Work Sharp’s AI Revolution: Microsoft Copilot in Action

We’re back with a follow-up on our Work Sharp case study. Earlier this year, we interviewed Grant Loberg, COO of Work Sharp, to discuss their strategic partnership with Kelley Create and the exploration to implement Microsoft Copilot. Founded in Ashland, Oregon, Work Sharp provides innovative knife and tool sharpening solutions worldwide.

In our September webinar, Real-World Insight on Implementing Microsoft Copilot, Grant joined Kelley Create to share Work Sharp’s experience three months following the implementation and shared their journey from initial curiosity to tangible results, offering valuable insights for businesses considering a similar path.

Leaning Into AI: The Beginning

Grant’s journey with AI began in the fall of 2022 when the buzz around ChatGPT caught his attention. “We all were surprised when we first experienced ChatGPT,” Grant recalled. “Is this really going to be a thing? Is this really going to be an opportunity or a threat?” Instead of shying away, Work Sharp chose to lean in, driven by a culture of openness and collaboration.

Building an AI Strategy with Kelley Create

Recognizing the need for a structured approach, Work Sharp partnered with Kelley Create to develop an AI strategy. This involved understanding the legal landscape, particularly around intellectual property, and setting up guardrails to ensure the thoughtful use of AI.

“We worked with a couple of different attorneys and our HR attorney to create a policy that was a little over one page,” Grant explained. This policy balanced exploration with caution, ensuring that AI was used effectively without compromising the company’s assets. Grant, Work Sharp’s attorney, and Kelley Create’s SVP, Scott Anderson, were the expert dream team to present the strategy and policy to everyone in the company.

Pilot Groups and Early Adoption

To kickstart the implementation, Work Sharp identified early adopters within the company. These “copilots” were already curious about AI and eager to explore its potential. “We got about 10 or 12 who said, ‘I will take Copilot. I’m already using ChatGPT on the side,'” Grant shared. This group became the pioneers, experimenting with AI and sharing their successes and challenges through a dedicated Teams channel.

Quantifiable Efficiencies and Increased Productivity

The results of integrating Microsoft Copilot were impressive. Grant noted that on an average week, he saved at least 20% of his time, allowing him to focus on more strategic tasks. One standout feature was the meeting recap function in Teams, which provided detailed summaries and action items, significantly reducing the time spent catching up on missed meetings. Additionally, the ability to draft emails and create presentations quickly freed up valuable time for more critical activities. A bonus benefit was robust cross-functional collaboration. Having a dedicated Microsoft Teams channel for early adopter “copilots” facilitated sharing AI successes and challenges, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Grant’s Top Five Takeaways

1. Start with a Strategy: Developing a clear AI strategy with input from legal and technical experts is crucial. This ensures that AI is used effectively and responsibly.
2. Engage Early Adopters: Identify and empower those within your organization who are already curious about AI. Their enthusiasm can drive broader adoption.
3. Leverage AI for Routine Tasks: Use AI to handle routine tasks like drafting emails and creating presentations, freeing up time for more strategic work.
4. Utilize Meeting Recaps: The meeting recap function in Teams is a game-changer, providing detailed summaries and action items that keep everyone on the same page.
5. Foster a Culture of Collaboration: Encourage open communication and sharing of AI successes and challenges. This helps build a supportive environment for AI adoption.

Grant’s experience with Microsoft Copilot at Work Sharp offers a roadmap for businesses looking to harness the power of AI. Companies can unlock significant efficiencies and productivity gains by starting with a clear strategy, engaging early adopters, and leveraging AI for routine tasks. Grant wisely noted, “The more I use it, the more value I find in it.” Kelley Create can help your business take the plunge. Learn more.