AI as Your Ultimate Thinking Partner
Most people use AI to automate work. I’ve now started to treat it like a sparring partner & use it to improve how I think about work instead.
Let’s say I want help with content creation.
Instead of prompting: “Write me a post about XYZ”, I write this instead:
“You are the BEST business content creator on LinkedIn.
Write a strong, attention-grabbing LinkedIn post about [XYZ topic].
Ask me thoughtful questions until you’ve gathered enough information about me and the topic to write a strong post on LinkedIn about the topic. Don't stop asking until you have enough info.
Make sure that the post is [add additional guidelines here on tone, voice, format, etc.]”
I’ve applied this format to various use cases:
- Writing outbound messages with tone, clarity, and creativity
- Creating an exercise routine that targets a specific muscle group
- Crafting positioning statements for our next launch
- Brainstorming a new product roadmap and giving it the perspective of our user
- Writing a “will you be my bridesmaid” letter to my bridesmaids!
- Thinking through a big decision by asking it to be my life coach
TAKEAWAY:
Treat LLMs like a coach. With the right framing, it can be the smartest thinking partner you’ve ever had. Use this general format: “You are the best [domain expert]. Ask me questions until you understand my goals. Then help me solve [problem].” Hope it helps!