Question: I got caught using AI for something I was supposed to write for my boss. It was a complicated review of my recommendations on a key project, and I used a generative AI tool to help me make the message clearer and more succinct. It also added some details, which were pulled from unverified sources. When my boss checked them out, he concluded I'd “cheated.”
Now he doesn't trust me. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
Answer: Generative AI, or artificial intelligence, is so helpful in many ways, and tricky in others. It sounds as though you forgot to check your sources and may have also claimed all the work and research as your own, forgetting to fact-check and cite the sources of your work. That's where you likely crossed the line.
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Your boss likely feels justified in believing he should question everything you produce now. This is unfortunate but real. In your case, while it's reasonable to leverage AI tools to improve your communication, you must verify and adjust the responses to be factual, cited and authentic to your own voice.
In this case, to rebuild trust and credibility with your boss, here are some suggestions:
Own the Mistake
Without being defensive or justifying your actions, admit you used an AI tool to assist in the composition of your message and neglected to fact-check or cite sources. Don't overexplain your time constraints, lack of confidence in your writing abilities or his demands on you. Own and take accountability for the mistake.
Share with Him What You've Learned from This Instance
Did you take online courses to improve your use of generative AI tools? Did you consult with your mentor to explore how to be more confident in your own writing? Have you spent time evaluating why you relied on the information as "factual" and didn't check the research yourself? Showing what you learned and clarifying the steps you took to ensure you won't make this mistake again demonstrates a commitment to growth and improvement.
Check in with Your Boss
Give him space to express why he's disappointed and concerned. A client of mine did this (after they also admitted to using ChatGPT to craft an email to their customers). When their boss reacted negatively and claimed they'd taken a shortcut and were deceitful, my client asked them to explain. Turns out the boss thought he'd just asked the AI tool to write the email, taking the text verbatim and not editing it before sending it to customers. The boss also was not familiar with how generative AI tools work and suspected it was used to mislead. Hearing how his boss felt and where they were ill-informed helped to explain the reaction.
As your boss shares their concerns or emotions, refrain from defending or explaining. Until they are finished talking, just listen. You can offer, "I understand," or, "I can imagine how you'd feel that way," to validate their feelings, but do not argue.
Going forward, show your boss how you are creating the context and message yourself, and where (or if) you use AI tools to support and enhance your communications. No software will replace the human experience, and the rapid pace at which generative AI is developing has a lot of people concerned (and many are excited, too!). Your goal to rebuild trust is manageable with open, healthy communication and a consistent demonstration of your actions with your values.
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