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When we sought to use AI to explore Sully Sullenberger's Action Style factors, we chose a straightforward approach. We provided Grok, (the advanced AI developed by xAI) with the same survey prompts a human respondent would receive. Grok completed the survey phase just as a human would, offering responses as any individual familiar with Sullenberger would do. (read more...)
Why Grok?: Grok stands out for its ability to synthesise vast data sets to draw coherent, insightful conclusions. Its design allows for an outside perspective on humanity which, when applied to understanding someone like Sully Sullenberger, brings to light patterns, paradigms and behaviours as though a human had conducted the assessment.
Validity of AI Insights: With its capacity to process and analyse information on a scale beyond human capability, Grok brings to the table a depth of analysis that matches most human insights. This extensive data processing power ensures that the results are informed and nuanced.
Consistency and Human-Likeness: Our standard survey processing revealed that Grok maintained consistency across responses, displaying characteristics akin to human reasoning. This consistency check underscored the AI's ability to engage with the survey in a manner that closely resembles human thought processes, affirming the validity of its responses.
The factors and behaviours in this report are based primarily on ten well-known principles of strategy and tactics. In effect, these principles describe what people do (or will do) to get what they want.
As well as the basic ten precepts, two further factors are added. These factors ‘Set Priorities’ and ‘Evaluate Results’, serve to put these action principles into context for Sully.
Sully consciously thinks ahead to Set Priorities in what he considers to be the right order. He considers his priorities to be realistic and within his capabilities, and he works to meet his deadlines.
Sully shows a strong inclination to Pursue Objectives, and he does so with single-minded determination. He chooses his objectives quite purposefully, and with some determination he directs actions and resources toward achieving them.
Sully sees some value in the collective strength of the group, and he can Collaborate, working in easily with others. He establishes reasonably close working relationships, and will share ideas, goals and methods if he sees a good reason to.
He puts a fair amount of his energy and effort into his activities, and has the capacity to push work through and overcome obstacles. He has a moderately strong inclination to Concentrate Force to get things done the hard way - if necessary.
Sully tends to look for easier ways to Economise Effort, get results and extract value from the use of his time. He seeks help and (if appropriate to his role) will probably delegate if possible. He usually takes the line of least resistance to resolve issues.
He often takes action with little thought of failure. Sully is able to Act Assertively and confront conflict. He’s capable of bringing issues to a head and less forceful people can usually be converted to his viewpoint or convinced to move out of the way.
To some extent Sully doesn’t Use Surprise to exploit people or situations, and he often prefers to act fairly openly. But - under the right conditions - he can seek out, create or take those opportunities to move and act quickly.
He keeps reasonable control over his resources and activities, avoiding unplanned risk where he can. He intends to Operate Securely and wants to remain free from threats and surprises. He leaves little to chance.
Moving on to Sully’s inclination to Manage Morale, it’s apparent that he contributes to a reasonable degree to the feelings of success and wellbeing in the group, team or organisation. Usually calm and in good spirits, he can show concern for morale, and he supports and encourages others.
As someone who coordinates activities and plans alternative actions (for example to have things at the right place on time), it can be said that Sully has a reasonably strong inclination to Administer things. As such, he keeps records fairly up-to-date, largely avoids waste, and works at creating systematic order and stability.
Sully contributes to group consistency and stability but rather than choosing to Be Flexible, he’s more inclined to focus his effort on sticking with the things he’s already committed himself to.
Although Sully indicated that when the time comes to Evaluate Results, he can be dissatisfied with the perceived benefits, he also sees other results as being valid and worthwhile. This will be highly correlated to the situational context.
Promana
One could imagine that he didn't have much time to evaluate results until the end! The low observed preference labelled "Be flexible" is also interesting.
Absolutely, the context of the emergency landing of Flight 1549 underscores why Captain Sully Sullenberger might have decided in the moment not to "be flexible" and to "evaluate results":
These results highlight how situational context can influence leadership qualities. In a crisis, the ability to make a decision and stick to it, ensuring it's the best possible under the circumstances, can be more critical than being overly flexible or spending time evaluating outcomes in the moment. Sullenberger's approach arguably saved lives because it was based on decisive action, clear priorities, and effective collaboration rather than flexibility or on-the-spot result evaluation.
This case illustrates how different traits come to the forefront depending on the nature of the challenge faced. In high-stakes, time-sensitive scenarios, the qualities that shine might not be the same as those in more routine or less urgent situations.
xAI