Wouldn’t it be grand

AI is great at facts; humans are better at wisdom. Summer travel proves it.

Why it matters: Every June, millions of people head to the Grand Canyon National Park looking for sunsets, hikes, and that perfect lodge room with a view. They search reviews, compare hotels, and ask AI tools for the “best” option.

While AI can tell you where to stay, it probably won’t suggest the Presidential Suite at El Tovar Hotel.

• Even if AI did tell you about this epic room, a tested trick on how to secure it for one night is something AI doesn’t know.

Here’s the trick. The room is held primarily for dignitaries. If no one is staying in the room, it becomes available at 5 pm for that night. This is not advertised or widely known.

• Go to the front desk at 4:45, ask for the Presidential Suite, and, if it’s available, you can book it for that evening.

Numerous prompts across ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, and Perplexity NEVER resulted in this tip.

• The machine doesn’t know because it doesn’t have the wisdom that comes from lived and shared experiences.

Let’s connect the dots to corporate learning and development. AI can give you knowledge and information, but an experienced person in the trenches will give you an honest picture of “how things work around here.”

• The answer lies in having the best of both worlds: AI’s access to information PLUS the human wisdom of trainers and staff.

Try this for yourself by asking AI for answers to something you know that only people in your company (or not company related) will know.

• Watch how AI will avoid sharing possibly the greatest human response: “I don’t know.”

If you go to the Grand Canyon this summer please send me pictures. And if you stay in the Presidential Suite - you’re welcome.