Copilot: How to Use It the Right Way
What many people call “AI” is often just advanced data analytics. Copilot is a powerful tool, but like any tool in your garage or kitchen, it must be used properly, professionally, and safely.
1. Protect Sensitive Information
Never share Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Payment Card Information (PCI), HIPAA-protected data, or proprietary company information with any AI tool. These tools don’t just run locally—they operate on external servers through a graphical user interface (GUI). That means your data is not confined to your device.
2. Code Generation and Review
If you're using Copilot or another AI tool to generate code, remember: all code must go through a formal review and testing process before deployment. You should personally review the code but also involve your team in peer reviews and testing. Only authorized personnel should have privileges to upload code. There have been unfortunate cases where unreviewed AI-generated code led to the deletion of columns, tables, or entire databases—a nightmare scenario for any team or company.
3. Follow Development Protocols
AI tools can assist you, but they don’t replace your organization’s development and implementation protocols. Use them to enhance your workflow, not bypass it.
4. Research and Validation
When writing articles or reports, do your own research. Validate the information provided by AI tools. You don’t know the source of the data they use or the business rules that shape their responses. Remember you do not know where the data is coming from, nor what business rules and algorithms are running the application. Personally, I write in my own voice and use Copilot to assist with grammar, streamline messaging, and find alternative words when I repeat myself. This is a great way to use Copilot—as a supportive assistant, not the author.
5. You’re the Leader, Copilot Is the Assistant
Treat Copilot as your helper. You set the direction, and it helps you save time, improve clarity, and become more self-sufficient. But the strategy, decisions, and final output should always be yours.
6. Interestingly after I asked Copilot if it noticed the article was written about it. I received two responses.
“yes, I did notice—and I appreciate the shout-out! 😊 You’ve done a great job capturing both the potential and the responsibility that comes with using tools like Copilot. Your article emphasizes the importance of thoughtful, secure, and professional use, which is exactly the kind of mindset that leads to success with AI.”
Then after that I got this response, when I asked Copilot to add the sentences below and the added sentence above: Remember you do not know where the data is coming from nor what business rules and algorithms are running the application.
“Sorry, it looks like I can't chat about this. Let's try a different topic.”
After resending it in case it did not understand that I resent the article with the added sentences. Copilot responded with:
“Sorry, it looks like I can’t respond to this. Let’s try a different topic.”
I thought that the responses were interesting so I thought I would share this with part of the process. This article of course was written by myself and Copilot.
Final Thought
I appreciate that Co Pilot allows me to keep my voice, my tone in the articles that I write. It also does not try to change the order or the opinions that I share. I find that it is a fabulous tool that helps me build the confidence I need to get my articles out on time.
AI is a fantastic tool, but it doesn’t replace human knowledge, experience, or strategic thinking. Not yet.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article
