ChatGPT Wrote It, But Did You Read It?
Joseph Osapah Mankoe Jnr, a seasoned IT professional with over a decade experience, serves as the substantive Head of IT at Merban Capital LTD. He has successfully spearheaded strategic initiatives, including IT infrastructure upgrades, advanced cybersecurity implementations, and seamless office relocations. With expertise spanning IT governance, digital forensics, disaster recovery, and process automation, Joseph ensures resilience and efficiency in technology-driven operations. Joseph holds an MSc in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity from GIMPA and a BSc in Information Technology from BlueCrest College, complemented by certifications in Cyber Defense Strategies and IT Leadership.
The modern worker’s quiet helper called AI
These days, AI tools like ChatGPT, QuillBot, and GrammarlyGO are quietly helping us get through our work. Reports, emails, memos. They’ve become part of the process.
That’s not the issue.
The issue is when people let AI do everything.
No edits. No second look. Just copy, paste, and send.
And even worse, some do read what AI gives them but only to admire how polished it sounds.
They’re not reading to understand. They’re reading to feel clever.
That’s not being productive. That’s skipping the work.
A Quick Story from My Desk
I got a memo some days ago. Looked good. Clean grammar. Smooth structure. Sounded like something from a professional writer.
But I also knew the person who sent it. And I knew it didn’t sound like him.
It turned out to be an AI draft, sent without edits or a second read. Though it looked professional, it missed the key message entirely.
Another time, someone prepared slides for leadership using AI. The slides looked tidy and sharp. But when questions came up, he struggled to explain the ideas.
Not because he wasn’t capable, but because he hadn’t taken time to engage with the content deeply.
The work made it to the boardroom. But sadly, he didn’t get the chance to truly show his own understanding.
It Sounds Good, But Is It Useful?
AI can make anything look polished. But don’t let clean writing fool you:
- The meaning might be lost or unclear.
- People start to wonder: “Did this person even understand what they sent?”
Here’s the truth: AI will confidently rewrite whatever you give it even if your input is off. It will sound right, even when it’s wrong.
That’s why it’s your job to guide it. Edit the tone. Clarify the message. Own the work.
It’s Not Always Laziness — Sometimes It’s Fear
Many people don’t over-rely on AI because they’re lazy. Often, they’re scared:
- Scared of writing poorly.
- Scared of looking unprofessional.
- Scared of making mistakes in front of managers or peers.
And especially for junior staff, that fear is real. They want to do well. They want to sound sharp. So, if AI can make something “look right,” they just send it.
But when no one pauses to help them understand what the tool has produced, when no one teaches them to think and write for themselves, they stay stuck. Their voice never develops. Their confidence doesn’t grow.
So, leaders: instead of just saying “Don’t rely on AI,” ask,
“Do you understand what this says?”
“Does this sound like you?”
That’s where mentorship begins.
How to Use AI the Right Way
There’s a difference between using AI wisely and just taking shortcuts.
Unhelpful Use:
- Copy and paste the AI response.
- Hit send without thinking.
- Hope it lands well.
Helpful Use:
- Use AI as a start, not the finish.
- Edit 30–40% based on your real understanding.
- Ask: “Would I actually say this in a meeting?”
So, Who’s Responsible?
Companies have a role:
- Set clear boundaries for where AI helps and where it doesn’t.
- Offer simple training, not just on how to use it, but when and why.
Employees have a role too:
- Learn what the tool can and cannot do.
- Always review and personalize the draft.
- If your name is on it, make sure your mind is behind it too.
This is a shared responsibility.
Companies must teach.
People must think.
To Stay Relevant in the AI Era, Remember This:
- Understand your tool. Don’t just use AI, know how it works.
- Own your message. Don’t just sound smart, think and be smart.
- Think about your reader. Is this clear and helpful?
- Strengthen people skills. AI can’t replace trust, presence, or warmth.
- Keep your voice. Don’t lose your natural tone, that’s your edge.
- Check for real value:
- Did I bring clarity or insight?
- Would I trust this if someone sent it to me?
- Could I explain this confidently without a screen in front of me?
Final Thought
AI is a tool, a helpful one. But it can’t take the place of understanding, voice, or presence.
Use it well, but let your mind lead and your voice be heard. That’s what keeps you useful in this new world of work.
