Are Those Who Struggle with IT Actually Geniuses at Using AI? A Reverse Work Strategy for Transforming How We Work

Hello there.

Lately, the term "Generative AI" has become something you hear absolutely everywhere, hasn't it?
Whether you turn on the TV or check the news online, it's AI, AI, AI...

Honestly, aren't there some of you who are feeling just a little bit fed up, thinking, "Another new buzzword..." or "I'm not really good with IT, you know."

I understand. I really do.
The feeling of wanting to say, "I'm already full..." when it comes to the new technologies that keep popping up one after another.

But what if, because of that sense of inadequacy, you are missing out on a really interesting opportunity...?

Today, I have a story I want to share specifically with those of you who feel a bit of distance from AI.

AI might be a "Black Ship"

When you hear phrases like "AI will take our jobs," doesn't it conjure up an image of some mysterious "dark entity" arriving to threaten our peace?

I think this is similar to the arrival of the "Black Ships" we learned about in history.
Steamships suddenly appeared in late Edo-period Japan, billowing black smoke. People at the time must have been truly surprised and frightened.

I think it was only natural to want to reject everything, shouting, "Joi!" (expel the barbarians/foreigners).

But what happened in the end?

Some people turned their attention to the "technology" that those Black Ships possessed. They asked, "What kind of mechanism is that?" And by learning and adopting that technology, they opened up a new era.

Generative AI might be similar to this. If you just stay afraid and keep your distance, you will end up being "used" by the times without even realizing it.

Conversely, if you muster just a little bit of courage and try touching it, asking, "How do I use this?"—isn't that the very first step toward becoming someone who "uses" the waves of a new era?

A reverse perspective. Aim to be a "partner," not perfection

I think those who struggle with IT tend to think seriously, "I have to study properly and master it perfectly..."
But perhaps that mindset is what is actually making your actions feel heavy.

Here is a reverse perspective. Why not stop thinking of AI as the "latest tool that must be mastered perfectly" for once?

Instead, try thinking of it as a "new assistant who is quite knowledgeable but occasionally says something nonsensical," or a "reliable partner who supports your work." (It actually has those qualities, haha.)

You don't have to give perfect instructions. Try talking to it like you're asking a person, saying things like, "Could you summarize this data nicely?" or "Can you come up with some clever wording for a thank-you email to a client?"

Just by doing that, AI will work for you surprisingly smoothly.

I think what we should aim to be is not a "perfect master" who controls AI, but a "good partner" who builds a successful relationship with it.

In any case, just "doing it" was the beginning

I might sound like I know what I'm talking about, but truth be told, I was the type who would cross my arms and watch from a distance, thinking, 'Hmm...' lol.

But I realized that just sitting around thinking about it wasn't going to get me anywhere.

It’s not quite the same as the ancient Roman hero Caesar saying 'The die is cast,' but the die of AI has already been cast into the world. So, I figured it would be more interesting to think about how to read the roll of the dice.

It applies to everything, but just doing it is the beginning.

With that in mind, I started by talking to ChatGPT about something really trivial. I asked, 'What do you think I should have for dinner tonight?'

Then, it asked me back, 'What do you have in your fridge?' When I told it a few ingredients, it actually suggested a recipe for me.
In that moment, I thought, 'Oh, this thing is actually useful...!' lol.

This small experience of 'I did it!' turned my fear of AI into curiosity about a convenient tool.

Before overthinking things, just try touching it. Try talking to it.
I really think that’s all you need to get started.

The first step to becoming someone who 'uses' AI

So, you might be wondering, what should I actually do?
Don't worry. You don't need to read a thick book like you're studying for a certification.

First, try asking the free generative AI (like ChatGPT) available on your smartphone or computer to do one thing for you.

• 'Give me three ideas for what to talk about in tomorrow's meeting'

• 'Think of a polite way to start a report email to my boss'

• 'Can I vent to you about something that bothered me at work today?'

The point is not to take the answers AI gives you 100% at face value.

Use it as a 'draft' for your own thinking or as a 'sounding board,' thinking, 'I see, that’s one way to look at it,' or 'This phrasing is a bit off, so I’ll fix it this way.'

This is the stance of someone who 'uses' AI, rather than being 'used' by it.

AI has the potential to become your best partner, helping you think and creating more time for you. People like you, who feel they struggle with IT but approach things sincerely, are the ones who will surely be able to build a great relationship with this new partner.

You don't need to be afraid.
Why not start today by asking it for advice on what to have for dinner?

Conclusion

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