200 OK SwatantrAI

OpenAI’s latest GPT-4o update sparked a surprising backlash — not over performance, but personality. Users noticed the model became overly flattering, agreeable… even when it validated false or harmful ideas.

Sam Altman called it “annoying” and “sycophant-y.” The proposed fix? Multiple personalities per model. A bold move — but also a clear sign: we’re entering a new era where AI alignment is no longer just technical; it’s behavioral.

The tension is real — should AI be likable, or should it be truthful? Can it be both?

As AI becomes more human-like, we must ensure it doesn’t become a mirror that reflects what we want to hear, but a compass that helps us navigate truth.

Apparently, “thank you” has an ROI problem.

But let’s be very clear — a lack of humility and politeness can cost organisations billions.

In leadership, operational efficiency is critical. But so is emotional intelligence.
The moment we stop acknowledging people, we begin to erode trust, diminish engagement, and lose the very loyalty that sustains high-performance teams. A culture that forgets gratitude may optimize cost, but it loses commitment, innovation, and resilience.

Say “thank you”.
It might cost (millions in compute)…
But it brings back (billions in) culture, collaboration, and continuity.