Your company needs a generative AI policy — but maybe not for the reasons you think.
A generative AI policy outlines the approved use of GenAI tools within your company. This includes which tools, use cases, and internal users are permitted, along with any processes for reviews and approvals — from reviewing model outputs to gaining access to new tools or use cases.
Because of its focus on access and approvals, it's easy to focus on the governance aspect of your AI policy — I know I did.
Why I thought I needed an AI policy for my company:
- To protect personal and confidential information.
- To uphold brand reputation and maintain client trust.
- To dodge intellectual property or copyright concerns.
In other words, to prevent something bad from happening. But for many companies, an AI policy is the first time leadership sits down and documents a vision for AI adoption — when, where, how, and why they'll use AI.
Here's why I really needed an AI policy:
- To articulate our AI vision and goals.
- To consider our risk tolerance with LLMs.
- To connect the dots between our values and our AI use.
- To define client involvement in AI decisions.
- To set our team up for success by communicating best practices and boundaries.
- To create a shared language for AI use cases and processes.
- To think through how we'd operationalize our AI guidelines.
...The real answer was *all of the above.* It was important for mitigating risk AND clarifying our vision. To prevent the bad AND to decide how we'll use AI for good.
Your generative AI policy isn't your entire AI business strategy. But if you haven't articulated your company's AI strategy yet, sit down and draft a generative AI policy. It's a tactical step you can take *today* to help shape your AI vision and roadmap.
Need an AI policy? Borrow ours to get started.
In May 2023, I added a new section to a client proposal and called it our “Tech-Assisted Services Policy.”
I didn’t have all the answers to how we’d address AI in our business, but I knew it was important to communicate to clients that we were experimenting with it.
I also knew that it would help initiate important conversations — internally and externally — around AI tool selection, use, ethics, client services, pricing, talent and more.
I just updated our policy, and I’m making it available to companies that need one. It’s actually two policies in one:
- An internal policy for communicating AI use and guidelines to team members,
- Plus an external policy for communicating AI use and guidelines to clients.
If you’re still in need of a generative AI policy, use this one to jumpstart your company’s guidelines.
Get a sample policy to jumpstart your company's generative AI guidelines.
How are your employees using AI in the workplace? Do you know?
Download a free generative AI policy to outline AI use and guidelines for your team.
