3 Example Prompts to Make AI Your Process Improvement Partner

How do you use AI at work? 

That’s a question I ask myself every day. 

Over the past year, I’ve incorporated AI into nearly every phase of the improvement process: from identifying operational problems to training employees during the implementation of a new AI process. Rather than replacing critical thinking, AI has become a tool that helps me work through problems more efficiently by cutting administrative work, allowing me extra time to focus on leadership, strategy and supporting my team. 

Use this 3-step framework to practically change and expand your daily use of AI. 

1. Process Analysis and Improvement

How can I use AI to speed up, streamline and simplify processes?

Example Prompt:

Act as an experienced Lean/CX consultant. Review the process below and walk me through a continuous improvement analysis. First, summarize the current process. Next, detect inefficiencies, waste, duplicate work and pain points. Then, brainstorm at least 10 improvement opportunities. Based on those recommendations, design an improved future-state workflow. Finally, compare the current-state and future-state processes, identify implementation risks and provide a prioritized action plan.

The end result: easy-to-read, referenceable infographics, AI-driven process voiceovers and microlearning videos that show key topics from start to finish, quickly acclimating the team. In addition to a list of ideas captured to use later if the need arises. 

2. Decision Support: Using AI as a Thought Partner

How can I use AI as a thinking partner to help me create better decisions, not to make decisions for me?

Example Prompt:

Act as an experienced leader and advisor. Review the situation below and help me think it through.

Situation:
[Describe your situation.]

This prompt is useful for evaluating process improvements, planning projects, preparing for meetings and making operational decisions. AI has strengthened my thinking by surfacing risks, alternative perspectives and questions I may not have considered.

3. AI During the AskHR Chatbot Pilot

How can I use our internal AI to support onboarding, self-directed learning, knowledge transfer and AI upskilling?

At the end of last year, I was assigned to co-lead the rollout of AskHR. However, I wanted to go beyond using the tool as a question-and-answer mechanism. As a result, I created an AskHR Training Guide to help my new team build a foundational understanding of HR policies, procedures and processes. This solution helps employees learn HR topics in plain language, understand who a policy or process applies to, identify key requirements, resources, follow-up steps and prepare for follow-up discussions. 

Copy and paste this prompt into AskHR:

I am a new HR employee and would like to learn about MSU’s [policy/process/topic]. Please explain it in simple language. Include:

Advanced Training Prompt

Act as an HR trainer. Teach me about MSU’s [policy/process/topic] as if I was a new HR team member. Start with an overview, explain key concepts in plain language, offer real-world examples, identify common mistakes and give me five scenario-based questions to test my understanding. Include links to related policies, forms, and resources.

Follow-Up Prompts

After AskHR responds, ask follow-up questions such as:

AI turned into more than a buzzword when I made it part of my daily work. The greatest advantage comes from using AI to enhance what you already do well. How will you use AI to capitalize on your unique strengths? When used strategically, AI amplifies leadership; it doesn't replace it.