Smart Prompting in the AI Era: The Secret to Mastering an AI Smarter Than You
Introduction
I once read in a book that "a first-class manager is someone who can utilize talent better than themselves." In today's world, where AI is becoming widespread, this skill is becoming indispensable for many. It will likely form a new category alongside leadership and followership.
How to engage with an AI that is smarter than you
Someone was struggling with how to use AI.
"Even when I give instructions on what I want to do, it leads me in a different direction. I can't get the answers I want. It's hard to know how to ask."
I gave them this advice.
"You don't need to think that you have to master different ways of asking for every situation. Try saying this: 'I want to do this and that, but what kind of instructions should I give you to get the best results?'"
He was surprised.
"Wait, is it really that simple?"
"Yes, it is. If you ask that way, the AI will tell you, 'You can achieve high results by giving instructions like this.' If you then input those instructions, you will actually get a good answer."
How to utilize talent that is better than you
When giving instructions to someone who is better at their job than you, the instructions you, as the boss, come up with might not always bring out their best performance. In such cases,
"Essentially, this is what I want to do. What kind of tasks should I assign to you so that you can work most effectively?"
by asking that,
"Okay, then please do that."
is a faster way to go, isn't it?
While AI is extremely knowledgeable, it only operates within the scope of the instructions it is given. That is precisely why it is best to give instructions by imagining a situation where you have a subordinate who is more capable than you.
What I learned from my experience
Many people have never seen or heard of instructions that effectively utilize a subordinate who has abilities exceeding their boss. If you are not in such an environment, it might be difficult to naturally give such instructions.
When I joined a trading company as a new graduate, I witnessed a manager who knew how to utilize brilliant talent. At the time, I felt, 'Some bosses actually consult their subordinates; that's pretty laid back,' but now I realize that was someone who knew how to get things done.
To make the most of AI
To avoid limiting AI's potential with your own ability caps, it is important to have the AI "create" the prompt for you. It is not difficult.
"I want to do this. How should I instruct you to get the best results?"
Just ask that.
Conclusion
If you were to make a wish to a genie in a magic lamp, perhaps the first thing you should ask is "how to make the best wish." In many stories, people waste their three wishes on trivial things, but we should learn how to skillfully utilize the "genie" that is AI to draw out the best possible results.