As a MarComm leader, AI has changed how I work. Through using ChatGPT and other AI tools, I’m able to work more effectively to maximize the number of tasks I’m able to achieve in a given day.
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Six Ways I Use AI as a Leader
I want to share six ways I’m using AI as a senior leader at an institution. It’s important for leaders to candidly discuss and normalize using these tools, to create a culture where our teams feel comfortable using them and openly acknowledging how we’re using them.
Additionally, talking about the tools openly also allows us to have conversations about how we should use these tools and what use cases should be off limits for our profession. When we’re transparent about our own AI use, we help remove stigma and signal that experimentation is both safe and expected.
Brainstorm – I use AI as part of my brainstorming process. Specifically, I tend to build a plan for a project myself. Once I have a starting draft, I’ll ask AI what is missing. It helps me identify gaps or holes that I need to consider. Additionally, when I’m stuck on how to begin a project, I find that ChatGPT can help me ideate and come up with good options. I can then use the ones I like and build out further for my own purposes.
Write – I am regularly working on messaging for email communications, viewbooks, and news articles. I find the custom GPTs our team has built, can quickly develop a starting draft. If I can give the GPT the basics of what I want to say and what platform the message will appear on, it can create a solid first draft. I find that through editing together, I can get a finished product in about half the time. It still sounds like our university because of the work that’s gone into the collaborative editing process.
PR Plans – As someone who went through the APR process with PRSA last year, I am more attuned to the importance of our tactics aligning with the goals we want to achieve. AI helps me do this more effectively. In the PR plans we put together, I use AI to check that the list of tactics support and align with the goals we’ve set. It also helps me assess whether there are better ways to meet the goal than the tactics I’ve come up with.
Tough Conversations – Being in leadership means having to course correct and advocate to senior leadership. These are hard conversations. I have used AI to practice. I can give AI some general details (nothing identifiable) and can get help with my talking points. Additionally, AI will run through the scenario with me and sometimes challenge me to think on the fly when the conversation doesn’t quite go how I’m expecting. I’ve found practicing with AI helps me better manage tough conversations.
Data Analysis – There is so much data at our fingertips in today’s MarComm space, and I use ChatGPT to help me analyze the data (always de-identified). I’ve built custom GPTs that evaluate messages based on our student data. Additionally, I’ve used ChatGPT to review feedback from student surveys, which helps inform print pieces, email campaigns, and advertising messages. I find that using ChatGPT helps remove my personal bias about what our message should be and focus instead on what’s in the data.
Meeting Notes – I am in dozens of meetings every week. With meetings back-to-back, I often forget my action items from one meeting to the next. I find that read.AI or other note-taking apps allow me to be present in the discussion and remind me of my action items. This helps ensure they get on my to-do list and that I don’t have to scramble to complete them at the 11th hour.
How Are You Using AI?
These are just a few of the ways that I use AI as a MarComm leader. I’m curious if there are other ways that leaders are using the tools to help you and your teams become more effective.
If there are ways you are using AI, drop your thoughts into the comments below.
And Carrie On 