What is the copilot mentality?

The "copilot mentality" refers to adopting a supportive role, where one assists or collaborates closely with another individual in a task or decision-making process, akin to a copilot in an aircraft assisting the pilot. In a business context or personal development, this mentality can involve roles like aiding in overcoming challenges, filling in steps in a task, or helping manage decisions, thereby facilitating the principal operator (or leader) in achieving goals more effectively.

For example, Eric Schmidt discussed his jet training experience where the copilot was instructed to be deliberately unhelpful, without his knowledge, to train him to take command and make crucial decisions under pressure. This training contributed significantly to his development as a decisive and strong leader, illustrating the critical role a copilot can play in both direct and instructive capacities 1.

Moreover, Dustin Moskovitz talks about AI tools acting as a "copilot," helping users manage tasks, summarize discussions, and identify important action items, showcasing how the copilot mentality can extend to technology assisting humans in complex processes 2.