5 Essential Rules for Using Microsoft 365 Copilot

The introduction of generative AI-based work tools in the workplace, such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, have the potential to boost productivity significantly in the workplace. Customers who participated in the Microsoft 365 Copilot Early Access Program reported immediate improvements in their work efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Below you can find 5 Essential Rules for using Microsoft 365 Copilot. 

1. Be specific in what you ask for

Be specific when you ask for something

Asking your Copilot for something it is called “prompting”. When you prompt, it is important that you are specific. What is the outcome you are expecting?

For instance, you can ask:

• Give me the top 3 highlights of this text…
• List the pros and cons in a table…
• Create a bulleted list of 3-5 issues…

2. Give context

Give context of Why and for Whom

The more background information you give your Copilot, the better result you will get. Provide input about why you need what you are asking for and for whom.

Include context in your prompt such as:

• … to prepare for a meeting with the CEO of X to discuss Y.
• … so that I can provide arguments for a meeting with my manager.
• … to include in a risk management report for the legal department.

3. Provide the source

List the sources you want Copilot to use

Your Copilot has access to all the information you have access to in your digital workplace - but it’s quicker at finding information.

For a better result, guide your Copilot to the sources you want to include such as:

• … focus on email since June.
• … use the files in this folder.
• … based on chat messages from this person.

4. Be in control - always check the result

You are responsible for all outcomes

You are ultimately responsible for anything that your Copilot creates.

It is important to note that you can’t blindly trust the information that your Copilot provides you with.

• Treat Copilot’s output as a first draft
• Always check the accuracy of the information
• You are ultimately accountability for the outcome of your Copilot
• Finally, you should never use Copilot to generate harmful or deceiving information.

5. Be polite and give feedback

Always be polite and give continuous feedback

You should think of your Copilot as a trusted partner that is always by your side. Copilot learns from you, so it’s important to be polite and give feedback. If you say “Please” and “Thank you”, your Copilot will be polite and friendly back 🤗.

• Use a conversational tone of voice, without jargon or slang.
• Give feedback: Make it more casual, professional, easier, etc.
• Provide clear examples: The chart should have a line graph that shows the total sales for each month, with a separate line for each product category.
• Create a habit of ALWAYS asking your Copilot for help!

Next steps

Are you rolling out Microsoft 365 Copilot within your organization? Perhaps you are just getting started with an initial project to evaluate various AI-powered productivity tools. Wherever you are in your digital transformation journey, check out our resources below and get in touch with us to learn how we can help you drive digital transformation in your organization.

Webinar – Get Ready for Microsoft 365 Copilot

Workshop – Get ready for Microsoft 365 Copilot