Everyday AI
I vividly remember the days when MapQuest felt like cutting-edge technology. Carrying pages upon pages of printed driving instructions seemed miraculous at the time. One memorable journey stands out: navigating from New York City to a small college campus in Upstate New York for a recruiting event. Holding those 15 pages of detailed turn-by-turn instructions felt empowering. I wondered, how did we ever drive long distances without this guidance?
The real turning point came with my first portable GPS unit, mounted securely on my dashboard. Suddenly, this tiny device felt like magic in a box. But looking back, I realize how ridiculous and dangerous it was to flip through those numerous sheets of directions while driving! It made me understand that transformative technology could truly enhance safety and confidence.
Today, I can't even imagine getting in my car and driving somewhere without using GPS. Even if I know exactly where I'm headed, I still engage it for real-time data on traffic, construction areas, and potential delays. Similarly, I've started proactively using various AI tools every day, helping me achieve better outcomes faster, much like using GPS to reach my destination more efficiently.
In the same way we rely on GPS in our everyday driving, we should adopt AI tools in our day-to-day work. Many people feel overwhelmed or intimidated, believing they must fully understand AI or know how to code before they can start benefiting from it. Ethan Mollick’s recent article highlights this point clearly, emphasizing the practical benefits of using AI regularly rather than getting caught up in trying to fully understand how it works. The essential insight is straightforward: consistent use and experimentation with AI tools lead to greater proficiency and benefits than waiting to achieve full mastery.
To fully reap the benefits of AI, you have to start integrating and using it consistently in your daily routine. If you hesitate or delay, you risk falling behind those who are embracing AI every day. It reminds me of a saying I grew up hearing: “El que no juega, no gana la lotería.” (The one who doesn’t play doesn’t win the lottery.)
In this week’s newsletter, let’s explore how people-first leaders can stay in motion by using AI with intention, not intimidation.
THIS WEEK'S INSIGHTS:
AI isn’t just a tech tool; it’s a leadership tool. This week, we explore how hands-on experimentation can shift AI from an abstract concept to a daily companion. Whether you're drafting strategy decks, navigating workforce change, or reimagining how your team works, the key is this: you don’t need to master every tool. You need to use one consistently and strategically. Start small, learn fast, and let experience shape your AI fluency.
TRENDS: The AI Shift
The AI landscape is rapidly evolving, with tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini leading the charge. Each offers unique strengths: ChatGPT excels in content creation and ideation, Claude is known for clear, structured summaries, and Gemini integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace for data analysis.
But here's the pivotal shift: it is no longer about finding the "best" AI tool. It is about selecting one that aligns with your workflow and using it consistently. A study by Harvard Business School and Boston Consulting Group found that consultants using AI completed 12.2% more tasks, did so 25.1% faster, and produced over 40% higher quality results compared to those without AI assistance. (Source)
The takeaway? You don't need to master every AI tool. Start with one, integrate it into your daily tasks, and let experience be your guide.
TIPS: Limiting Beliefs → Empowered Shifts
When it comes to using AI effectively, mindset matters as much as skill. Many leaders hesitate, waiting for the perfect moment or a deeper understanding before they engage. However, hesitation creates gaps that your competitors won’t wait to fill. To avoid being left behind, here are three common limiting beliefs holding leaders back, along with empowered shifts and how AI can help you move forward:
Old Belief: "AI tools are too complex; I need to understand them fully before using them."
New Belief: Start small. Use AI to draft a note or summarize a meeting. Learning happens in the doing.
How AI Helps: AI platforms are designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, allowing you to build confidence and learn by doing without needing technical expertise.
Old Belief: "AI will replace my job; it’s a threat.
New Belief: AI is a collaborator, not a competitor. Use it to clear the clutter so you can lead with clarity.
How AI Helps: AI handles repetitive tasks, freeing you up to focus on high-impact, human-centered leadership and strategic decisions.
Old Belief: "Only tech-savvy professionals benefit from AI."
New Belief: If you can write an email, you can use AI. The tools are built for humans, not just engineers.
How AI Helps: Natural language interfaces make AI accessible to everyone, so your leadership insights—not your tech skills—are what make the difference.
TOOLS: AI Platforms and Prompts for Everday Efficiency
You don’t need to be an AI expert to start using powerful tools that can accelerate your work. Just like a GPS, these tools guide your workflow, provide insights, and help you reach your goals faster with fewer detours.
ChatGPT
Best for: Content creation, idea generation, and everyday productivity tasks.
Tip: Prompt ChatGPT with clear context, your desired tone (warm, strategic, persuasive), and your audience (employees, customers, executives). This helps generate highly relevant content that matches your voice.
Claude
Best for: Synthesizing complex or lengthy materials into concise, actionable insights.
Tip: Feed Claude your long-form reports or meeting transcripts. Ask for a brief summary highlighting only the most strategic points. This is perfect for quick prep before key meetings.
Gemini
Best for: Data-driven insights and seamless integration with Google Workspace tools.
Tip: Upload your spreadsheet or data set into Gemini. Instruct it to identify the three most impactful trends relevant to your quarterly goals. This can save hours of manual analysis.
Pro Tip (Insider Trick):
The 'Temperature' Trick: If you’re using ChatGPT and want highly consistent answers, set your prompt’s “temperature” to zero (0)—ideal for formal, factual, or precise information. For brainstorming, creativity, or fresh ideas, turn the temperature up closer to one (1). Adjusting this subtle setting can dramatically shift the style and usefulness of AI-generated content—something only savvy insiders usually leverage.
Prompts to Try
Crafting strong prompts makes the difference between an average AI interaction and a powerful strategic partnership. To get you started, here are three proven frameworks to generate consistently strong AI responses:
Role + Task + Context:
“You are a strategic advisor. Summarize this 10-page quarterly business review into five key insights that matter most to senior leaders planning next quarter’s priorities."
Desired Outcome + Audience + Tone:
“Draft a concise, empathetic email response to a client inquiry about a delayed project timeline. The tone should be professional but reassuring.”
Action + Format + Clear Objective:
“Analyze the attached employee engagement data and present the top three trends affecting retention in bullet points, each followed by a brief explanation.”
PRO TIP:
Try prompt chaining—use AI to generate a rough draft, then refine it through follow-up prompts like, “Can you tighten the language and make this more persuasive for a senior executive?”
👉🏽 How will you use AI everyday for work?
Closing Thought
In the age of AI, waiting until you have all the answers means never moving at all.
Leadership today isn’t about achieving perfect knowledge. It’s about taking thoughtful action.
AI is not a magic wand. It is a daily companion, shaped by your intent and your use of it.
Don’t wait to feel ready. Start with what you know. Let your momentum teach you what’s next.
“El que no juega, no gana la lotería.”
(The one who doesn’t play doesn’t win the lottery.)
Hasta la próxima, Abrazos!
(Until next week, hugs!)
Monica Marquez
When You're Ready...
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