Could you be using AI in your role?

So you’re wondering about how you could be using AI in your work today...

Whether you’re curious about how AI might fit your workflow, or looking to dip your toes into new tools, this activity is a simple, approachable place to start. You’ll ask questions, explore, and adapt as you go—no prior experience with AI required.

This is a guided activity in article format. The steps are meant to help explore what AI might mean for you. You could absolutely start with a single prompt, but this is meant to drive active learning as well as action planning.

If you’re already an AI pro, this is likely not for you - but I would love to hear how you might approach this activity differently.  

You'll need access to a tool like ChatGPT for this. Get it open and then let's get started! For each "ASK" - copy and paste the text into your tool of choice, and then edit as needed.

Step 1: Building up a base

ASK: “What can you tell me about [insert your topic area here, like your role, industry, sector, etc.]?” 

Example: If you’re a teacher, try asking: "What can you tell me about the field of education?"

DO: Review the AI’s response. If it feels like a good summary, continue. If it seems off, refine it further. You can use one, or more, of the questions below - or anything else you think would work.

• Can you tell me more about [insert specific topic, or sub-topic area]?
• Can you explain the purpose or value of [insert your field or area of expertise]?
• Can you explain more about the history of [insert your field or area of expertise]?

Tip: Each question you ask will help you get a clearer, more relevant output - which we need for later. The key is making sure that we start from a place of accuracy.

Step 2: Exploring AI’s Impact on Your Field

ASK: “What can you tell me about how AI will impact [your field or area of expertise]?”

DO: Review and think about whether you need further details. You can use one, or more, of the questions below - or anything else you think would work.

1. What are the most significant changes that AI might bring about in [your field or area of expertise]
2. What are the key ethical considerations regarding AI use in [your field or area of expertise]?
3. Are there any regulatory changes being implemented due to AI in [your field or area of expertise]?
4. What risks or challenges does AI pose to [your field or area of expertise]?

Tip: This step is all about getting a better understanding of AI’s potential and limitations in your field.

Step 3: Identifying Steps for Getting Started with AI

ASK: “I am [insert your perspective, e.g. a leader, a specific role, etc] in this area. What should I be doing now to start adopting AI in [my work, my team’s work, my personal development, etc.]?”

DO: Review the recommendations. Pick one that seems approachable to you, copy it, and proceed to the next step.

Tip: Starting with one clear action item can help build your confidence as you explore further.

Step 4: Making It Actionable

ASK: (Paste the suggestion that resonated with you.) + “Can you give me examples of how I can do this now? What will I need to get started? List any tools or knowledge I might need.”

DO: Review the AI’s suggestions. If none of them seem feasible, explain why they might not work for you and ask for alternatives until you find something you can try.

Step 5: Outlining a Plan for Success

ASK: “I’d like to try [copy and paste specific suggestion]. Can you outline a step-by-step plan to get started? Please list any necessary tools, knowledge and considerations.”

DO: Review the plan carefully. If any steps seem unclear, ask follow-up questions to clarify, such as:

• How do I do [copy and paste specific step you're unclear on]?
• Can you give me more direction on [Copy and paste specific step you’re unsure of]?

Tip: AI can be a helpful guide as you outline your plan. Don’t hesitate to ask it to break down each step further! If needed, ask it to regenerate your plan with the added details.

Don't forget to fact check along the way. Ask your tool of choice to list its sources. Use a separate tool to look into anything that seems off. Ask someone else what they think. Whatever it is, just ensure that what you're learning is accurate.

Once you’ve refined your plan, give it a try! Afterward, jot down any insights or reflections on how the experience went.

Congratulations on starting your AI journey!

This activity can be repeated and expanded as you grow more comfortable. Just remember, every interaction you have is building your confidence and knowledge. To keep developing comfort, as well as identifying ways to keep integrating AI in your day-to-day, check out step 6.

Step 6: Reflecting and Building Confidence

As you get more comfortable, try expanding through different questions. Here are a few examples to consider. Use these questions to refine your plan and expand your AI capabilities.

Understanding AI’s Impact on your Industry

1. How is AI transforming the core functions and processes within my industry?
2. What are the leading AI trends or advancements relevant to this industry?
3. How are other companies in my industry using AI to drive results?
4. What are some specific AI tools or applications tailored for my industry?
5. How does AI adoption in this industry vary by region or market segment?

Identifying Opportunities for AI in Day-to-Day Work

1. Which of my daily tasks could AI automate, allowing me to focus on higher-value work?
2. Which new skills will be essential in this role as AI adoption grows?
3. How could AI change the decision-making process in this role?
4. What aspects of my role could become more data-driven due to AI?
5. How will AI impact the way I collaborate with other departments or teams?
6. Could AI lead to new job opportunities or specialties within my field?
7. What role might I play in implementing or managing AI in my work?
8. What are the biggest challenges or risks associated with using AI in this role?
9. How can I prepare now to stay relevant as AI becomes more integrated into my work?
10. How could AI help me gather insights or make data-driven decisions more efficiently?
11. What client or stakeholder interactions could be enhanced by AI-generated insights?
12. How might AI assist in forecasting, reporting, or trend analysis within my role?

Examining Skill Development Needs for AI in Your Industry

1. What specific skills or knowledge gaps do I have related to AI in my field?
2. Are there any new technical skills (e.g., data analysis, AI tools) I should learn?
3. How can I enhance my critical thinking or problem-solving skills to work effectively with AI?
4. What resources (courses, workshops, certifications) are available to build my AI expertise?
5. How might a better understanding of AI help me progress in my career?

Evaluating Industry-Specific Risks and Ethical Considerations

1. What are the primary ethical concerns associated with AI in my industry?
2. How can I ensure that AI is applied responsibly and transparently in my work?
3. What biases could AI introduce in my role, and how can I mitigate them?
4. How are privacy and data protection handled with AI in my industry?
5. What are the potential risks of AI adoption in my field, and how can they be managed?

Looking Forward: Planning AI Integration and Adaptation

1. What long-term trends could AI drive in my industry over the next few years?
2. How might my role evolve as AI becomes more prevalent in my industry?
3. What partnerships or collaborations with AI experts could benefit my work?
4. How can I advocate for or lead AI initiatives within my organization?
5. What changes in team structure or job roles might AI bring in my industry?