Understanding AI with Simon Sinek's Golden Circle
AI is hard to understand. But to make decisions we need to understand it. Otherwise we are just dazzled by what is possible and surprised by its limitations. To decide how to use it we have to be able to predict where it will work. Only then can we make smart bets.
Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle helps us understand which problems AI can solve. The circle has three layers: WHY, HOW and WHAT. How does this help with AI? We can look at each layer’s needs to see how AI is useful.
In WHAT it shines. The problem is broken down, the intent is clear, the goal is well defined. It can check the result itself and run until it figures it out. We look at the results and are amazed by what it can do.
In HOW we need to be in the driver’s seat. AI can’t understand our customers, it can’t understand the implications of decisions. There is no clear right answer, so it guesses. Only if we use our knowledge to drive will it give us helpful results.
In WHY it is lost. It doesn’t know our purpose, our beliefs. It will still pick something that looks impressive at first glance, but behind the curtain there is no substance.
Now we know what kinds of problems AI can succeed at. But how do we use it to actually solve the hard problems?
We have to break them down into parts. Think of it as a WHY → HOW → WHAT structure: the closer to WHAT, the better AI can handle it. The best results come from a clear goal it can test against. If it fails, give it more WHY and HOW, then narrow its responsibility to the implementation. The WHY and HOW are the foundation AI can build on. They are exactly what you have to provide. This way we can make smarter bets. Because we are using AI’s strength instead of hoping it can do everything.
Give it the reason WHY it should be solved,
drive it to build the structure of HOW to solve it,
and let it do the WHAT for you.