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August 6th

ChatGPT and Work: How My Kids Helped Me Get Started

"Things have changed." AI is here, or as some might say, "The robots are coming."

But honestly, it's not that extreme. Here's what I've noticed: My kids are growing up with the internet like it's just another part of their lives. They don't say, "I need to get on the internet." They just pick up a tablet or whatever device we have lying around and hop online.

One day, one of my kids asked me to grab my phone and ask Siri what a velociraptor dinosaur looked like (not sure if that's a real dino). It hit me then—they think Siri knows everything.

This got me thinking about how AI will be woven into our everyday lives. My kids and others growing up with AI won't even notice it, but for us adults, we need to be intentional about using it. We have to learn to make the most of it—maybe not to become superhuman, but definitely to become more efficient.

The world as we know it today will change, and it will change quickly with AI. Think about how the COVID era changed how we operate, the workplace, our thoughts on work, mental health, and work-life balance.

As for me, I use ChatGPT. I'm a project manager and estimator in our construction company, and sometimes it feels like I'm a professional email writer. For construction projects with the State or different City governments, you can't just rely on a handshake. You have to document everything.

That's why I feel like a pro email writer. And that’s my main use for ChatGPT.

But I've got a few rules for using ChatGPT so it doesn't seem obvious that I'm using AI for my everyday work email writing.

Rule #1: Don't use words that you wouldn't typically use. In other words, if you don't know the meaning of a word, don't use it.

Rule #2: Don't just ask it to write something without any context. It'll give you something, and it can sound pretty robotic.

Instead, here's what I do. First, think of ChatGPT like an assistant or even a person. My kids think of Siri as a real person, so that's how I approach it too.

For example, I upload our project specs to ChatGPT and ask things like, "What's the contract time for this project?" or "Can you find section 800 for the concrete?"

Rule #3: Give it context. If I have an email draft, I'll write it like I usually would with industry-specific terms. Then, I might ask ChatGPT to rewrite a sentence or the whole thing. I'll pick out the parts I like and use them, rerunning it if I need to until it sounds right.

So that's how I use ChatGPT. I'm still learning and exploring different ways to use it. But to take your game to the next level you gotta incorporate it in your worklife.

Are you sure? Is that the truth?

The Atlantic discusses AI-based lie detection technology, highlighting the tool “Coyote." What are the ethical implications of widespread lie detection usage? Although it's imperfect, such technology may become integrated into everyday life, raising concerns about privacy and the consequences of exposing all lies.

​My Mom Says She Loves Me. AI Says She’s Lying.| The Atlantic​

Looking for AI Tools for Excel

Six of the best AI tools for Excel to enhance productivity. Check out the strengths, cost, and insights on each tool.

​Looking for the Best AI Tools for Excel? | Hubspot​

Personal Branding For Solopreneurs: Step By Step Guide

As a solopreneur, generating demand from your network. Here is the step-by-step guid to building your personal brand.

​Personal Branding For Solopreneurs| Copyblogger​

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