Automate tasks even if you don’t (yet) know how
Datum: 2026-02-17 09:01
There are many small operations and activities in your daily work that you could automate.
You save attachments from a certain type of email in a specific folder, you write a similar email to the same recipient at the end of each month, you note down tasks you’ve done before, and you schedule buffer time around your meetings.
For you who prefer listening to reading, this post is also available as an episode of the ""Done!"" podcast:
A “robot” at your service
If you work on the Microsoft 365 platform, you can build automated workflows in the Power Automate app. It sits “at the center” of Microsoft 365 and can carry out tasks according to your instructions – so you don’t have to.
But that assumes you have the knowledge and experience to build these “cat on the rat, rat on the rope” type flows. Are you out of luck if you’ve never done it before?
No! You’re not – because Microsoft Copilot can build them for you while you watch.
Ask Copilot to build the foundation
For some time now, when you open Power Automate, you’re greeted with a chat box where Copilot encourages you to “Describe in detail how you want your automation to work.” There, you describe what you’d like to achieve, and Copilot builds as much of the flow as it can for you.
You’ll need to make some adjustments, but at least you’ve got a flying start!
Do this
1. If you have an IT department, ask them whether you have access to Power Automate and what you’re allowed to do there, so you’re in the clear.
2. If you haven’t built a flow before, open Power Automate and ask Copilot to create something simple. Try, for example: “When a new appointment is added to my calendar, draft an email.” (You’ll later fill in what the email should say.)
3. If you’ve already created flows in Power Automate, see if Copilot can put together the one you haven’t yet figured out how to build.
4. Test your flow, then create another automation – and another!
More automated work, more time for what matters
If you let Copilot build the foundation of the automation you’ve been wanting, you’ll take a giant leap toward mastering Power Automate. You’ll be able to automate more and more operations that would otherwise take up your time – and instead, spend more of it on the tasks you really want to do.
What about you?
Have you created an automation in Power Automate that you’re especially happy with? Write to me and tell me. I’m curious to hear about it!
(Did you know you can also let Copilot summarize meeting notes in OneNote?)
There is more!
If you want more tips on how to create good structure at work, there are many ways to get that from me - in podcasts, videos, books, talks and other formats.
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