Introduction to Google Gemini

In Carrie from Virginia's blog, "Week 1 | What is AI? Why Does it Matter for Workday®?", she discusses how AI is a human-trained tool that learns data patterns to automate tasks and amplify decision-making. If you haven't read her blog, please check it out here!

Carrie from Virginia highlighted that while Workday is already infusing AI into features like Skills Cloud and Forecasting, we are on the verge of a broader "Agentic Ecosystem" where humans and AI agents work together like an orchestra.

In this blog, I’ll introduce one specific AI tool, Google Gemini, to explore how it fits into this evolving landscape.

What is Google Gemini?

Gemini is Google's smart AI helper, created by Google's own AI team. It's built to understand all kinds of information: words, pictures, sounds, and even videos.

It uses a quick and easy model, perfect for everyday tasks like writing emails, summarizing long texts, and doing quick online searches.

It works seamlessly with Google tools like Gmail, Docs, and Drive, helping you get things done faster without having to switch between different programs.

Advanced uses include coding, mini app development and Gems!

What Exactly is a Gem in Gemini?

Custom Instructions:

A Gem is a saved prompt that personalizes AI responses to match your specific needs and style.

Reusable Shortcuts:

Create AI workflows tailored to your tasks that you can activate instantly, anytime.

Context Awareness:

Unlike standard queries, Gems provide consistent, context-aware outputs that improve over time.

Why Create Gems?

Smarter Interactions:

Embed unique instructions once—no need to repeat context every time you interact with Gemini.

Tailored Workflows:

Create workflows that adapt to your specific needs.

Instant Results:

Save Gems for "professional email drafts" or "quick site plan analysis" to get polished results immediately.

Maximize Efficiency:

Unlock the full potential of the model by creating consistent, repeatable AI interactions.

Make Your First Gemini Gem

Personalize Gemini with your own "Gems" to make it work just for you. It's easy!

1) Find "Gem Manager":

Open Gemini and look for the "Gem Manager" or "Create Gem" button. It's usually on the left side.

2) Click "New Gem":

Inside "Gem Manager," click the big button (like "Create New Gem" or a "+" sign) to start making your own AI helper.

3) Name Your Gem:

Give your Gem a clear, short name that tells you what it does (like "Blog Helper" or "Meeting Notes"). Add a quick description too.

4) (Optional) Upload documents for the “Knowledge base” for the Gem:

These documents can be text, photo, diagrams, and whatever you have in .pdf, .ppt, and other formats.

5) Tell Your Gem What To Do:

Here's where you teach your Gem. Use simple, clear language to explain exactly what you want it to do. Giving examples helps a lot!

6) Save and Use It!:

Once you've written your instructions, click "Save." Your new Gem will show up in your list, ready to help whenever you click it!

Tips & Tidbits for Getting the Most from Gemini

Gemini Live Voice:

Use voice brainstorming for hands-free collaboration and real-time conversations with AI.

Multimodal Input:

Upload images, analyze visuals, and generate basic graphics—all included in the free tier.

Advanced Features:

Explore Deep Research for comprehensive analysis and Canvas for interactive visuals—free and evolving.

Google Workspace Integration:

Seamlessly draft Gmail replies, edit Docs, and schedule calendar events without switching apps.

Summary and our AI CSM Project

We get it. The world of AI is moving fast. We spoke about one AI tool here: Google Gemini. However, within Workday alone, there are multiple tools such as Sana and Flowise.

The truth is, we are all figuring this out as we go! But you don’t have to do it in a vacuum.

If you’re ready to move beyond the theory and start experimenting, I invite you to get involved in our AI CSM Project that we'll be exploring on our weekly Wednesday Sharing Café. It’s a space where we can continue to learn, test tools, and navigate this new landscape together. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to share what we discover!