A Manager’s Playbook: Managing with artificial intelligence (AI) | News

So, you’ve heard of artificial intelligence. Most managers have. The question is, have you experimented with it, tried it, taken AI for a test spin?

Just in case you’re still wondering what this term is all about, AI is a form of computer science that helps users access resources typically requiring human intelligence. Examples include problem solving, decision-making, perception and language understanding.

OK, that is the semi-official definition, generated in part by an application called ChatGPT. A more specific list of things you can do with AI includes:

— analyzing data (which you can upload) such as assisting in reviewing applications, resumes in the recruiting process, cost of goods sold;

— automating reports, real time, providing you with business information as its occurring (sales);

— customer service including chatbots (like those automated phone response services some companies use in place of a real, live human being);

— predictive analysis including forecasting sales, market trends, and the ability to optimize resources (such as planning for routine maintenance on machines to prevent downtime);

— automation of repetitive tasks (data entry), and even self-checkout at retail stores. And let’s not forget self-driving cars;

— enhancing your supply chain by predicting disruptions, managing inventory levels;

— and risk management by identifying potentially fraudulent activities, and helping managers mitigate issues before they occur.

And that’s just some of what AI can do for managers.

How does it work? It starts with a “prompt.” That is, a question or statement you load into an AI app that triggers it to perform a task. Example: “tell me the key components of a job safety analysis (JSA)?” Or “how do I begin the process of strategic planning?”

The more specific the “prompt,” the better AI can help provide you with a valuable response. And that leads us to what kind of artificial intelligence applications you should consider using. We’ll start with — ChatGPT. To access this app, simply type Chat.openai.com in your browser (like Google). ChatCPT3.5 is displayed.

Once the application pops up, you can create an account by signing in. Submit an email address and create a password. In addition to this popular app, we use: Perplexity, Poe, Copilot and Claude. There are many, many more AI tools, apps, resources. Many applications you already use probably have an AI component including Facebook, Snapchat, Canva, and more.

What do artificial intelligence applications cost? It depends. For example, ChatGPT has both a free version (which is OK for many assignments) and a fee-based edition which can cost around $20 per month.

This is such a rapidly evolving topic that by the time this article is written and published it will already be outdated due to the speed of development (introduction) of new versions by companies like OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, IBM, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, etc.

Now you’re thinking … it might be time to check this AI revolution out. It really jumped on the business scene in early 2023, so if you are currently in a “wait-and-see” mode you’re not that late to the dance. You can still get in at-or-near the ground floor.

How can using AI help you as a manager? Here are some things to add to your managers playbook:

1. Depending on the size of your organization, check with the tech services department. See if a specific AI app, like ChatGPT, is currently being loaded onto computers. Following company policy (many companies are developing a protocol on how AI can be used by employees) set up an account.

2. Google “How do I write a good prompt for AI tools”. Follow the suggestions.

3. pick a topic you’d like some help with (maybe a policy you need to write) and enter a prompt

4. keep practicing. Once you get a response you like, copy and paste it into a Word document so you can save and print it.

Managers need artificial intelligence in their playbook. It will help “even the playing field”. This new technology is developing so fast you really don’t want to be left behind.

(For Questions or comments contact us at www.amanagersplaybook.com. John Stevens is a Professor at St. Bonaventure University and a Consultant. Brittany Thierman is an Adjunct Professor at SUNY Alfred State College and a small business owner.)