Channel your inner Jim Halpert to become a Microsoft Copilot expert
This article was contributed by Katherine Drury who sits on the Executive Committee for the PRSA Technology Section. Katherine is the Communications & Engagement Manager, Digital Technology and Innovation at Amgen.
If you’re like me and the TV show “The Office” speaks to you, then this is the generative AI guide for you! I’ve pulled together some guidance to help you become an expert so wily that Dwight will think you’re receiving communications from your future self. This guidance will help you to initiate your Microsoft Copilot learning and show off your AI writing skills around the office (pun intended). Then stay tuned for the next two parts of this three-part series about understanding and using generative AI more in your daily work.
- Embrace the AI: Unlike Michael Scott’s mindset toward technology, I invite you to take a curious and exploratory approach. Embrace Microsoft Copilot to help with various tasks, from compiling synonyms and Top 10 lists to kickstarting your creative writing. Not sure how to start? Just type in a question like you would to Google, Bing, or other internet browsers.
- Be Explicit: Remember how Dwight always asked for specifics about Jim’s pranks? Be like Dwight. When asking of generative AI tools, be precise in what you need. Your details will prompt Copilot to accurately assist you. Extra Tip: Copilot doesn’t do well with “no’s” yet. For example, tell it what you want it to do, not what you don’t want it to do.
- Diversify Your Usage: Don’t be a Stanley and limit yourself to one type of task. Schedule 15 minutes a week on your calendar to try out Copilot for writing, quiz building, learning, image creation, discoursing in various languages, and more. It won’t be as monotonous as completing crossword puzzles.
- Feedback Improves the Tool: If Copilot makes a mistake, let it know. Your feedback is as crucial for its learning and improvement as Pam’s art show critiques were for her paintings. In any of the generative AI tools, the feedback icons are right above or below where you receive your answer.
- Patience is a Virtue: Complex queries may take a bit longer to process or may not work at all yet. Your patience is as admirable as The Office staff continually enduring Toby’s lengthy, but necessary, HR meetings.
- Explore Different Modes: Select generative AI tools will have different modes like “Precise, Casual, or Professional.” Others build these categories directly into the way the tool answers a question. Each mode offers a slightly unique response, like the many themes of the Dunder Mifflin Christmas parties. Tip: Be creative – ask the tool to “act as” a certain role or human. Example – “Act as Michael Scott and develop a list of 10 Dunder Mifflin office Christmas party themes.”
- Safety and Privacy: Like all things on the web – be cautious with what you share. This is not the place to express your deepest secrets. We do not want this to be like the time Toby revealed the contents of the suggestion box to the entire office. It’s important to learn about the privacy and data security of generative AI tools, especially as they are learning and training on all the data we input into them.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with updates and new features. Microsoft is always working to enhance capabilities, much like Dunder Mifflin constantly working to stay relevant in the paper industry.
- Inquisitiveness: Don’t hesitate to ask the tool questions. No matter how simple or complex. Be curious, like Jim was about Dwight’s beet farm.
- Enjoy the Journey: Make the most of your experience. generative AI tools are in many ways here to make your tasks easier and more enjoyable, like how the office antics made Dunder Mifflin a fun place to work. The key to becoming an expert at anything is practice and exploration. Good luck and stay curious!
This article was written by Microsoft Copilot. It was prompted and edited by Katherine. Stay tuned for the next two parts to this three-part series: The Office Meets Generative AI.
Citations:
- Microsoft. (2024). Copilot. https://copilot.microsoft.com/
- Daniels, Greg., et al. The Office. [United States], Universal Studios Home Entertainment, 2012. https://www.nbc.com/the-office/about