Knowing When to Use AI (Part 3): Low Stakes, High Payoff 

We’ve talked about how AI thrives in brainstorming mode (Part 1), and how it becomes a true sidekick when you already know your stuff (Part 2). Now, let’s dig into a third sweet spot: 

When the downside is low, but the workload is high. 

Summarizing the Mountains 

You’ve got a 216-page policy document, five meeting transcripts, and a backlog of industry articles you meant to read last month. But you don’t need every detail—you just want the gist so you can make smart decisions. This is where AI shines. 

It can scan, sort, and condense a mountain of content into something digestible. Is it perfect? Not always. Will it miss a nuance or two? Probably. But if the stakes are low and you’re just trying to get up to speed, AI saves the day. 

And if something feels off? You can dig deeper. But you’re not starting from scratch. 

Translating Between People, Departments, and Realities 

Ever written one document… then had to rework it for six different audiences? 

AI can help you turn a highly technical SOP into a friendly how-to guide. Or break down your leadership announcement into quick bullet points for a frontline team. It’s especially helpful when you need to shift tone, change complexity, or tailor a message for people who see the world differently. 

You’re still steering the ship—but AI’s a pretty good deckhand. 

The Goldilocks Zone 

This is the “just right” zone for AI: 

• The task is time-consuming, but not risky. 

• You need a first draft, not final word. 

• You’ll review it—but you don’t want to build it from scratch. 

It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. 

Use AI When the Cost of Being Wrong Is Low 

When a small error won’t derail your work—and you’d rather spend your brainpower elsewhere—AI is a smart bet. Let it help you summarize, simplify, and adapt. You’ll get more done, faster, without burning out on busywork. 

In Part 4, we’ll explore a different kind of value: how AI helps you keep moving when you’re stuck or blocked. (Spoiler: it’s like WD-40 for your brain.)