Generative AI tools are incredibly powerful, but they have a photographic memory. When you type a prompt or upload a spreadsheet, that data doesn't just disappear. It becomes part of the machine's ongoing learning process.
What this means for you:
Before you hit "generate" to speed up your workflow, run your task through this quick mental filter. Remember: the AI is your enthusiastic intern, not your replacement.
Strip out all client names, exact financial figures, employee details, and internal project codes. Give the AI the general structure and context, but keep the proprietary secrets to yourself.
Generative AI is a notoriously confident liar. It will "hallucinate" data, invent statistics, and create fake citations. You must cross-check every claim against official documentation.
You are the final author, and your name goes on the deliverable. Read the output carefully for tone, accuracy, and brand alignment. Never blindly copy and paste AI-generated text.
You know the rules. Now, let's see how you handle the pressure.
It is 4:00 PM on a Thursday. The executive team needs the Q3 Strategic Risk Assessment by 9:00 AM tomorrow. You have raw data, client financials, and turning it into a cohesive 15-page report will take all night.