Our deadline requested an enthusiasm extension

Entering their team space, he immediately senses the mood shift. Yesterday's energetic ceiling projections now pulse calmly, nudging everyone into reflection mode for the quarterly cycle.

- You’re late.

- Tell me something I don't know. Forecasts shifted again?

The project lead’s tone is playful but pointed. He scans the room. Their analyst leans back comfortably.

- Yup. Our deadline requested an enthusiasm extension.

- Status?

- Granted. Immediately. Two weeks minimum.

His raised eyebrows prompt clarification.

- Don't act so surprised. Our last three deliverables earned our deadline proven credibility. Even algorithms respect flawless streaks.

- It's no wonder it’s trying to get us the best possible slot, organisational memory rewards consistent delivery.

- What is our deadline targeting anyway? What creates better conditions?

- Maybe we’re just too focused on the big launch right now?

- I’m not sure, but it claims the natural enthusiasm cycle should bring attention back to R&D in two weeks, which is the perfect time to showcase our work.

- Great, but more time may inflate expectations beyond what we can deliver. Are you sure that's beneficial?

Their strategist shifts uneasily in her seat.

- It isn't asking for more time, but requests to be scheduled when we can get more resources and attention.

- When is the good time for new ideas anyway? For risky ideas? For trying something new?

- Or for experiments nobody asked for.

Their researcher adds from the back, prompting chuckles.

- Historical data is mixed, but deadlines understand that timing is as critical as the content. They've started negotiating optimal slots themselves. Now we can focus on work.

- I always wondered how this works, given our scale?

- Everything we interact with, tools, rooms, data, is sensored to track our collective engagement. Mix that with historical patterns and ongoing projects, and the system predicts when enthusiasm can peak. Deadlines simply adapt to catch the best wave.

- That's poetic, but it's simpler. Enthusiasm and collective attention are just other quantifiable resources.

- Exactly, let’s talk resources. What about our pre-allocations? Any risk we’ll lose anything?

Their sourcer clarifies confidently.

- Our resources are locked down, and we're fully allocated until further notice. It would need to be something huge for us to be affected.

- Ok, so the system’s giving our idea breathing space. Should we use it to refine our core proposal or explore new angles?

- Refine. Focusing on quality has worked for us so far.

- Let’s run more exploratory variables.

- Neither. Let's just focus on clear delivery. There's already plenty to digest.

- Agreed. What’s the next thing we need to discuss?

Their designer smirks.

- Lunch!

- Ha! Now we’re talking.

Their strategist stretches, surrendering immediately to a big, contagious yawn.

- Sorry. Burger run, anyone? Let’s celebrate the extension.

- Count me in.

He shakes his head, declining with a grimace.

- Not for me. I’ll go lighter today. I’m grading my microbiome next week.

- Perfect! We’ve always wanted a strategist with certified gut instincts.

- Someone still has to digest all those reports.

Their analyst’s comment triggers general laughter. He shakes his head with mock despair.

- Got it the first time. No hope for any of you. Let’s eat.

---

Hello Practical Futurists,

Welcome back from the future, where AI quantified enthusiasm and deadlines evolved into partners taking care of the organisational dynamics.

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Now, let's make this future personal.

We'll connect the ideas from the story directly to your life, turning abstract possibilities into practical memories you can use to navigate tomorrow's challenges confidently.

Personal life reflection prompts

1. If an AI assistant helped to manage your time and attention as finite resources, what three values and priorities would you want programmed into its algorithms?

2. Think back to the first month after implementing your values-driven AI resource manager:

- What three core values did you ultimately program into its time allocation algorithms?

- Which neglected personal priority received proper attention once the AI began protecting time for it?

- What unexpected pattern did the system identify in how you were previously misallocating your attention?

- How did relationships improve when AI began scheduling quality time based on your deepest values?

3. In what areas of life would you welcome an AI advisor recommending optimal timing for important decisions based on external factors and personal readiness?

4. Try to recall your first experience with the optimal timing advisor:

- Which major life decision benefited most from AI-recommended timing?

- What external factors did the system identify that you would have overlooked otherwise?

- How did following algorithmically optimised timing change the outcome compared to your initial instincts?

- Which area of life still resists even the most sophisticated timing recommendations?

5. When was the last time you experienced the power of synchronised attention or enthusiasm in a group setting? How did this collective energy amplify what you had been trying to accomplish together?

Fantastic work!

You're building an impressive collection of future-focused insights. Now, let's supercharge your thinking by adding powerful professional leadership moments.

How will you guide your team or organisation through the future you've just envisioned? Let's create memorable leadership experiences together.

Professional life reflection prompts

1. As AI increasingly influences resource allocation, what two new skills will leaders need to "negotiate" with algorithmic resource management systems?

2. Think back to the first time you successfully negotiated with an algorithmic resource manager:

- What two new skills proved the most valuable when interfacing with the system?

- How did your communication approach differ from traditional human-to-human negotiations?

- What unexpected concession did you secure that a human manager would never have granted?

- How did this experience change your team's preparation for future algorithmic negotiations?

3. What formal or informal tools could your team use to track collective enthusiasm and attention spans?

4. Try to recall that quarter when your team first implemented the dynamic enthusiasm mapping system:

- What project benefited most dramatically from being scheduled during a collective energy peak?

- How did team members react to seeing their energy patterns visualised?

- Which previously struggling initiative thrived after being realigned with natural enthusiasm cycles?

- How did meeting schedules change once enthusiasm patterns became visible?

5. When your team receives unexpected additional time for a project, what determines whether you refine existing work, explore new angles, or deliver early?

6. How could your organisation formalise "trust algorithms" that grant systems greater autonomy as they demonstrate increasing reliability?

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You did amazing! Excellent work!

Today's insights are valuable additions to your growing library of future experiences.

Thank you for expanding your imagination with us. Leaders with bold ideas move our world forward.

Think bright, and see you soon.
Pawel Halicki

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