The remote-work setup that holds up
Forget the gadget lists. Four basics that make the biggest difference to working from home.
Read article →
← All articles
AI tools
How to actually use an AI assistant at work
The difference between a vague answer and a useful one is usually the question. A simple way to ask better.
Most people try an AI assistant once, type a short question, get a generic answer and decide it isn't for them. The tool usually isn't the problem. Like a new colleague, it does far better work when it's given context.
Give it the situation, not just the task
“Write an email to a client” produces something bland. “Write a short, friendly email to a long-time client explaining that their order will arrive three days late because of a supplier delay, and offering free shipping on their next order” produces something you can nearly send as is.
Say what good looks like
Tell it the length, tone and format you want: three bullet points, under 100 words, written for someone non-technical. If you have an example you like, paste it in and ask it to match the style.
Treat the first answer as a draft
Follow up. “Make it warmer.” “Cut the second paragraph.” “What's missing?” The back-and-forth is where most of the value is.
Check anything that matters
AI assistants can state wrong facts confidently. Use them for drafting, summarising and brainstorming, and verify names, numbers and dates yourself before anything goes out.
Try today: Pick one email you've been putting off and give the assistant the full situation in three or four sentences.