Feel confident in adding AI to your workday with these 3 steps

Feeling uneasy, distracted, or even overwhelmed by the latest AI trends? Maybe you're a bit nostalgic for the “simpler” pre-AI days? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! AI can easily fit into your workday to boost your productivity, support your goals, and make your workflow smoother—without any stress! The key is to keep things simple and focus on continuous improvement over perfection.

When used wisely, AI can handle routine tasks, allowing us to dedicate our time and energy to what only us humans can do: design, create, and innovate. 

Step 1: Clarify what help you need.

You’re not alone if you’ve found yourself going down an AI rabbit hole or two this year. With so many AI tools available, it’s crucial to start by understanding exactly where AI can support you the most. A recent report showed that a whopping 75% of knowledge workers are already using AI at work, many of whom started in just the last six months. But that doesn’t mean you need to jump on every tool out there. Start by considering your typical workday. What tasks do you excel at? Which ones do you tend to avoid or procrastinate on? 

Here's a quick exercise: Think about your daily or weekly tasks. Are you great at creating presentations but struggle with summarising reports? Maybe you excel at brainstorming but find it challenging to organise those ideas into a structured plan. Or perhaps you spend too much time sorting through emails or catching up on meetings. Becoming more aware of what you enjoy and what you tend to avoid can help you pinpoint where AI can make the most significant impact.

Using the classic SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) framework can be incredibly useful here. For instance, a strength of mine is brainstorming ideas for my podcast—getting everything out on a big flip chart. However, I sometimes struggle with structure and order. That’s where I use AI: I input my ideas into a document, and the AI helps organise them, saving me hours and improving the quality of my work.

But it’s also important to be mindful of potential threats, like becoming overly reliant on AI or concerns about data privacy. By clarifying your needs and understanding where AI can be most effective, you can enhance your productivity without feeling overwhelmed. 

Focus on where it provides the most value and build from there. Remember, just because AI can do something doesn’t mean it should!

Step 2: Select the right tools.

Choosing the right AI tools is critical to integrating AI into your workday effectively. Before you rush to download something new, take a closer look at the tools you’re already using. Most applications you’re familiar with have added AI features over the past year or two. For example, Microsoft 365 now includes tools like Copilot to help summarise meetings and draft emails. Similarly, platforms like Grammarly, HubSpot, and Canva have integrated AI to enhance their functionalities.

Before adding a bunch of new tools to your toolbox, explore the AI features within your existing platforms. And don’t forget to ask colleagues and peers if they’ve discovered useful features you might not be aware of—they could save you a lot of time.

If you do decide to try a new tool, don’t feel pressured to find the perfect one right away. Take advantage of free trials or demo versions to test how well a tool fits into your workflow. Focus on using AI for specific tasks initially and see how it complements your work before making any big changes.

Step 3: Embrace a learning mindset.

AI is evolving rapidly, and staying up to date requires a mindset of continuous learning. With all the tools and options available, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and end up more distracted than productive. I’ve done it myself. That’s why it’s essential to start small—focus on just one or two areas where AI can make a real difference in your workday. Avoid the temptation to overhaul your entire workflow at once.

Remember, you’re in control. AI is a tool designed to work for you, not the other way around. Start by implementing AI in manageable, specific areas and gradually expand as you become more comfortable. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a break. Set a reminder to revisit your AI integration in a week or a month.

By starting with a clear purpose, selecting tools intentionally, and embracing a learning mindset, you can harness the power of AI to enhance your productivity and efficiency—without getting lost in the noise!

And now I’m going to leave you on a positive note: here are just a few of the bright spots AI brings to the workplace!

• Personalised learning and development opportunities
• Enhanced onboarding experiences
• Improved communication and collaboration among teams
• A more inclusive and diverse workforce by reducing biases in the hiring process
• Automation of administrative tasks, allowing employees to focus on more creative and strategic work
• Reduced human error
• Insights into employee performance, well-being, and job satisfaction

With all these benefits, there's a lot to look forward to as we embrace AI in our work lives!

If you're interested in a bespoke AI for Productivity workshop to help you or your team get started, get in touch—I’d love to help you make the most of these exciting opportunities.

_{First Published: 28th October 2023. Last Updated: 12th February 2024}