Generative AI isn’t just a tech trend—it’s a new kind of productivity tool. And like all powerful tools, it’s only useful if you know how to use it.
At Engineered Organizations, I help teams and leaders build intentional cultures where people and progress thrive. Embracing AI in a thoughtful, human-centered way is one of the most relevant skills any professional can develop right now.
If you’ve been curious about ChatGPT but weren’t sure where to start, this guide is for you.
Note: This post is a recap of a live virtual workshop hosted on April 18. Details about that session and the recording are at the bottom of this post. Custom generative AI workshops and coaching available upon request.
What is ChatGPT, and Why Should You Care?
ChatGPT is a type of generative AI that can write, brainstorm, plan, summarize, teach, translate, and more—all from a simple prompt. Think of it as a virtual assistant, idea partner, and creative amplifier rolled into one.
Used well, ChatGPT can help you:
Save time on repetitive tasks
Improve communication and content creation
Generate new ideas and insights
Create structure when you feel overwhelmed
How It Works (In Plain Language)
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are built on something called a Large Language Model (LLM). Instead of remembering facts, they learn patterns from massive datasets to predict text that makes sense. You interact with the tool by entering a prompt (a question or request), and it responds based on what it’s learned.
Behind the scenes, it uses tokens (chunks of text), a probability engine, and deep learning to generate human-like responses. But the most important part? What you put in.
The quality of your output depends heavily on the clarity of your input—which brings us to prompting.
Prompting Tips to Get Better Results
Be specific. General prompts get general answers.
Give context. Pretend you’re briefing a new team member.
State your desired format. Want a table? Bullets? Summary? Ask for it.
Use examples. Show what you want, and ask it to mimic the style.
Iterate. If the first try isn’t quite right, ask it to revise.
Example:
Instead of: “Help me write a report”
Try: “Write a 3-paragraph executive summary of this 5-page report in a professional tone.”
Everyday Use Cases
Professionals are already finding creative and practical ways to use ChatGPT to save time, increase clarity, and enhance their work. Here are just a few examples:
📨 Drafting outreach emails, bios, and proposals
đź“ť Summarizing research and articles
đź“š Creating lesson plans or workshop outlines
đź’ˇ Brainstorming ideas for content or events
🧹 Turning messy notes into clean copy
đź“Ł Writing social media captions and blog drafts
📆 Creating meeting agendas or follow-up summaries
đź“‹ Developing FAQs or onboarding guides
✍️ Exploring creative writing or speechwriting
🧳 Planning trips, events, or schedules
🌍 Translating or simplifying technical information
🎠Clarifying ideas and getting feedback through roleplay or thought partnership
If you’ve ever stared at a blank page or pushed a task to the bottom of your list, ChatGPT might be the spark you need.
How I Use ChatGPT: Real-Life Case Studies
✏️ Book Writing – For my recently published book, Magic Mirror, ChatGPT helped brainstorm character arcs, create reflection questions, and translate complex ideas like identity and bias into an accessible narrative.
💼 Professional Communication – From writing cover letters and outreach messages to crafting proposals and social media content, ChatGPT accelerates my workflow and helps me sound clear and confident.
🧠Research Summaries – I appreciate ChatGPT’s help in quickly distilling dense research papers into plain-language insights for course development and strategic decision-making.
👩‍👧 Parenting Support – I’ve used ChatGPT to develop daily check-in systems, chore reward structures, and even design a scavenger hunt to build connection and trust with my former foster daughter.
🍕 Meal Planning – Whether I’m cooking on the smoker or simplifying lunches, ChatGPT helps generate ideas that match my dietary needs and time constraints.
Real people. Real tasks. Real transformation.
A Human-Centered Approach to AI
Using AI doesn’t mean replacing people—it means freeing them up to focus on what matters most: connection, strategy, creativity, and service. That’s why I approach AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, human contribution.
My background in engineering, education, and equity gives me a unique lens on how to bring thoughtful, values-driven AI adoption into organizations. I believe this work should be accessible, inclusive, and empowering.
Want to Get Your Team Started with AI?
Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already exploring, I can help. I offer customized workshops and 1-on-1 coaching to:
- Demystify AI tools for teams
- Improve AI literacy and digital confidence
- Build practical skills for real-world tasks
Let’s equip your people with the tools they need to thrive in today’s fast-changing workplace.
About the 4/18/25 Workshop
Have you ever wished you had a personal assistant who could effortlessly handle repetitive tasks, boost your creativity, and significantly enhance your productivity? Imagine if this assistant was available anytime, anywhere, right at your fingertips.
Generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, makes this possible—and much easier than you think!
On Friday, April 18, 2025, from 12 – 1:30 PM CDT, join me for a practical, interactive virtual session on Zoom.
In this introductory workshop, you’ll:
- Understand what Generative AI is and how it’s transforming productivity.
- Quickly learn how to use ChatGPT with live demonstrations and interactive exercises.
- Discover everyday practical applications—from streamlining emails to enhancing creative tasks.
- Explore ethical considerations to ensure responsible and effective use.
Why Should You Attend?
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT aren’t just for tech experts—they’re designed to simplify life for everyone. Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, professional, or simply curious about improving your productivity, this session is for you!
By attending, you’ll learn how to:
- Save valuable time on routine tasks.
- Enhance your creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Confidently leverage AI to streamline your workflow.
- Expand your potential with a digital collaborator.
Special Pilot Program!
This introductory workshop is a pilot, and your participation and feedback will directly shape future advanced sessions. All registered participants will receive access to the recording, ensuring you can revisit and reinforce your learning at your convenience.
Flexible Pricing: Pay What You Can
We believe in accessible, inclusive education. Choose the level that works best for you:
- Scholarship ($0): Join us at no cost if financial constraints are a concern.
- Limited Funds ($15): Contribute what you can while gaining valuable insights.
- Standard Rate ($30): This is the standard registration rate.
- With Coaching ($130): Includes a one-hour personalized coaching session tailored specifically to your needs.
Meet Your Facilitator
Dr. Meagan Pollock is an enthusiastic early adopter of ChatGPT, utilizing generative AI daily to elevate her productivity in content creation, strategic planning, and communication. Renowned for her ability to simplify complex technology topics, Meagan will equip you with practical, straightforward strategies, empowering you to seamlessly integrate AI into your daily routines.
Why am I doing this?
I adore AI as an incredibly useful tool that makes my life (and yours!) easier.
Helping people unlock their productivity and creativity with easy-to-use AI excites me.
I’m eager to return to my tech roots and combine them with my passion for helping others learn.
The market has shifted, and like many of you, I’m doing my best to adapt. Part of that means stepping into new opportunities that still align with my purpose.
I’m also scouting for meaningful projects where I can develop custom AI solutions. (Fun fact: Last year, I built an AI-driven feedback generator for Jobs for the Future, acting as a virtual coach!) If you have an idea for a tool for your organization, let’s talk. I’m considering taking on some projects at discounted or pro-bono rates to build my skills and contribute to something meaningful.Â
Ready to revolutionize your approach to productivity?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need any prior knowledge or experience with AI? No! This session is designed to be accessible to complete beginners. You only need curiosity and a willingness to learn.
What technology do I need to participate? You’ll need a device capable of running Zoom and a stable internet connection. Access to ChatGPT or another genAI tool is beneficial for hands-on exercises, but a paid subscription is not required.
Can I still benefit if I can’t attend live? Absolutely! All registered participants will receive access to the recording, allowing you to learn at your convenience.
How will my contribution help others? Your contributions at the Learner or Supporter level directly support providing access to this educational content for participants who are unable to pay.
Can I upgrade to coaching later? Yes! If after attending the session you decide you’d like personalized support, you can reach out to arrange a coaching session at any time.
What if I’m afraid of AI? It’s natural to feel cautious about new technologies. This introductory session is designed specifically to demystify Generative AI, showing you exactly what it can (and can’t) do, and how it can be safely integrated into your daily tasks. Our goal is to replace uncertainty with confidence, so you feel empowered—not fearful—when using these powerful tools.
Can I register as a team? Yes! If you’re registering multiple participants from your organization or group, simply adjust the quantity when you register to ensure everyone receives access.
When will I receive the Zoom link? You’ll receive the Zoom link the day before the event, if not sooner.
