The below items should be used as a guiding framework for the safe use of AI tools. Please be aware that AI tools do not replace human expertise and oversight and are best utilized to create efficiencies in your role.

1. AI is a Tool, Not a Decision-Maker

AI can assist with research, automation, and decision support, but final decisions should always be made by a human. Always apply critical thinking before acting on AI-generated advice.

2. Be Wary of Hallucinations - Verify Critical Information

AI can sometimes generate incorrect, outdated, or misleading information (hallucinations). Always cross-check facts, especially when dealing with technical, legal, financial, medical, or business-critical matters.

3. Be Clear and Specific

The quality of AI responses depends on the clarity of your input. Provide precise questions, relevant details, and context to get the most accurate and useful answers. Provide the same level of detail in a question as you would with a person, bearing in mind the tool has no ability to read between the lines. Don't leave questions open to interpretation.

4. Understand AI’s Limitations

AI lacks human judgment, emotions, and real-world experience. It operates based on patterns and probabilities, meaning it may not always grasp nuance or context correctly.

5. Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information

Do not enter confidential, personal, or sensitive business data. AI interactions are not always private or secure, and data might be processed in ways that you cannot control.

6. AI is Not a Source of Original Thought

AI generates content based on existing data and patterns. It does not “think” or “create” in the same way a human does. Use AI to assist with ideas but rely on human creativity for true innovation.

7. Use AI Responsibly

Ensure AI-generated content aligns with ethical and legal guidelines. Avoid using AI for misinformation, plagiarism, or tasks requiring moral judgment.

8. Provide Feedback and Learn Over Time

If an AI response is incorrect or unhelpful, refine your question or provide more details. Learning how to interact effectively with AI will improve your experience over time.

9. Understand Bias and Limitations

AI systems are trained on data that may contain biases. Be aware that AI responses may reflect societal, cultural, or dataset biases, and exercise judgment when interpreting results.

10. Balance AI with Human Expertise

Use AI as a supplement to human skills, not a replacement. AI can enhance productivity, but human oversight ensures accuracy, ethical considerations, and contextual understanding.