6 Ways Leaders Can Use Microsoft Copilot to Take Back Time

Time is our most precious resource. As a leader, it feels like everyone wants a piece of my day. But that's part of what I signed up for when starting InsITe. So, I'm always searching for smart ways to balance my resources and drive growth for our clients. 

Before I add any new technology to our stack, I ask one simple question: "Will this drive business forward?" After seeing Microsoft Copilot's AI capabilities in action across our Microsoft 365 suite, I can confidently say this isn't just another shiny tech tool—it's a genuine game-changer. This tool delivers on its promises to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and foster growth. 

Copilot doesn't just transform your business operations—it gives you back precious time for the people and activities you actually care about. Work shouldn't consume every waking moment.  

Here's how you can use Copilot to transform both your business and your life. Don’t believe me? Check out my 7-day challenge below.

1) Win Back a Week of Your Year

The Microsoft Work Trend Index shows AI power users save more than 30 minutes every day. That adds up to 130 hours a year—giving you back a full week of your life. What would you do with that extra time? 

Heavy Teams users save even more time—they're summarizing eight hours of meetings with Copilot in a single month. That's an entire workday reclaimed!

2) Cut Through Information Overload

If you're drowning in data like most leaders, Copilot is your life vest. Three-quarters of users report saving significant time finding important information in files, leading to faster and better decisions. 

Copilot delivers what spreadsheets and dashboards alone can't: 

• Immediate action points - Copilot can read through 25-page reports and give you the key takeaways that make recaps quickly digestible  

• Data that tells a story - Through Power BI integration, Copilot transforms numbers into action points you can quickly interpret and use 

The 2024 Work Trend Index found that people who regularly use AI report it boosts their creativity (92%) and helps them focus on what truly matters (93%).

3) Break Down Communication Walls

Good collaboration isn't just nice to have—it's the difference between thriving and surviving. Copilot helps teams work better together by: 

• Making real-time collaboration work across all Microsoft 365 apps, speeding up projects 
  
  
• Keeping everyone on the same page by turning complex discussions into clear action items everyone can execute without follow-up meetings
  
  

4) Sleep Better with Strong Security

Many leaders worry about data protection with AI tools. Copilot eats ChatGPT’s lunch when it comes to security. You should assume no privacy with ChatGPT—your sensitive data goes in, and it might show up in someone else's responses. 

Copilot offers much stronger security. Microsoft built safeguards so your data stays within your organization. Copilot isn't trained on your company's data, keeping your proprietary information secure.

5) See ROI That Finance Will Approve

Copilot delivers measurable returns: 

• Cut operational costs by automating routine tasks like email organization, scheduling, and basic documentation 
  
  
• Grow revenue through faster project completion and better client service
  
  

6) Innovate Without Coding Skills

Copilot helps your team solve problems without needing technical expertise: 

• Create custom solutions with Power Apps that address specific business challenges like inventory tracking, client onboarding, or expense approvals 

• Automate workflows with Power Automate so your people can focus on important work 

Stay Competitive or Get Left Behind 

The hard truth? Microsoft research shows 79% of business leaders agree their companies need AI to stay competitive. Your competition is likely already using these tools. 

Copilot is built specifically for your business environment. If you're already using Microsoft 365, there's no competition here. It integrates with your existing workflow, offers better security, and provides up-to-date results by leveraging Bing's search capabilities. 

Steps for Adopting Copilot Effectively 

Many organizations struggle with AI adoption. Here are a few ways your business can implement Copilot in ways that match their specific needs: 

1. Assessment & Strategy: Analyze your current workflows to identify where Copilot will have the biggest impact 
   
   
2. Custom Implementation: Configure Copilot to address your specific business challenges 
   
   
3. Team Training: Create hands-on training to ensure your team actually uses Copilot effectively 
   
   
4. Ongoing Support: Measure results and continuously improve your Copilot usage 

Often, we find that businesses can start assessing and implementing within 30 to 60 days. 

Your 7-Day Copilot Challenge 

Here's what I want you to do this week: 

1. Schedule one meeting for 45+ minutes 
   
   
2. Use Copilot to summarize it afterward 
   
   
3. Track exactly how much time you saved vs. writing notes yourself 
   
   
4. DM us on LinkedIn with your results 

I personally spend a lot of time in meetings every week. Copilot gives me back hours that I can spend on strategic growth or with my family instead of writing meeting notes. 

The Modern Workplace isn't about fancy tools. It's about creating an environment where technology amplifies human potential instead of burying it under digital busywork. 

What could your team accomplish if they had an extra week each year to focus on work that truly matters?