Book Recommendation: The Public Administrator’s Guide to ChatGPT (2023)
Dr. William Brantley
Fractional Chief Talent Officer | Training and Development AI Integration Strategist | Specialist in Strategic Talent Management | Creator of High Impact Innovative Learning Programs
Since November 2022, when ChatGPT 3.5 became widely known, many books have been published on ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence (AI) tools. I’ve probably read all the quickly published guides on Amazon.com that promised to make me a master of prompt engineering. Many of these books are junk that were rapidly written (often “co-written” with AI) to take advantage of the public’s need to learn more about the generative AI revolution.
Given the deluge of mediocrity in mastering generative AI, it is refreshing to read a well-written and thoughtful book about using AI well. The bonus is that the book is focused on teaching public employees essential prompt engineering skills.
Dylan Hayden writes:
“Through hands-on experimentation, I discovered that ChatGPT could automate tasks that were previously performed manually. This illuminated the vast potential of AI to shape the future of public administration by reducing bias, improving transparency, and elevating public service delivery. However, I also recognized apprehension among peers across sectors; the world of AI can seem intimidating. This book aims to alleviate those fears by simplifying AI concepts and providing a strategic guide for thoughtfully integrating AI into public administration. With the right approach, public servants can harness AI to pioneer solutions that drive meaningful change in their organizations and communities” (pp. 9-10).
What I like about his book is that it guides the learner through step-by-step instructions on using ChatGPT while providing great tips on writing effective prompts. He explains the different prompt types and when to use each type for maximum effect. The prompt-type chapter alone is a great primer for state and local government employees.
The bulk of the book is a collection of specific ChatGPT use cases for the local, state, and federal governments. These use cases range from performance management to emergency management to proposal management tasks. In chapter four, Dr. Hayden discusses ways to use ChatGPT while ethically observing privacy and security concerns. He ends the book with thoughts on the future of AI in the public sector. I especially like this concluding quote: “[w]e must put people first, empowering AI as a force for increased understanding between governments and citizens” (p. 108).
Dr. Hayden’s book is a short read but well worth the investment in time for public servants who want to sharpen their skills with generative AI.
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7 个月Dr. William Brantley It's indeed a breath of fresh air to encounter a book that not only navigates the complexities of generative AI but also offers practical insights tailored to the needs of public administrators. As the public sector increasingly embraces AI technologies, equipping public employees with prompt engineering skills becomes paramount for effective communication and decision-making. This book seems to fill a crucial gap by providing clear guidance on leveraging AI responsibly and effectively in the realm of public administration. Have you had the chance to explore its contents, and if so, what are your thoughts on its approach and potential impact?
Senior Managing Director
7 个月Dr. William Brantley Very interesting. Thank you for sharing