Everywhere you look, AI-powered Copilots are being integrated into the tools we use daily—Power Platform, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and beyond. They promise to boost productivity, automate repetitive tasks, and even generate content.

But let’s be clear: Copilot is not magic. It won’t automatically replace critical thinking, business expertise, or well-designed processes. Instead, it’s a tool—one that works best when used strategically.

So, how do you get the most out of Copilot? Here are three key principles to keep in mind:

1️⃣ Garbage In, Garbage Out—Your Prompts Matter

Copilot doesn’t “think” the way we do. It generates responses based on patterns, meaning the quality of your prompt directly affects the output.

✅ Be specific. Instead of “Summarize this email,” try “Summarize the key action items from this email thread.”

✅ Provide context. If asking for code, mention the platform and expected output.

✅ Refine your request. If the first response isn’t quite right, adjust your wording and try again.

2️⃣ It’s an Assistant, Not an Authority

Copilot speeds up tasks, but it’s not infallible. Blindly trusting its responses—especially in technical or compliance-heavy work—can lead to errors.

✅ Double-check important details. If Copilot suggests Power Automate steps or Power FX formulas, verify that they align with best practices.

✅ Use it to enhance, not replace, your expertise. AI can generate ideas, but human judgment is still essential.

3️⃣ Train It on What Matters

For tools like Copilot in Power Platform, AI can suggest automation steps, write Power FX formulas, or even generate entire Power Apps screens. But it works best when trained on your organization’s data and processes.

✅ Use structured data where possible. AI thrives on clear, well-organized information.

✅ Fine-tune with business-specific guidance. The more context Copilot has, the more valuable its suggestions become.

The Bottom Line

Copilot is a powerful accelerator, but it’s not a replacement for expertise or strategy. The key to unlocking its full potential? Think of it as a teammate, not a shortcut.

How are you using Copilot in your workflow? Have you found any best practices or pitfalls?