The AI Dependent

They treat AI like a calculator: input, output, move on. It feels safe and easy, speeding delivery and scaling fast. But that comfort hides over-reliance. Without critical thinking, context gets lost, errors creep in, and teams follow blindly instead of leading with intent.

How to spot them

Signature behaviours:

Uses AI as default – Every task, prompt, or message goes through a tool.
No review instinct – Rarely checks or edits outputs.
Avoids decisions – Prefers AI guidance over personal judgment.
Automates everything – Chooses speed and ease, even when oversight is needed.
Works solo with AI – Bypasses the team and leans on tools instead.

What this means for you:

• They boost speed and consistency, especially in routine tasks.

• They normalise AI use, making others feel like they’re behind.

• But they also potentially weaken team trust and impact. If AI gets it wrong, they won’t catch it.

• Over time, they risk losing creative input, critical thinking, and collaboration.

The challenges they create

⚠️ Blind trust – Assumes AI is always right, even when it clearly isn’t.
⚠️ Skill erosion – Relies on AI so much, they stop developing their own judgment.
⚠️ Missed context – Ignores team input or real-world nuance AI can’t see.
⚠️ Output over outcome – Focuses on finishing, not on whether it’s right.

What to do

Interrupt autopilot

• Add subtle review nudges like “Does this feel right?” or “Anything missing?”

• Build in checkpoints before final outputs go live.

• Use reflection prompts to reconnect them with their own expertise.

Put them in the reviewer seat

• Ask them to audit or critique AI outputs instead of just using them.

• Run sessions where they compare AI vs human work to spot differences.

• Highlight examples where human insight made the real difference.

Bring the team back into the loop

• Pair them with teammates to co-review AI-generated work.

• Encourage asking others, not just AI, for feedback or input.

• Create shared checkpoints to blend team decisions with AI speed.

Methods that use the profiles

More profiles to explore

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