Using AI to Enhance Working Relationships and Collaboration

AI is just a computer, right?

Well, yes and no.

In the contemporary workplace, integrating AI isn’t just about enhancing productivity; it’s also about fostering better, more meaningful relationships. For me, AI has become a tool not only to streamline tasks but to create a deeper understanding of how to work effectively with others. Over the past year, I’ve been exploring how AI can help clarify my strengths, preferences, and working style—ultimately to improve collaboration with colleagues, clients, and partners. This process led me to develop a “Guide to Working with Joel,” a resource aimed at aligning my approach with the needs and expectations of those I work with.

The Journey to Creating the Guide

The journey to creating this guide has been an evolving one. Like many of us, I’ve taken countless profiling tests, so I began with gathering insights from assessments like Kolbe and StrengthsFinder, DISC and more, which offered a foundation of understanding around my strengths and natural inclinations. Then, using AI tools like ChatGPT, I synthesized these insights, combined that with real feedback from colleagues and clients, and asked ChatGPT to summarize it’s interactions with me over the past half year, to refine a practical and structured approach to collaboration.

This wasn’t about developing a rigid playbook; it was about using AI to reflect and capture what’s worked well in past collaborations and what could improve. The result is a guide that’s grounded in real-world experience, designed to make our interactions more productive and mutually rewarding.

A Guide to Working with Joel

1. Start with the Big Picture and Strategic Goals

• Begin each project by sharing the overarching goals and strategic vision. Joel excels when he understands how his work aligns with larger business objectives, as he can then tailor his approach to add maximum value.
• Defining the expected outcomes and high-level objectives helps him stay focused and make decisions that drive meaningful results.

2. Provide Clear Expectations and Scope

• Be specific about priorities and any “must-have” vs. “nice-to-have” elements. Joel thrives with clear guidelines, which help him balance his high standards with practical constraints, avoiding over-refinement where it’s unnecessary.
• If you need “quick and effective” instead of “perfect,” communicate this explicitly, as it helps him allocate his efforts in alignment with project needs.

3. Offer the Why Behind Decisions

• Joel is at his best when he understands the rationale behind choices or changes. Explaining the “why” for any shifts in priority or focus ensures he’s aligned with the overall strategy and can adapt accordingly.
• Transparency about strategic pivots helps Joel prioritize effectively and maintain a proactive mindset.

4. Encourage Autonomy and Trust His Proactivity

• Joel is self-motivated and proactive, so give him room to take ownership. Trust him to manage his tasks and approach projects with the level of detail and care you expect.
• When given autonomy, he often uncovers insights or finds ways to improve processes, adding unexpected value to the project.

5. Leverage His Analytical Skills for Research and Strategy

• Joel is highly analytical and methodical, making him ideal for tasks that require deep research, comparative analysis, or data-backed recommendations. If you need a well-rounded perspective on a topic, let him dive into the details.
• To get his best outputs, assign him projects where thoroughness and precision are critical, and trust him to uncover valuable insights.

6. Set Milestones and Provide Regular Check-Ins

• Break larger projects into milestones or deliverables with regular check-ins. Joel works well with structured checkpoints where he can review progress, align with expectations, and adjust as needed.
• This approach provides Joel with a clear roadmap and ensures he’s on track while also giving him a chance to bring up any questions or insights.

7. Offer Constructive, Specific Feedback

• When reviewing his work, be direct and specific with feedback. Joel values actionable, constructive feedback, as it helps him align with expectations and continuously improve.
• General or vague feedback may leave him unsure of what to adjust, while specific guidance helps him refine his output precisely as needed.

8. Recognize and Support Innovation and Exploration

• Joel is naturally curious and open to exploring new tools or approaches that can benefit the project. Encourage his innovation, whether by providing resources or allowing time for him to test new methods that might streamline work or add value.
• If he identifies an opportunity for improvement, be open to his suggestions, as he often brings fresh, strategic ideas to the table.

9. Allow Time for Thorough Planning and Quality Assurance

• Joel’s commitment to quality is a major strength, so whenever possible, provide timelines that allow for planning and review. He’s less likely to feel rushed and can deliver high-quality results if he knows there’s time for strategic and detail-oriented work.
• On projects with tighter timelines, communicate early and consider which elements of quality are most critical. This helps him adjust his standards practically while meeting deadlines.

10. Foster a Collaborative, Client-Centric Environment

• Joel’s focus on client success is a driving force behind his work. Reinforce a collaborative culture where client needs and perspectives are front and center, and he’ll thrive in delivering tailored, high-impact outputs.
• When possible, involve him in discussions about client feedback or project goals, as his empathy and understanding of client pain points can directly influence the project’s success.

Let’s talk – Enhancing Collaboration Through Clear Expectations

The “Guide to Working with Joel” isn’t just a document—it’s an invitation to collaborate more effectively. When you work with me, you can expect clarity around processes, proactive communication, and a focus on delivering results that align with your goals. By understanding my approach, I hope to streamline how we work together, minimize misunderstandings, and make each project more enjoyable and successful.

For anyone considering using AI to develop a similar guide, it’s an investment that can pay off by building stronger working relationships. Knowing and sharing your own working style allows for smoother collaboration and fosters an environment where everyone can contribute their best. I encourage others to explore this approach to create a more intentional, clear, and enjoyable collaboration process.

Ready to learn more? Let’s talk.