AI offers unparalleled potential to enhance productivity and streamline processes in the workplace. Its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, automate tasks, and provide valuable insights is unparalleled. In this era, the hand-in-hand mentality with AI is not just a luxury but a necessity. Everyone deserves the stability and support that AI can provide, fostering an environment where innovation thrives, and productivity soars. Embracing AI means granting individuals and businesses the tools they need to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to the ever-advancing digital landscape. As of yesterday, November 1st, 2023, Microsoft has made #Microsoft365 Copilot Generally Available for Enterprise customers. What does this mean exactly? What are the product requirements? What applications are breaking into the AI era? Continue on to find out 🙂

What is Copilot? Digital Debt?

In a nutshell, Copilot is an AI companion. Over the last few months, I have listened to podcasts and read blogs revolving around AI. I have come to three conclusions: you are either skeptical on its performance, frightened by the idea of an “AI Takeover”, or you are eagerly awaiting the intertwinement of AI into your personal and professional life. So here is my question for those who are not on board – will AI take over the world? Or will you take control of YOUR world? Copilot is intended to help you manage your digital debt. What do I mean by digital debt? Digital debt is the mundane activities that are critical to the workday but a hinderance to actually checking off project-oriented tasks. Managing email, writing meeting minutes, or responding to Teams messages can seem like you are trying escape a hole that was dug on a beach – never ending.

According to Microsoft, 68% of respondents said they don’t have enough uninterrupted time during the workday to focus.

MPPC Keynote Paraphrasing

Copilot is intended to elevate some of the weight of the workday. With Microsoft’s inclusion of Copilot in its Microsoft 365 products I foresee a future that is more productive, professional, and unwound.

Copilot Product Requirements

The prerequisites for Microsoft 365 Copilot are expansive and can vary based on application enablement. An important note is that if your organization uses Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 today, then you likely already meet most prerequisites. Also, for Copilot to work in Word Online and PowerPoint Online, you need to have third-party cookies enabled.

Because of the varied list of prerequisites, here is the link directly to Microsoft Learn which does into further detail. I chose to share this, as Copilot is new and these requirements may change over time.

Application Integration

Now… Let’s get into the fun stuff. Below, I will outline how AI is breaking into Microsoft applications as well as provide additional resources if you would like to get started experimenting with Copilot. Microsoft has broken capabilities into three sections – Create, Catch Up, and Ask.

Microsoft 365 Chat

Microsoft 365 Chat is branded as the copilot that works besides you, to create, catch up, and ask.

Create

Copilot enables you to have a creative partnership in order to brainstorm ideas and create content on a simplistic or complex level.

Here are some examples of what this might look like:

1. You need to create a compelling pitch for an innovative startup idea. Try a prompt like this:

I have an idea for a disruptive tech startup that revolutionizes the way we interact with everyday appliances. Craft a persuasive pitch script that outlines the problem it solves, the unique features, and the market potential. Additionally, provide two metaphors or comparisons that can help investors grasp the concept easily.

2. You want to transform a technical concept into an engaging video script. Try a prompt like this:

I need to create an animated video explaining Blockchain technology for a general audience. Develop a script that simplifies the complexities of Blockchain, covering its fundamental principles, applications, and benefits. Incorporate two visual metaphors or animations that can visually represent key concepts for viewers.

3. You’re preparing a proposal for a grant to fund a community project. Try a prompt like this:

I am applying for a grant to support a sustainable environmental project in our community. Craft a persuasive proposal that outlines the project’s goals, methodology, and expected impact. Include a section on the budget allocation and a timeline for project implementation. Additionally, suggest two real-life case studies or examples of similar projects that have successfully made a positive difference in their communities.

Catch Up

Use Microsoft 365 chat to catch up on things quickly including things such as scanning emails for important details, create project-oriented task lists, or help aid you manage your digital debt.

Here are some examples of what this might look like:

1. You attended a team meeting where the marketing strategy for the upcoming campaign was discussed. Try a prompt like this:
   Provide a summary of the main points discussed, including target audience, marketing channels, and key messaging.
2. You remember a discussion about budget allocations in the recent finance meeting. Try a prompt like this:
   Retrieve the details of the budget distribution for Q4 across different departments and major expenses.
3. You recall a conversation with your colleague regarding the upcoming client presentation. Try a prompt like this:
   Retrieve any specific points or ideas discussed for enhancing the presentation’s content and delivery, including client expectations and areas of focus.

Ask
Copilot enables you to ask quick questions about what you need to know in order to propel your tasks forward.

Here are some examples of what this might look like:

1. You’re unsure about the procedure for reporting workplace incidents. Try a prompt like this:

What is the correct protocol for reporting workplace incidents? Include details on whom to contact, the necessary documentation, and the expected timeline for resolution.

2. You need to find out the guidelines for submitting travel expenses. Try a prompt like this:

What are the steps for submitting travel expenses for reimbursement? Include information on required receipts, allowable expenses, and the approval process.

3. You want to understand the company policy on social media usage during work hours. Try a prompt like this:

What is our company policy regarding social media usage while on duty? Include specifics on permitted platforms, acceptable content, and any restrictions or guidelines in place for employees.

Teams

Copilot for Teams revolutionize the workflow process related to the administrational tasks that come with meetings. Summarize key points, catch up and take action all using your AI companion.

Create & Ask

Use Copilot in Teams during every step of the meeting process. Here are some examples of what Copilot can do for you as your meeting is transcribed:

• Recap the meeting so far.
• List action items.
• Suggest follow-up questions.
• Generate Meeting Minutes

Once your meeting is over, use the Recap function to ask Copilot prompts to help you take action or next steps. Some examples might be:

1. What were the main takeaways from the discussion?
2. Describe the overall atmosphere during the brainstorming session.
3. In simple terms, what were the key points discussed in the presentation?
4. What were the significant topics covered during the conversation?
5. Provide a non-technical summary of the arguments presented in the debate.
6. For each team member, what were their main reservations about the project? What aspects were they enthusiastic about?

Catch Up & Ask

Use the catch-up oriented features in Teams by prompting Copilot to analyze your Teams Chats or Channels. This can help you stay up to date on action items, meeting take aways and requests, and decisions without sifting through multiple channels or chats.

To use Copilot in a Teams Chat:

1. Go to Chat on the left side of Teams, then select a specific chat from the list.
2. Select Open chat Copilot in the upper-right corner of the chat—you’ll see the Copilot icon in a one-on-one chat, group chat, and meeting chat.

*Instruction from Microsoft*

From here, you can ask Copilot prompts such as:

1. What were the key points discussed in my absence?
2. What were the main ideas exchanged in the chat?
3. What were the major updates or announcements shared by the team members?

To use Copilot in a Teams Channel:

1. Go to Teams on the left side of Teams, then select a specific channel within a team.
2. Within the channel discussion, select the link below the channel post to expand the replies and see the full conversation.
3. From this immersive channel post view, Select Open channel Copilot in the upper-right corner of the channel view.

*Instruction from Microsoft*

From here, you can ask Copilot questions such as:
1. What are the highlights

Outlook

Copilot technology can significantly enhance Outlook email management by streamlining various tasks and improving overall efficiency. Overall, Copilot provides valuable support in organizing, responding to, and comprehending emails, making email communication more efficient and effective for users.

Create & Edit

To quickly Draft emails in Outlook using Copilot following the following steps:

1. In Outlook, select Home > New Mail > Mail.
2. To start a new message, select the Copilot icon   from the toolbar.
3. Select Draft with Copilot from the drop-down menu.
4. In the Copilot box, type your prompt. For example, “Let the team know we decided to use clay shingles and to go ahead so we meet the deadline.”
5. Select Generate options  to choose your desired length and tone.

*Instruction from Microsoft*

Summarize

Copilot now allows email threads to be quickly summarized. In order to enable this:

1. In Outlook, choose the conversation that you want.
2. Select the Summary by Copilot box at the top of the email thread. Copilot will scan the thread to look for key points and create a summary for you.

*Instruction from Microsoft*

Word

Whether brainstorming for a new project, crafting a compelling story, or refining existing content, harnessing the power of Copilot in Word can significantly enhance the creative process, providing valuable insights and generating content that resonates effectively with the intended audience.

Create

With Copilot, you can now draft documents in Word. To draft a document, follow the steps below:

1. Start a new blank document.
2. In the Draft with Copilot box, type or paste your prompt. It is important to note that the more you give Copilot the better its response will be. Include specific examples and information about tone and format.
3. Select Generate, and Copilot will draft new content for you.

*Instruction from Microsoft*

Review

If you are given a lengthy document to review, or perhaps you are coming back to a document that you have written, you can now ask Copilot to summarize the document for you, noting key points, and calls to action.

To use these features:

1. Open an existing document.
2. Select Copilot from the ribbon to open the Copilot pane.
3. In the Copilot compose box, enter in “summarize this document.”
4. In Copilot’s summary, select References to view citations of where Copilot pulled information from inside the document.

*Instruction from Microsoft*

PowerPoint

The use of Copilot in AI is something that I am particularly interested in. As a data analyst, I love creating beautiful reports. However, creating presentations has never been my strong point. Using Copilot, PowerPoint is supercharged to create an even better user experience.

Create

With Copilot, you can now create on many levels, including:

1. Creating a presentation (how cool!)
2. Creating a presentation from an existing file
3. Create a presentation using a template

Once created, you can ask Copilot to add more slides, images, and text.

End User Experience

A presentation ends with the End User. Typically, being presented to. Because of this, it is important to have a well-constructed slide deck that has a natural flow and engaging appearance.

Use Copilot to also do the following within PowerPoint:

1. Summarize your slides
2. Use Copilot with your corporate templates, to create presentations that look tailored for your organization
3. Generate images and text related to your presentation

Excel

Data talks. And while I am partial to Power BI, the use of Copilot in Excel excites me. I expect this to be huge for the future of data analytics. There are two main points I wanted to focus on with Copilot and Excel: Data Exploration and Data Generation.

Data Exploration

Microsoft 365 Copilot can show insights based on your data or a specific question you ask about your data. 

1. Format the data in your spreadsheet as a table, then select it.
2. Select the Copilot button in the ribbon.
3. Select Get started.
4. Select Analyze and choose a suggested prompt. Or describe what you’d like to know by asking a question about your data in your own words.
5. Select Send. Copilot analyzes your data to show insights as charts, PivotTable objects, summaries, trends, or outliers.

*Instruction from Microsoft*

Data Generation

Not sure how to write a formula for a new column? Microsoft 365 Copilot can quickly add new columns with formulas based on your data. 

1. With your data formatted as a table, select the Copilot button in the ribbon.
2. Select Add formula columns or Show suggestions for formula columns. You can also describe what columns you’d like to add by typing it in your own words.
3. Microsoft 365 Copilot provides formula suggestions with an explanation on how each formula works. View the explanation by selecting Explain formula.
4. Select Insert column to add the formula column to your table.

*Instruction from Microsoft*

In the realm of creativity and productivity, AI, especially in the form of Microsoft’s Copilot, emerges as an indispensable ally, transforming the way ideas are conceptualized and documents are crafted. By harnessing the power of AI, the once daunting task of managing digital debt—those mundane yet essential activities hindering project-oriented tasks—becomes more manageable. Copilot not only lightens the load but also paves the way for a future where productivity knows no bounds. Microsoft’s integration of Copilot into its suite of applications marks a significant milestone, promising a professional landscape that is more efficient, innovative, and seamlessly interconnected. As we embrace Copilot, we are not just adapting to change; we are empowering ourselves to shape our world, leveraging technology to its fullest potential and revolutionizing the future of work. The era of AI in productivity has arrived, and with Copilot at our side, the possibilities are limitless, propelling us into a future where creativity, efficiency, and innovation thrive.

Sources and Important information

Microsoft Copilot – Microsoft Adoption

Frequently asked questions: AI, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Microsoft Designer – Microsoft Support

Microsoft 365 Roadmap | Microsoft 365