things will never be able to be replaced by a computer, by AI, or by any automation.

We have a responsibility to ensure that these things remain true – to ensure that our children understand the power of these tools. We must also understand them ourselves.

While we certainly utilize technology and AI in a way that most don’t, I wholeheartedly understand the responsibility that goes with access.

We must hold ourselves accountable for the things that we bring to our work environments, our personal lives, and beyond.

I encourage us all to use technology to enhance relationships and the things you do every day, but do not let it replace the importance of the human decision-making process.

-J.D.