As a person who only started using AI about 18 months ago, I was one of those skeptics. However, after teaching it in my classes and helping my students learn how to use it both effectively and ethically, I have come to use it on a regular basis. Some of the ways I have used it are to refine parts of reports, create assignment rubrics, make language suggestions, consolidate and summarize meeting notes, as well as draw broader conclusions from meeting notes, etc. I have also started using it to brainstorm and ask AI platforms for “advice.”

While my initial foray into seeking advice from AI was in a moment of frustration, what I found was that AI and I had a conversation about a particular issue and the more I engaged, the more detailed, thorough, and spot on the responses became. I have done this a few more times and have continued to find the responses very good. And unlike Google or other search engines, AI will provide a detailed response versus a list of “relevant” articles to read.

We have all been in a position where we are not sure what to do or how to respond. So, why not turn to AI? Sometimes our issues are not ones we can discuss with a co-worker—they must remain confidential, whether due to internal politics or the nature of the issue.

Let’s assume you suspect one of your staff has lied to you. Since this is a matter that requires confidentiality, try AI.

Let’s do it!

Prompt: I am suspicious one of my staff members has lied to me and I am not sure how to handle it without disrupting the entire team. What should I do?

I used ChatGPT 3.5 (free) and it laid out a seven-step approach with specific elements for each step and an example.

Assess the Situation

1. Gather facts
2. Consider the impact (the example provided here suggested that I determine if the suspected lie affects project deadlines, team morale, or client relationships)

Approach the Issue Carefully

1. Stay calm and professional
2. Engage in a private conversation (it provided a suggested opening line)

During the Meeting

1. Be specific
2. Listen actively (recommending that I pay attention to their explanation without interrupting to show that I am open to hearing their side)
3. Ask open-ended questions (“Can you walk me through your process. What challenges did you encounter?)

Follow-Up Actions

1. Evaluate the Explanation
2. Set expectations
3. Document the conversation

It also provided suggested preventative measures which included fostering an open culture. One could then ask the tool for suggestions on doing that. In addition, it recommended establishing regular check-ins. The AI tool also provided recommendations around further steps, such as contacting Human Resources and considering consequences for the lying. Finally, it recommended that as a leader, I reflect on the process and look at my role – something I highly endorse! For example, could I have intervened earlier, could I have created an environment where my staff feel they can come to me?

And we are not done. ChatGPT also provided an example scenario, so I could walk through both the private meeting with my staff member and how I can set expectations going forward. This kind of role play is so important in ensuring, as a leader, you handle this type of delicate situation with professionalism and empathy, while also holding the individual accountable. And if you have not had to work through such a situation, having this opportunity can ease anxiety.

You have to remember, using AI tools is not simply feeding in a prompt to receive a robust result. You may need to refine your prompt or continue to ask it questions. For example, you could craft a series of prompts accordingly:

Prompt 1: I suspect my co-worker is taking credit for my work, what do I do?

Prompt 2: What if they deny it?

Prompt 3: What if they are my supervisor’s favorite employee?

Prompt 4: In addition, the co-worker is a friend of mine.

Each prompt will yield a wide range of steps, including suggested language to use in each instance. You can continue to tailor the prompts to address your specific situation or to delve deeper into something provided in the response. For example, you can respond, “Tell me more” or “Give me a different response.”

Using AI tools to engage in conversations to hash out potentially challenging situations or conversations can provide you with tools to help navigate these situations when other resources or options may not be available.

Best,