5 Steps to Getting the Most Out of Chat GPT as a Creative Partner at Work
How I Use ChatGPT as a Creative Partner AT WORK
I treat ChatGPT like a brainstorm buddy, reality-check, and rapid prototype machine all in one. Below is an actual “run-through” so you can see how it plays out—and grab ideas for your own projects.
1. Set the Scene (Context)
Before you ask anything, give ChatGPT the hard edges:
I’m working on: a new online workshop for mid-level managers at AcmeCorp.
Our goal: is to sell 50 seats in four weeks at $497 each, keeping production cost under $2K.
Audience: time-crunched pros who hate jargon and crave practical, pull-up-your-sleeves tactics.
Success: 50 sign-ups plus at least 85% “very satisfied” survey responses.
Spelling out who, what, when, and why anchors the AI—and avoids generic fluff.
2. Frame the Problem
Your prompt:
“Restate my challenge in plain English and flag any hidden assumptions.”
ChatGPT’s reply might be:
“You need a four-week course they can fit into lunch breaks. It sounds like you assume everyone has 30 minutes free each day and will pay $497 without a live demo first.”
Now you’ve uncovered two blind spots: time availability and proof-of-value.
3. Generate Options (Divergent Thinking)
Your prompt:
“Give me 12 fresh angles using at least three of these: SCAMPER / Random Word / ‘What Would Pixar Do?’ / Opposite Day.”
Sample ideas (trimmed):
SCAMPER (Combine): Pair each lesson with a 5-minute “micro-case study” video dramatizing a real AcmeCorp problem.
Random Word (Rocket): Theme modules as “Launchpads”—week 1 “Ignition,” week 2 “Orbit,” etc.
Opposite Day: Instead of live coaching, send an “anti-lesson” podcast on what not to do, then have participants submit fixes in chat.
4. Shape & Rank (Convergent Thinking)
Your prompt:
“Group these 12 ideas into 2–3 themes, then rate each on Impact (1–5) and Ease (1–5).”
What you’ll do next:
Pick the top theme or idea that lands highest on Impact and Ease.
In our example, micro-learning videos (quick case studies) scored highest—big payoff, easy to film.
5. Deep-Dive the Front-Runner
Your prompt:
“Build a one-pager for the micro-learning idea: headline, core concept, how it works, risks, 3-step action plan.”
Example outline:
Headline: Learn by Watching: Five-Minute Fixes for Your Lunch Break
Core Concept: Short video cases solving real AcmeCorp challenges.
How It Works: One video drops each weekday at noon; participants watch and apply a tiny “homework tweak.”
Risks: Could feel too superficial—so include a one-slide PDF cheat-sheet.
3-Step Plan:
Script 10 case scenarios.
Film using Zoom recordings.
Upload to your LMS and schedule daily drip at 12 pm.
6. Pressure-Test (Red Team)
Your prompt:
“Play devil’s advocate: list objections to micro-learning and suggest fixes.”
Sample objections & fixes:
Objection: Videos might feel superficial.
Fix: Add a PDF slide with deeper context.
Objection: Lunch breaks can get booked up.
Fix: Offer an audio-only version they can stream.
7. Next Actions & Creative Warm-Ups
Your prompt:
“Give me a 5-item to-do list plus one daily 3-minute creative exercise.”
Example to-dos:
Draft scripts for the first three case videos.
Book a 30-min “set-prep” call with your camera person.
Design the PDF cheat-sheet slide template.
Upload a dummy video to the LMS to test formatting.
Share the concept with five managers and gather feedback by Friday.
Creative warm-up:
Spend 3 minutes sketching a scenario that went wrong last week—no judgment, just free-form scribbles.
how this enhances creative thinking
Context: Sharpens focus.
Frame the Problem: Surfaces hidden assumptions.
Generate Options: Sparks a wide variety of ideas.
Shape & Rank: Zeroes in on the sweet spot of high impact and ease.
Deep-Dive: Turns a concept into a mini business case.
Pressure-Test: Kills weak concepts early.
Next Actions: Keeps momentum alive with clear steps.
Pro Tips for Your Own Sessions
Iterate Out Loud: After each AI answer, say “Great—now tweak given this new constraint…”
Mix & Match Models: Combine SCAMPER with “What Would Pixar Do?” for richer angles.
Save Your Gold Mines: Archive your best prompts and answers in a shared doc.
Time-Box Sprints: A 10-minute “Generate Options” session often outpaces an hour of solo brainstorming.
Your Turn
Copy the prompt, swap in your own project details, and let ChatGPT crank out ideas, challenge your thinking, and help you turn those light-bulb moments into real-world action—faster than you can finish your coffee.
