In a 2024 Deloitte survey, 75% of CEOs surveyed said they have personally used or are using artificial intelligence, according to Harvard Business Review. Although AI is becoming more common in the workplace, it is important for leaders to use it carefully so it does not damage trust within their company.
Harvard Business Review shares the following guidelines regarding using AI to communicate.
- Be transparent. If your employees find out you have used AI in your communications without telling them, they may assume you use it to write all your messages to staff. Lack of transparency also can damage trust with employees. It is important to communicate AI’s role and benefits; when you think it is acceptable to use it; what data is used to train bots; and how you handle sensitive inputs. Establish company rules for using AI and be sure you also follow those rules.
- Use AI for impersonal messaging. AI is best used for formal communications—such as strategy memos—rather than for personal communications. People who know you well and are familiar with your voice—such as colleagues and employees—will know the difference, and your communication may be deemed inauthentic.
- Triple-check your work. AI’s answers often contain errors and rely too much on jargon, which can be risky when CEOs are sending communications to employees, customers or other important individuals. Be sure to always review, edit and fact-check your message. You also could ask a colleague to review your AI messages to ensure the meaning and tone are what you intended.
