I'm constantly on the lookout for ways to work smarter, not harder. So of course, I was intrigued when ChatGPT emerged full of promises to make life easier. But, my skepticism and strong moral compass made me wonder if this was really the right thing to do. 

• Would ChatGPT give me accurate information? I'm not even sure if what I see on the internet is real!

• Would ChatGPT produce content that sounds like a robot created it? Afterall, a robot did create it!

• Would ChatGPT leave me feeling like my years of experience and wisdom are no longer necessary? The way people talk about AI, you'd think every job on the planet is going to be eliminated!

Well, I pushed my skepticism aside and tried it. Today, I'm here to confess that my skepticism was unnecessary and my goal to use ChatGPT to work smarter is well underway. In fact, ChatGPT has become my right-hand-man (if only he looked like a young Brad Pitt). 

In this blog post, I'm going to tell you why I love ChatGPT and how I use it. Plus, I'll share 20 prompts you can use as a Coach or Course Creator to work smarter, not harder.

Why I Love ChatGPT

I hate wasting time, but it is sooooo easy for me to do so. Every time I hop online, I get distracted by emails, Facebook, Pinterest recipes, J Jill ads, or whatever pops up.  I used to spend a lot of time online doing research and gathering ideas to support my client engagements. ChatGPT expedites that process without the distractions of the internet. Time I wasted searching online is now better spent in my garden or on my motorcycle!

How I Use ChatGPT

I have to start by sharing something I've learned in the three decades that I've spent working with corporate and not-for-profit organizations. There are three different kinds of people in the world:

• Idea Generators who can take a blank sheet of paper and turn it into something creative, a new business idea, or an innovative solution to a problem. The ideas just pour from their heads.

• Idea Advancers who, if given a blank sheet of paper, steal an idea from the Idea Generators and then figure out how to make it work. They take the idea to the next level and determine just how to bring it to life in their own world.

• Idea Implementors who, when given a blank sheet of paper, just hand it back and ask you to tell them exactly what you want done. They love to execute and implement, not create.

I'm an Idea Advancer.  I just need someone to get me started and I can take an idea and run with it. That "someone" for me is my new friend, ChatGPT.

I use ChatGPT to get me started, give me ideas, and create samples and scenarios for me. Then, I edit and add my own flair to make those ideas my own. 

Here are some prompts I've been using to work smarter not harder!

10 Prompts You Could Ask ChatGPT When Developing Courses

1. Needs Assessment - List common problems faced by [job title of participants] today.

2. Survey Summary - Provide common themes found in the survey comments listed below. [List participants' comments regarding pain points and learning needs.]

3. Best Practice Solutions - List best practice approaches for solving [the problem] in organizations like [the business].

4. Real-World Examples - List real-world examples where [the best practice solution] is in place.

5. Content Outline - Create a detailed outline for a [length] course on [topic/best practice solution]. The target audience is [participants]. For each section, include the main point, supporting arguments, and examples or stories.

6. Scenario/Script Development - Simulate a scenario/write a script for a scenario where an employee has to [task such as handle a difficult customer complaint]. Provide a dialogue between the employee and the customer, with multiple possible responses and outcomes.

7. Technical Training and Troubleshooting - Create a step-by-step [procedure/trouble-shooting guide] for [task].

8. Assessment - Design a quiz to assess an employee's knowledge of [topic]. Include multiple choice and scenario-based questions.

9. Activities - Identify three games [describe learners such as customer service representatives between the ages of 16 and 25] in [industry] could play to build teamwork and collaboration.

10. Examples - Write a sample [document to be reviewed in the course such as a sales proposal or performance review] to be used by [job title of participants] that illustrates [key points].

10 Prompts You Could Ask ChatGPT When Coaching Someone

1. Brainstorming - Generate innovative ideas for improving [problem such as teamwork in a remote work environment].

2. Decision Making - Make a list of pros and cons for [problem or decision your coaching client is facing].

3. Scenario Exploration - Simulate a scenario where a business has a [crisis that your client is facing]. List different strategies and decisions to effectively navigate the situation.

4. Role Play - Role play a conversation between a manager and an employee who is [the problem such as resistent to change]. 

5. Build Empathy - Re-write the below email message with an empathic and caring tone. [Insert poorly written email].

6. Stress and Emotional Management - Provide 10 ways a [describe client] can remain calm in a high pressure situation such as [describe situation].

7. Approach to Leadership - What traits are essential for leaders in corporations experiencing [business situation like change or growth]? Provide a published article for each trait. Provide an example of a leader in history who demonstrates each trait.

8. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Outline a step-by-step action plan for developing a more diverse and inclusive work environment.

9. Personal Beliefs - Create a self-reflection exercise to uncover a [describe client]'s core values and how those values align with their current career path.

10. Continuing Education and Resources: Recommend a list of must-read leadership books and relevant online courses that could support a leader's desire to build [skills].

I'm Still Cautious

Earlier I mentioned that I pushed my skepticism aside, but that isn't entirely true. I'll always be cautious. In fact, I never take any information I find online at face value. When you use ChatGPT, you should always verify the information.

I'm also not a big fan of just taking words off an internet site and claiming them as my own. So, I use ChatGPT to give me a jump start. Then, I add my own frameworks, stories, experiences, and ideas to create the best solution for my clients that truly reflects my beliefs.

If you haven't tried ChatGTP yet or if you've just dabbled, hop on and give it a play. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by what it reveals and how it helps you work smarter!