AI - cooperative intelligence as a central driver

Computers seem to be a big step ahead of us when it comes to cooperation. They work together without reservations. The machine doesn't care whether the data comes from a Windows, Linux or Mac system. They neither withhold information nor reformulate it to gain an advantage. As a result, machines are rapidly becoming more intelligent together.

Laid in the cradle

Yet cooperation and collaboration is something we humans are born with. In groups, the former clans and tribes, we feel an inner obligation to do justice to one another. We invest time and energy to get to know and understand the other, because then we can trust him better. We strain to manage conflict. We feel the moral pressure to put our own interests behind the group interest. The reason is that we get further together than alone. For this, we humans have been given an extraordinary endowment.

The social brain

The human brain is a social brain. We have special brain cells with which we can anticipate the behavior of our counterpart and thus adjust to him - the so-called mirror neurons. Our brain rewards us with dopamine when we experience successful social interactions. And what is often overlooked: We don't have an innate lock on cooperating with strangers. Concerned parents know a thing or two about this. This is quite a different story for chimpanzees, our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Two strange hordes in a room can't help but fight with each other. We humans can come to terms with people with whom we do not yet have a social bond. Fortunately!

Achieving better results faster together

Today's global and agile working world confronts us with rapidly changing people of different cultures, disciplines and interests with whom we need to achieve results together. Therefore, it is now a matter of raising our natural ability to cooperate to a new level. From the small group, the manageable team into a new, bigger thinking we. Because we need more cooperative and collaborative intelligence than ever. It shows up when individuals work together intelligently. That is, when they achieve something in a short time that they could not do alone.

Right: In times of digitalization, human-machine collaboration is coming into focus. Time-consuming routine tasks - often solitary tasks - are being taken off our hands by machines and are often even done in better quality. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the decisive factor in technological advancement. But it has its limits.

Important isFor the remaining tasks, such as deciding what the machines are working on in the first place, interpreting the results, and developing new ideas, human-human collaboration is more valuable than ever. On the one hand, because it requires different perspectives. And secondly, because machines lack something essential, namely intentionality, i.e. the ability to consciously direct one's actions towards a goal. In other words, the drive to learn, to develop and to solve problems, from which imagination and creativity - or even better co-creativity - emerge. Neurobiologist Gerald Hüther explains why this is different in humans: "The human brain provides us with more potential than we can use. This gives rise to needs, which in turn give rise to intentions. The more challenging the task, the more important human-human cooperation is, because we are particularly capable of learning and being creative when there is positive social interaction.

Cooperative intelligence as a central driver

What would be left of us if we subtract all that we have learned from and through others? What would be left of all that we have, if we subtract that in which others have had a hand? Not much! Cooperation is the central driver of human development as well as economic progress. Let us imagine a company in which there is only competition and no cooperation. It would not be able to survive. Let us imagine a company in which there is only cooperation and no competition. Isn't that exactly what modern organizational forms strive for? Breaking down silos, cross-functional collaboration, think tanks, agility, collaboration and co-creativity. And why? Because it's what currently fits best with the demands of the environment.

Cooperative intelligence shows and multiplies ...

1. in humanity: establishing relationship, emotionality. Humans are social and above all emotional beings. We read the others around us, interpret their signals. Every athlete, every musician knows the effect of cheering fans. It is much easier to rise above ourselves with encouragement than when we are confronted with devaluation and disinterest. Our brains function much better in a positive social climate. Encouraging and supportive signals help us unleash our full potential. We rock each other up. This is how co-creativity happens. Our collaborative intelligence increases when we use the very thing machines don't have. Our heart.

2. in the time factor: seeking exchange, flexibility. The home office is very popular. Not only because it brings flexibility, but also to be able to work undisturbed. "If I could, I wouldn't go to the office at all." That's what more and more home workers are saying. However, this is exactly what can become a real obstacle to success, because we don't exchange enough information. Of course, this can also be done virtually, but it cannot replace the personal encounter that creates a bond and closeness, i.e. the human spark. So let's use office hours - even if it's only now and then - to really get in touch with others.

3. in collaborative learning: allow communication, quality. Most learning does not take place in seminars, but in the workplace. Asking others or talking about one's own learning experiences is not high on the agenda in German offices. But this is precisely what promotes the joint learning process. So let's think and work "out loud". Let's exchange ideas with colleagues. Let's talk about experiences, results and - yes, especially - personal challenges. By actively cross-fertilizing each other, we overcome problems and obstacles more easily and learn faster.

Cooperation is often confused with lack of opinion - "I say yes for the sake of peace" - and dispassion. But cooperative intelligence does not mean unconditionally following a given opinion and submitting to it. Genuine cooperation requires strong egos who have their own opinions and are willing to share them, even if they are controversial. It takes diversity, debate, and contrarians. What makes these strong me's special is philanthropy and a willingness to come to a solution that benefits as many as possible. Have fun discovering cooperative intelligence!