AI in Workplaces: Open Communication builds Trust and Collaboration
AI tools are changing how we work. They enhance productivity, improve quality, and save time. Yet, when teams use AI without acknowledging it, trust erodes, collaboration suffers, and culture weakens.
The Problem: Silence Around AI Usage
I have noticed all three in my workplace. Have you?
Code reviews that seem too polished and well thought-out suddenly?
Long, perfectly formatted documents delivered at lightning speed?
An interviewee who gives clear, structured answers but hesitates to admit they used an AI tool like FinalRound.AI?
If no one mentions AI’s role, it raises doubts:
Is this genuine? Are we setting unrealistic expectations?
Why the secrecy? What’s there to hide?
When AI usage goes unspoken, it breaks trust and creates vague communication. Teams miss out on learning from tools that could benefit everyone.
Why Open Communication About AI Matters
Trust and Integrity:
A simple acknowledgement—“I used ChatGPT for the first draft”—builds trust. It shows honesty, not dependency.Fosters a Culture of Sharing:
Sharing workflows and tools helps teams learn together. Transparency encourages others to embrace AI responsibly.Improves Collaboration:
Knowing how AI assists in someone’s work clears up expectations. It moves the focus from “How did they do that?” to “How can we all work smarter?”
Simple Ways to Be Transparent
Use Subtle Signals:
Add a quick note: “Drafted with ChatGPT, refined manually.”
Use emojis: “🤖 Assisted by AI.”
Normalise AI Discussions:
Share openly in team meetings: “I used Copilot to refactor this code; it saved me time to focus on edge cases.”
Encourage others to share their AI workflows, too.
Set the Tone as a Leader:
- As an Engineering Manager or Director, lead by example:
“AI tools helped me summarise this sprint review, but I made the final decisions.”
- As an Engineering Manager or Director, lead by example:
This kind of transparency sets clear expectations and normalises AI as a tool, not a crutch.
The Impact: Trust, Culture, and Growth
When teams acknowledge AI, three things happen:
Trust Grows: Teams rely on each other’s integrity.
Culture Improves: Openness leads to better collaboration and sharing.
Everyone Learns: Teams collectively grow by exploring new tools and approaches.
Final Thoughts
Using AI isn’t something to hide—it’s a reflection of modern, efficient work. By being open, you show integrity, encourage learning, and set a precedent for ethical AI usage.
In a world where AI is the norm, let’s normalise transparency, share its benefits, and build trust-driven, collaborative teams ready for the future.