ChatGPT isn’t a tool – it’s a strategy

If you’re an Assistant who’s only using ChatGPT to answer the odd question, you’re underusing one of the most powerful developments in your professional toolkit says Paul Pennant, founder of Today’s PA and Microsoft M365 MVP – specialising in Microsoft Copilot, AI and Automation…

ChatGPT isn’t just a tool – it’s a strategy. A daily companion. A thinking partner that, when used properly, transforms not just what you do, but how you work. Too often, people treat ChatGPT like a search engine: they type in a quick query, grab the answer, and carry on. But assistants – especially those juggling a dozen spinning plates – can gain so much more by building a deliberate workflow around it. Imagine starting your day by pasting in your to-do list and asking ChatGPT to help you prioritise. Or using it to draft your manager’s weekly update, summarise a lengthy meeting transcript,
or reword a tricky email with the right tone.

These aren’t just time-savers; they’re repeatable strategies.

Even better, you can build libraries of your best prompts. Have a recurring event to plan? Let ChatGPT help with the timeline, the budget, the email invitations, and then save the prompt so it’s ready next time. Supporting multiple executives? Create tailored templates with tone and context built in. You’re not just saving time, you’re designing systems. Over time, this changes how you think. You go from reactive to proactive. From asking “Can ChatGPT do this?” to “How can I train ChatGPT to always help me with this?” It’s a mindset shift, and it’s where the real power lies.

You don’t need to overhaul your whole workflow overnight, but try this: use ChatGPT strategically every day for 30 days. You’ll likely notice:

• Tasks are completed with ease and more quickly – from writing, planning, and research
• You feel more confident taking on new challenges.

“Add an AI-enhanced workflow, and you become truly unstoppable.”

• You stop waiting for instructions and start anticipating needs.
• You gain headspace for higher-level thinking.

ChatGPT isn’t just a tool

This isn’t about replacing your expertise. It’s about extending it. When you treat ChatGPT like a strategy (not just a tool) you stop working harder and start working smarter. Assistants are already the heartbeat of any organisation – add an AI-enhanced workflow and you become truly unstoppable. You can find more information at todayspa.co.uk, plus book a place at the M365 Masters Conference(online).

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