As I prepare to travel back over to Europe for one of my favorite events of the year — ESPC24 in Stockholm — I’ve been reflecting on this event and my community activities over the years. Back in October 2011, I was not yet a Microsoft MVP or RD, but was grateful to be accepted as a speaker at the very first European SharePoint Conference in Berlin, Germany. As I documented in a blog post, my 2 sessions were focused on SharePoint migrations and a very important topic at the time, social capabilities in SharePoint. In fact, that session was one of the highest-ranked sessions at the conference alongside, if I remember correctly, a session by fellow MVP Michael Noel. I think that was also the event where the AvePoint Red Party was a casino night, organized by Tony Lanni. Some great memories from that event, and what has become a great relationship with the ESPC team.
Creating lasting organizational change is difficult. In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming workplace dynamics, it’s critical for IT and change managers, alongside end-user experience management experts, to leverage advanced feedback tools and strategies.
Creating scalable and repeatable feedback mechanisms is imperative for not only driving organizational change and enhancing the end-user experience, but in understanding and analyzing usage, engagement, impact, and calculating ROI, thereby aiding in strategic decision-making processes. We’ll explore the effectiveness of surveys, polling, roundtable discussions, Microsoft and industry best practices, and the innovative use of AI for garnering inclusive and actionable feedback.
The discussion extends to internal education strategies, the distinction between internal vs. external feedback mechanisms, and the utilization of platforms like Adoption.Microsoft, Viva Academy, M365 Learning Pathways, and other scenario-based training.
Key Takeaways:
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- Strategic Feedback Collection: Understand the importance of employing a mix of surveys, polls, and discussions to collect comprehensive feedback across different organizational levels.
- AI in Feedback Mechanisms: Learn how Copilot can streamline feedback processes, offering detailed analytics and ROI assessments.
- Internal Education and Training: Gain insights into the significance of internal education via platforms like Viva Academy and M365 Learning Pathways, and how to customize content for targeted learning experiences.
- Microsoft Suite Utilization: Discover the differential offerings of Microsoft’s E3/ E5 and Premium tiers, and how they cater to varied organizational needs, from small and medium businesses to large enterprises.
- Insights and Adoption: Review the concept of the Adoption Score and how insights from both Microsoft’s and customers’ experiences can guide the creation of effective feedback systems and AI councils.
- AI’s Role in Upskilling: Shift perspectives from fearing AI’s impact on jobs to recognizing its potential in upskilling roles and facilitating company growth.
This session promises to equip Leadership, User Enablement, and Technical Readiness experts with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement efficient feedback mechanisms that not only enhance the user experience but also support organizational development in the AI-driven workplace.
The Art of AI-Assisted Writing: Blending Technology with Human Creativity
Thursday, December 5th, 11:45-12:45 on the Inspire Stage
In an era where artificial intelligence tools like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and the Project Sophia research tool (in preview) are redefining content creation, the challenge for information workers and communication professionals lies not in generating content, but in ensuring it remains compelling, accurate, and authentic.
This session targets managers, executives, and content creators, aiming to bridge the gap between AI capabilities and the nuanced touch of human interaction. We will delve into best practices for authoring outstanding content that leverages AI tools without losing the personal touch that connects with audiences. Attendees will learn how to use these AI technologies to produce strong, SEO-optimized (when needed) content while also exploring the unique strengths of Copilot in utilizing M365 content, with a special focus on integrating OneNote as a dynamic data source. Through practical advice and strategic insights, this session promises to equip professionals with the skills to navigate the AI content landscape effectively, blending technology with human creativity to craft messages that resonate deeply with their intended audiences.
Benefits of Attending This Session:
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- Strategic AI Utilization: Understand how to strategically leverage AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, Project Sophia, and ChatGPT in your content creation process, maximizing efficiency without compromising quality.
- Enhanced Content Quality: Learn best practices for creating compelling, accurate, and engaging content that stands out, even in an AI-assisted world.
- SEO Optimization Techniques: Acquire techniques for ensuring your content is not only reader-friendly but also optimized for search engines, increasing visibility and reach for external publications.
- Leveraging M365 for Content Creation: Discover the advantages of using Microsoft 365 tools, particularly Copilot’s integration with OneNote, to enrich your content with relevant, data-driven insights.
- Human-AI Collaboration: Explore how to maintain the essential human touch in content authored with AI assistance, ensuring that your communications retain authenticity and emotional connection.
This session is designed for those looking to navigate the evolving landscape of AI-assisted content creation, offering insights into making the most of these powerful tools while keeping the content genuine and impactful. Whether you’re drafting internal communications or creating content for the wider world, this talk will provide valuable strategies for elevating your writing in the AI-centric future.
