Let’s Talk About Using A.I.

A.I. tools are everywhere right now, and it’s easy to feel like you need to jump in just to keep up. As an educator, I’ve always been curious about new tools and how they can enhance the way we work and connect. But before we dive in headfirst, it’s worth hitting pause to reflect on our process.

Whether you’re leading a classroom, running a business, or building community, we know that technology should support our values, not steer them. The real power of A.I. isn’t just in what it can automate or create — it’s in how we choose to use it. When guided by thoughtful, human-centered decisions, A.I. can absolutely help us work smarter and more creatively
Here are seven key reminders for using A.I. in a way that’s responsible, ethical, and aligned with your mission. Whether you’re just getting started or already experimenting with tools, these tips will help you stay grounded in what really matters.
 
1. Start with Values, Not Tools
Technology evolves quickly, but your business values remain constant. A.I. policies and decisions should be rooted in those values, especially if your brand stands for equity, inclusion, or trust. Build in ethical checkpoints to review A.I.-generated content for bias, accuracy, and tone.
Tip: Write down your top 3 brand values and keep them visible as you evaluate or use any A.I. tools. If a tool or output doesn’t align, pause and reassess.
 
2. Protect Data and Privacy
Avoid uploading sensitive or proprietary data into platforms you don’t control. Understand that some tools may use your inputs to train their models. Protecting your customer and business data is a matter of both ethics and security.
Tip: Review the privacy policy of any A.I. tool you use and create a simple “What Not to Upload” checklist for your team.
 
3. Bias, Accuracy, and Harm
A.I. outputs are only as reliable as the data behind them, and that data may carry historical biases or blind spots. A.I. tools can “hallucinate” (make up false information) or return biased or offensive results. Always apply human review.
Tip: Assign a “second set of eyes” before publishing any A.I. assisted content, especially for public-facing messaging.
 
4. Transparency Builds Trust
Be clear when A.I. is used in your content. Whether it’s assisting with a draft or generating images, transparency signals integrity. A good rule of thumb: if you hesitate to admit A.I. was used, it might be a sign to revisit how it’s being applied.
Tip: Add a short note or disclaimer when appropriate (Created with A.I)
 
5. Use A.I. Thoughtfully in Visual Content
Generated images can be powerful, especially when visualizing scenarios that are hard to capture. But use them responsibly: avoid deception, preserve dignity, and disclose when images are A.I. created. Consider how they might impact viewers emotionally or ethically.
Tip: If you create A.I. images, clearly label them as such in captions or alt text and consider how different audiences might perceive them.
 
6. Humans in the Loop
Keep people at the center. A.I. can automate tasks, but core decisions, like how and when to engage with customers, respond to errors, or represent your brand, should always involve human judgment.
Tip: Create a short list of decisions that should always involve a person (like replying to sensitive DMs or writing mission-critical copy).
 
7. Talk with Your Team
Before formalizing your A.I. approach, engage your team. Understand how they're already using A.I., where they see opportunities, and what concerns or questions they have. This ensures your policy reflects both operational realities and shared ethics.
Tip: Ask your team, “How are you using A.I. right now? What’s helping, and what feels off?”
 
Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time learning, testing, and talking with others about A.I., and I’ll be honest, it’s both exciting and overwhelming. There are powerful tools out there that can truly support the work we do, especially when it comes to saving time and boosting creativity. But what’s become really clear to me is this: the how matters just as much as the what.
 
A.I. can absolutely help us, but only when it’s rooted in the values that drive your work. I’ve learned that it’s not about keeping up with every trend but about asking better questions.
So, if you’re exploring A.I. too, my advice is simple: stay curious, stay human, and lead with intention. Let technology support you, but never let it replace what makes your business, classroom, or community uniquely yours.

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Kellie Emrich, DBA
Marketing Professor and Consultant