A Fool with a Tool

When Tools Aren’t the Solution, But the Start of a Problem

“Please write my weekly report. I have uploaded all the documents you need.”

A harmless yet scary request! Many people do not appreciate that generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT – the consumer version of OpenAI’s AI platform – explicitly give the vendor permission to use your data to train current and future models. In fact, a recent McKinsey survey found that IP infringements are increasingly considered a relevant risk in the organizational use of generative AI. Internal documents uploaded, questions posed, and answers given might all appear at some point in someone else’s query to that platform.

This highlights a significant gap: users often lack the knowledge needed to use AI tools effectively and safely.

In essence, technology without understanding can lead to mistakes and negative consequences, as some organizations have already experienced from using generative AI. Or, as the saying goes, a fool with a tool is still a fool.

Why Critical Thinking Still Matters

But it’s not fair to blame individuals when organizations fail to cultivate a deeper understanding of AI’s capabilities and develop systems that align with a strategic vision for innovation. For instance, few organizations have appropriate governance in place that can help mitigate risky practices. Additionally, most people have never received formal education in skills like critical thinking or creative problem-solving, which the World Economic Forum deems essential for the future of work (WEF Future of Jobs Report 2023). Therefore, it should not be surprising that individuals struggle to use AI tools responsibly.

Generally, ChatGPT or Microsoft CoPilot may not be the most effective solutions for organizations with established workflows, or where common, repeatable methods and processes are required. For instance, when an organization adopts design thinking, often as part of its digital transformation, project managers should ideally align on reimagining the process and applying tailored, AI-integrated tools to address specific challenges. Otherwise, teams may end up debating methods rather than delivering impactful results.

Some organizations assume that simply embedding enterprise AI tools like CoPilot and Google’s AI integrations directly into daily workflows, aiming for productivity gains by automating routine tasks will empower everyone to achieve strategic objectives. While short-term productivity gains may be beneficial, this approach will inevitably lead to over-reliance, causing employees to default to using AI without considering context or adapting the output. This reliance can stifle creativity and innovation, resulting in standardized, uninspired outcomes rather than transformative change.

 Essential Role of Strategic Thinking

Instead, organizations must align their AI solutions with a broader, transformational approach that reimagines workflows to ensure a competitive edge. A more strategic investment is to focus on custom applications or adapt platforms to fit organizational needs -integrating internal language, frameworks, and decision-making processes – so employees receive case-specific, personalized guidance without requiring extensive expertise in prompt engineering and methodology. This strategic alignment ensures AI is used to enhance creativity and innovation, rather than merely automating routine tasks.

So, what can companies do? “Do nothing?” OK, moving beyond that ever-present option, organizations should look toward AI-powered platforms tailored for specific business processes. After all, we don’t use Word to send out invoices! We use proper invoicing tools connected to financial systems. Ideally, these organization-scale AI platforms offer rich, useful functionality designed with a range of clients and use cases in mind, while being configured to specific needs.

Using such platforms dramatically reduces the risk of exposing proprietary information while maximizing utility. Moreover, these solutions are designed to be intuitive and fit seamlessly into existing processes, allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities instead of undergoing extensive compliance and prompt engineering training. This approach helps users focus on innovation and creative problem-solving rather than simply using AI for mundane tasks like drafting emails.

What’s Next? Taking Action Beyond Tools

So, do you really want to be left dealing with the ‘fool with a tool’ problem? Limiting AI to basic tasks means missing out on its true power. It’s about reshaping how value is created in your business and redefining what is possible. Leaders need the courage to envision an AI-native organization – one that leverages AI to innovate, disrupt, and transform. The future belongs to those who can see beyond superficial productivity gains and embrace AI as the new driver of success. The question is: will you seize this opportunity, or be left behind… a well-meaning fool with yet another tool?

If you want to seize the opportunity, we’re here to support you. Get in touch via email at hello@freshstrategy.ch.