29 Jul 2024
Generative AI, Human or a bit of both
For many people generative AI apps, such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, may appear to be the new kid on the office tool block, yet the term Artificial Intelligence was first used more than 60 years ago! That aside, there is no denying the speed in which the use of generative AI has become widespread across the workplace.
When reading about ChatGPT for the first time my immediate thought was that students would have a great time using it; first class degrees with very little effort and furthermore how could its use be policed? My second was that having good writing skills would become redundant. Where was the skill in being able to string a good sentence together when a machine could do it better and at lightning speed? However, despite initial reservations I used ChatGTP when a deadline was looming and, there is no doubt whatsoever, it’s a time saving tool. Plus, when used carefully, it produces great content. I’ll say that again, when used carefully, it produces great content. It would be a big mistake to think that generative AI apps can be used to write all your emails, reports, proposals etc with little or no input from you. The output will contain flaws, inaccuracies and ‘Americanisms’. What is produced should be carefully read through. Editing is a must.
Michael Howard, Managing Director of HR & Payroll Software provider Frontier Software has told colleagues to, "use generative AI with caution”. And that is it exactly. We should all be using business tools that streamline tasks and get the job done efficiently; after all Frontier Software promote the use of their software’s automation features on that basis. But we must never think these tools can replace us. Michael stressed that “writing is an art and ChatGPT and others are simply aids”. He makes a very good point.
Generative AI apps can produce written information that is often astonishingly realistic; writing emails and summarising reports at a speed no human could ever hope to match. But, as they become integral to our working lives, with text produced in seconds, we may run the risk of thinking ourselves the next Shakespeare! And with that comes the added risk of producing unedited and possibly inaccurate text that could be damaging to your organisation if published.
Rob Ashton, an expert on writing at work, says ChatGPT can help. But he warns of a steep learning curve before you can phrase questions well enough to get a decent response. And you need to check the results carefully, as ChatGPT has been known to “lie” if it does not know the answer!
“AI doesn't just make mistakes. It lies to your face so fluently and eloquently that you never suspect a thing … Never, ever outsource your thinking or your writing to AI. It may save time in the short term, but the potential costs are enormous."
Rob Ashton - Founder, Emphasis.
If you’re thinking of dipping your nib in the generative AI ink, then I would say give it a go. The first time of using, it will blow your mind. But don’t get swept along. Check the information presented to you, remove inaccuracies and correct spellings to British English (organisation with a z is a real giveaway) and try to ensure it reads like something you could well have written.
Have fun, but remember, “use with caution”.
Author Sandra Walker is a Sales Support Consultant at Frontier Software, a provider that has been delivering software solutions to support HR teams across the public sector for over 40 years. Their modular software suite offers highly configurable automation tools to ensure interactions create the right balance for your organisation and your people. Real-time data is readily available at your fingertips for accurate and informed decision making across the entire employee lifecycle. Contact Frontier Software here.
Article originally published on Public Sector Focus August 2024.