Using AI as a thought partner + 3 other user cases


HAILLEY GRIFFIS

Happy Monday 🌞

If you joined recently, hi 👋 I’m Hailley. I’ve always created systems for my work (as a Marketing leader at Buffer) and life (as a remote worker and mom of two) where I can stay productive, calm, and organized.

This week, we’re chatting about AI — specifically, four different ways to use AI to help you think more deeply or get unblocked at work.

I’ll admit I was slow to adopt AI after the release of ChatGPT. I eventually decided to invest more time in using AI after hearing a phrase that has been spoken a lot over the last few years and is especially true for knowledge workers, “You won’t get replaced by AI, but you will get replaced by someone who knows how to use AI.”

Over the last year or so, I transformed from an occasional AI user to someone who reaches for AI every day. Today I want to share something beyond prompts for AI, but truly how can you adjust your mindset to use AI effectively.

Here are the key mindset shifts that have helped me use AI in a way that has felt powerful to my output and productivity:

  • AI as a thought partner: Some of my best learning moments come from having someone challenge my thinking. Now I use AI to elevate my thought processes by giving it context about what I’m working on and asking it to challenge my approach as a coach would.
  • AI to overcome friction: Starting from scratch is often the most challenging part of any task. When I’m stuck looking at a blank document, I explain what I’m working on to AI and use its response as a starting point – even if I end up going in a completely different direction.
  • AI as a brainstorming tool: When I question if my ideas make sense or want to explore why something succeeded or failed, I can immediately have a brainstorming partner in AI that offers endless ideas as long as I keep asking questions.
  • AI as an editor: Having an AI editor available 24/7 has transformed my writing. I run almost everything through AI now – from internal updates to important emails – to become a clearer, more effective communicator.

I balance using AI with seeking feedback from my wonderful human colleagues, who know me well and can challenge me in ways AI sometimes can’t. AI can’t replace humans, but it is sometimes easier to reach for AI to get fast feedback first.

→ I wrote more about this topic in a blog post for Buffer called: The AI Mindset Shift: How I Use AI Every Day

If you have any strategies for using AI that have worked well for you, reply and let me know!

I hope you have a lovely week ahead. As always, feel free to reply if this sparks any thoughts or questions. ✨

See you next Monday,

Hailley

🔗 A few links

  • I shared a simple system that anyone can use to create content for LinkedIn. Let me know if you give it a try!
  • Our incredible Content Writer at Buffer, Tamilore Oladipo, recently wrote about how she’s landed three brand partnerships on LinkedIn. If you’re interested in potentially getting sponsored by a brand on LinkedIn, give her piece a read to get an inside and honest perspective about how she went about it.
  • On the theme of AI, here’s a fun GPT called BeccaGPT. Becca Champers, a communications professional and leader, set this up to distill her knowledge into a digital companion that captures her voice and how she breaks down complex ideas. It’s definitely worth a try!

📚 Currently reading

👋 Come join me on Threads or Bluesky if you use either network. I’ve been really enjoying both of them!

That's all for this newsletter! Thank you so much for subscribing. Reply anytime you want to chat. ✨

I'm happy to offer my writing and this newsletter for free, but if you're so compelled, a cup of tea is always appreciated! ☕️

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Hailley Griffis

A long-time remote worker, career growth enthusiast, and personal systems fan, I juggle working full time as Buffer's Head of Communications and Content, running a podcast about creating purposeful workflows called MakeWorkWork, and I write and update what I learn on my website and newsletter.

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