Introducing 'Cat I Farted'

Have you ever wondered what ChatGPT translates to in French? Well, it’s “Chat J’ai Pété.” Translated back, it means… wait for it… “Cat I Farted!” 🤭 Imagine launching a product with that name! talk about creating your own buzz.  I know I’m no comedian, but how often do we accept something at face value without digging deeper?

This mistranslation is a perfect reminder of the importance of the "trust but verify" approach—whether it’s using AI tools, making business decisions, or collaborating with your team. Trusting is crucial for efficiency and progress, but verifying ensures the integrity of the results. It's about striking the balance between belief and getting the real picture.

Time is often limited, and it is important not to assume that what we are told or perceive is the complete story. To make informed decisions, asking questions that go beyond assumptions and reveal deeper truths is essential. Here are some examples of questions to seek clarity:

Testing assumptions:

• What do we know for certain, and what do we infer?

• What could make our current understanding completely wrong?

Challenging the status quo:

• If we were starting from scratch today, would we build it this way?

• What's the unconventional approach that everyone is afraid to suggest?

• What aspects aren't we discussing because they feel uncomfortable?

• What would make this solution obsolete?

Catch all:

• Can you draw this on a napkin?

• What if our lives depended on it? -good for sales opportunities review

• Who needs to change their behavior for this to work?"

• What if you were looking at this for the first time? (Be the new guy)

By adopting a "trust but verify" mindset, we empower ourselves and our teams to operate with confidence, while ensuring that we’re aligned with reality—not just perceptions.

So, the next time —whether from a tool like ChatGPT, your team, or even your own instincts—take a moment to trust, verify, and ask the questions that matter. After all, if a simple translation can turn into “Cat I Farted,” who knows what else might need a second look?