ADVICE
Introducing our new column: straighttalking advice for workplace dilemmas
Is ChatGPT getting the promotion?
Dear Aunt Tees,
One of my colleagues has suddenly become the star of the office. Every report, proposal and email they produce is apparently brilliant. The problem is everyone knows they’ re using AI to write almost everything. They barely change a word before sending it. Meanwhile, those of us still doing the work ourselves are putting in far more effort for much less recognition. Am I just being old-fashioned, or is passing off AI-generated work as your own basically cheating?
- JH, Billingham
Aunt Tees replies
Welcome to 2026.
Using AI isn’ t cheating any more than using Excel instead of a calculator. The real question is whether they’ re adding any value beyond pressing“ Generate”.
AI can produce decent first drafts, but it can’ t replace judgement, experience, relationships or accountability. If your colleague is blindly copying whatever appears on screen, they’ ll eventually come unstuck. If they’ re using AI as a productivity tool and then applying their own expertise, they’ re simply working smarter.
Rather than worrying about how they’ re doing it, ask yourself whether you’ re making the best use of the same technology.
Business has never rewarded people for doing things the hardest way. It rewards those who deliver the best results.
Just remember: AI can write the words. It still can’ t build trust.
30 | Tees Business