#AIXmas

In today's blog post, I compare the content generation capabilities across multiple AI tools to see what works best. Also, are they truly better than human writing?

I tried the same prompt with ChatGPT, ChatGPT4 (aka the plus version on Bing), and even BardAI. Then I compared it against my article to benchmark which model worked best. The methodology, answers and verdict are all here to see.

The blog post is divided into the following sections:

• Methodology
• ChatGPT 3.5, i.e. free version of OpenAI
• ChatGPT4, aka the version on Bing
• My answer, aka the human perspective
• BardAI

Methodology

I chose an article related to the Mahabharata because it is well-known, but most people recollect stories only at a superficial level. On the other hand, I have read multiple versions, and interpretations from half a dozen perspectives and recollect many of the minor subplots. Deep expertise which cannot be easily taught or Googled.

Plus, the "business and leadership lessons" article received positive feedback, even from some folks who know the topic better than me! So, it felt like a good prompt for AI benchmarking.

Would AI tools produce a generic "commodotized" answer or surpass human creativity?

Would AI tools give me a generic "commodotized" answer or surpass me?

Let's find out… (answers from the AI tool are unedited)

ChatGPT answer

1. **Vision and Strategy:** Learn from Bhishma's unwavering commitment to Hastinapura's throne, emphasizing the importance of a clear vision and strategic planning in leadership.

2. **Effective Communication:** Take inspiration from Krishna's ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically, highlighting the power of persuasive and empathetic leadership.

3. **Team Collaboration:** The Pandavas' unity demonstrates the strength of collaboration, emphasizing that leaders should foster a sense of teamwork and mutual support among their followers.

4. **Adaptability:** Arjuna's ability to adapt to different situations, like his transformation in the Kurukshetra war, teaches leaders the importance of flexibility and resilience in the face of challenges.

5. **Ethical Decision-Making:** Yudhishthira's commitment to dharma showcases the significance of ethical decision-making in leadership, even when faced with difficult choices.

6. **Effective Delegation:** Dhritarashtra's failure to manage and delegate effectively serves as a lesson for leaders to avoid micromanagement and empower their team members.

7. **Leading by Example:** Draupadi's resilience in adversity and willingness to stand up for justice illustrates the impact of leading by example and maintaining one's values even in difficult circumstances.

8. **Conflict Resolution:** Learn from the various attempts at peace negotiations in the Mahabharata, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic skills and conflict resolution in leadership.

9. **Emotional Intelligence:** Karna's tragic story highlights the significance of understanding and managing emotions, showcasing the impact of emotional intelligence on leadership effectiveness.

10. **Continuous Learning:** The characters' journeys in the Mahabharata emphasize the importance of continuous learning and personal growth for leaders, as each experience contributes to their development.

ChatGPT4 answer

The Mahabharata is a great epic that contains many lessons for leadership and management. Here are some of the top 10 lessons that I can think of:

- **Innovative Thinking**: The Kauravas had 100 brothers, but the Pandavas had only five. They had to use their creativity and intelligence to overcome the odds and win the war. For example, they used the "Chakravyuha" formation to trap and kill Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna.

- **Selection of Resources**: Before the war, both Arjuna and Duryodhana went to Krishna for his support. Krishna offered them a choice: either his army or himself, but he would not fight. Arjuna chose Krishna, while Duryodhana chose the army. This shows the importance of choosing the right people and resources for your goals.

- **Following the Learning of Management Books**: The Bhagavad Gita, which is a part of the Mahabharata, is considered one of the best books on management and leadership. It contains the teachings of Krishna to Arjuna on how to perform his duty, overcome his doubts, and achieve success. It also covers topics such as motivation, decision making, ethics, and teamwork.

- **Ethics**: The Mahabharata shows the consequences of unethical actions and the importance of following dharma, or the moral law. The Kauravas resorted to cheating, lying, and violence to gain power, but they ultimately faced defeat and destruction. The Pandavas, on the other hand, followed the path of righteousness, even when it was difficult, and they were rewarded with victory and glory.

- **Commitment**: The Mahabharata also teaches the value of commitment and perseverance. The Pandavas had to endure many hardships and challenges, such as exile, humiliation, and betrayal. They never gave up on their goal of reclaiming their kingdom and restoring justice. They remained loyal to each other and to their allies, and they fought with courage and determination.

- **More People, More Work**: The Mahabharata also illustrates the principle of division of labor and delegation of authority. The Pandavas had a clear hierarchy and a well-defined role for each member. Yudhishthira was the king and the leader, Arjuna was the chief warrior and the strategist, Bhima was the muscle and the protector, Nakula and Sahadeva were the diplomats and the spies. They also had the guidance of Krishna, the mentor and the advisor. They worked as a team and utilized their strengths and skills to achieve their objectives.

- **Diplomacy**: The Mahabharata also shows the importance of diplomacy and negotiation in resolving conflicts and avoiding wars. The Pandavas tried to avoid the war by sending emissaries and offering compromises to the Kauravas. They also sought the support of other kings and allies through alliances and treaties. They only resorted to war when all peaceful means failed.

- **PR Maintenance**: The Mahabharata also demonstrates the role of public relations and image management in influencing the perception and opinion of the masses. The Pandavas had a positive reputation and a loyal following among the people, while the Kauravas had a negative image and a hostile opposition. The Pandavas also used various media, such as songs, stories, and symbols, to spread their message and inspire their supporters.

- **Risk Management**: The Mahabharata also teaches the importance of risk management and contingency planning in dealing with uncertainties and crises. The Pandavas had to face many dangers and threats, such as the game of dice, the house of lac, the disrobing of Draupadi, and the assassination attempts. They had to anticipate the possible outcomes and prepare for the worst-case scenarios. They also had to adapt to the changing situations and improvise their solutions.

- **Vision and Mission**: The Mahabharata also highlights the importance of having a clear vision and a strong mission for your organization and your life. The Pandavas had a vision of restoring the rule of dharma and a mission of avenging the injustice done to them. They had a sense of purpose and direction, and they aligned their actions and decisions with their values and principles.

These are some of the top 10 leadership and management lessons that I can learn from the Mahabharata. I hope you found them useful and interesting. 😊

Human Answer

My post link is provided at the end, but here is a shortened version for easy comparison.

The Mahabharata is the Longest Epic in the World, written around 3000 BC. It is essentially a story about cousins fighting for the throne and the circumstances that lead to it. Power, love triangles, deceit, magical weapons — the story has everything. This is why despite being an ancient text, the leadership and management concepts from this book are relevant even today.

Some important evergreen leadership lessons are listed here in this post:

1. Diverse teams win! The main plot of the Mahabharata is the war between the Pandavas (5 brothers) and Kauravas (100 brothers). The Pandavas had only seven army battalion units whereas the Kauravas had 11 units. Despite a severe lack of resources and manpower, the Pandavas vanquished their enemies because they had a diverse set of generals and soldiers. For example, one General was Shikhandi, a woman who had transformed into a man. Gatotkach was another senior warrior who was half-human, half-demon with magical powers. The Nagas (snake-people) also sided with the Pandavas. Abhimanyu, a key player was a child prodigy fighting his first battle. On the other hand, the Kauravas had picked highly experienced, senior veteran leaders; the modern-day equivalent of old white men! While those Generals were highly skilled, they stubbornly followed old rules and military techniques and ultimately, fell prey to their own prejudices and fatal biases. The Pandavas chose for merit and skill, rather than age/experience/titles, and were able to skillfully adapt and counter their enemies' every move. Similarly, we see companies without diverse Boards and teams suffer losses and bankruptcy at the hands of new entrants.
2. Bad strategy can kill even the best products! Hope is not a strategy! Yudhishtira (the eldest Pandava) lost his kingdom, his family, and his honor because he chose to overlook other people's vices and conniving. He allowed himself to be lured into a game of gambling. He knew he was not as competent as that of his opponent, but he continued playing and assumed that good sense and his merits would prevail. Hence he failed miserably and went from Crown Prince to being exiled for 12 long years. In the modern world, businesses need to remember that "best-selling" is not the best quality. Globalization has made the world very noisy, so being good alone is not a criterion for profitability. Every product, blog, or service needs a plan. You need a good strategy to win your customers' hearts and wallets.
3. Don't be a star performer on a losing team. It might be tempting to be a big fish in a small pond and lauded for your every move. You may even enjoy the perks of being the best in the short term. However, you will suffer negative consequences and losses in the long run. If you can see your company/domain/niche is crumbling, get out while you can! In the Mahabharata, Karna is an expert archer and brilliant warrior. He knows he knows he is on the side of evil, but does not switch teams due to misplaced loyalties which ultimately becomes his downfall and death. In modern times, hundreds of retail workers lost their jobs, even before Covid19 pandemic because they did not (or could not) predict the boom in online shopping would affect shopping in physical stores.
4. Life is unfair! We are always taught to do the right thing, but unfortunately, life can throw curve balls that upset our best-laid plans. Even the best people may find themselves at crossroads where their faith and their morals are tested. In the short run, it might be tempting to stray from the narrow path of righteousness, but it never works out in the long run. Good actions will always triumph over evil, even if it takes time.

Have you read the Mahabharata? Did you learn any other leadership lessons that were applicable to your own life?

BardAI answer

The Mahabharata is a treasure trove of leadership lessons, offering insights relevant even today. Here are five top lessons for leaders:

1. Right Leadership and Mentorship: The Pandavas' success can be attributed to Krishna's wise guidance and mentorship. Leaders must seek mentors and surround themselves with skilled and dependable advisors. In contrast, Duryodhan's dependence on Shakuni's manipulative advice led to disastrous decisions. Leaders should discern good counsel from bad.
2. Target and Smart Strategy: Both sides aimed for victory, but the Pandavas meticulously planned their strategy, utilizing their strengths and exploiting Kaurava weaknesses. Leaders should have a clear vision and a well-defined plan to achieve it. The Kauravas relied solely on brute force, neglecting strategic thinking. Leaders must be flexible and adapt their tactics as needed.
3. Learning and Development: The Pandavas, especially Arjuna, embraced learning from various gurus like Drona and Krishna. Leaders should constantly seek knowledge and refine their skills. Bhishma, despite his immense experience, remained rigid in his adherence to outdated vows. Leaders must be open to learning and adapt to changing situations.
4. Commitment and Common Goal: The Pandavas' unwavering commitment to dharma and their unity fueled their strength. Leaders must inspire their team by aligning individual goals with a shared vision. Duryodhana's focus on personal gain and sowing discord within his own camp ultimately weakened them. Leaders must prioritize the common good and foster unity within their team.
5. Diversity and Recognizing Potential: The Pandavas utilized their diverse strengths, including Draupadi's intelligence and Bhima's physical prowess. Leaders should recognize and leverage the unique skills of each team member. Duryodhana underestimated Karna's abilities due to prejudice. Leaders must be open to recognizing talent regardless of background or circumstance.

These are just a few of the many leadership lessons woven into the rich tapestry of the Mahabharata. By reflecting on these timeless insights, leaders can navigate complex challenges and inspire their teams to achieve greatness. Remember, true leadership is not about domination but about guiding, empowering, and achieving a common goal together.

I encourage you to explore the Mahabharata further and discover more valuable lessons for your own leadership journey.

Verdict

• Chatgpt plus, aka model4 was certainly more interesting than the 3.5 model, especially the headers.
• Bard had good content, especially flowery language and word usage like "tapestry". However, the last line "I encourage you to read…" made me uncomfortable. I suspect the answer was plagiarized directly from a book or blogpost. I would feel wary of using content that made lead to copyright violations — even a hint can so easily get writers banned from platforms like Kindle or Medium.
• ChatGPT4 also uses the words "i", so perhaps the models are designed to act as "humans" not just personas? Jury is still out on that one.
• BardAI also used the words "leader" multiple times, far more than any of the models. Made me wonder if the answer is calculated with SEO in mind. Google actively discourages "keyword stuffing" but this type of usage is logical and likely would not get penalized. :)
• ChatGPT4 was the only one to mention "innovation", and I kicked myself for missing that! However, I would have used more interesting examples. Did you know the Mahabharata has stories of magical babies being grown in "pots" and delivered? It always made me think of IVF and cloning. Then there are stories of Krishna and other characters exploiting loopholes, the way some early social media pioneers skyrocketed their businesses despite meager resources. From this perspective, AI tools feel great for initial brainstorming.
• I thought my answer was interesting to begin with. However, once I read the other answers, I felt I could add more items and polish it to be even more compelling and creative!
• All the AI tools pulled in good points, but in terms of anecdotes and examples humans would do better! After all, stories make reading much more pleasurable and memorable. So, an augmented content strategy using human inputs + AI would be the most winning combination (IMHO).

Conclusion: Don't rely on AI tools as the end-all. It is a fabulous start to get your creative juices flowing, to curate items quickly and mimic a virtual research assistant. However, please beware and don't blindly use it as a content mill for easy copy-paste of content.

Hybrid usage wins!

Have you experimented with AI tools for content generation or curation? Let me know in the comments.

My original post on the Mahabharata article is here:

If you liked this article, you may want to read these similar articles on AI with content development.

AI-augmented Story Generation:

This story is part of my series 12-Days of AI Xmas.