Ever wished you had one more person on your team?
Someone to dig into research, summarize a dense policy report, or help you stay on top of admin work?
Good news: your wish just might have come true.
AI—especially tools like ChatGPT—can be the extra pair of hands you didn’t think you could afford. It’s always available, lightning-fast, and doesn’t need coffee breaks. But there’s one catch: if you want great results, you still need to give great instructions.
That’s where prompting comes in.
Why Prompting Is Just Good Leadership
A few weeks ago, someone on my team gave me feedback that stuck:
“I appreciate the space to take initiative, but sometimes I wish your instructions were clearer.”
That moment landed hard. It reminded me that clear communication isn’t just a leadership skill—it’s the key to getting the most out of AI too.
We’re used to typing quick phrases into Google: “best lunch spot” or “how to write a briefing note.” But that same habit doesn’t always work with AI. A one-line prompt like “summarize this” often gives us… exactly what we asked for, and not much more.
The trick? Think of prompting as briefing a new team member.
If you were asking someone to draft a speech or analyze a policy issue, you wouldn’t say “Just go write it.” You’d explain the context, audience, expectations—and you’d expect questions in return.
AI is no different. It’s fast and capable, but still a machine. The better the input, the better the output. Remember, always start with the end goal in mind.
5 Prompting Principles That Actually Work
Here are five things that have transformed how I use AI—and what I get back:
1. Give AI a Role
Start your prompt with a frame:
“Act as a policy advisor…”
“You are a speechwriter for the Minister of Environment…”
This shifts how the AI structures its response. A researcher will prioritize depth. A comms advisor will focus on clarity and tone.
2. Provide Context
AI can’t read your mind. What’s the purpose? Who’s the audience? What tone are you after? A few lines of detail can make a huge difference.
3. Include Examples
If you’ve seen something that worked—paste it in. Whether it’s a past paragraph, a format, or a tone, showing what “good” looks like gives AI something to anchor to. Being clear on the expected outcome is also helpful.
4. Invite Questions
Here’s a game-changer: ask AI to ask you clarifying questions before completing the task. Strange? A little. Effective? Absolutely.
5. Adjust for Complexity
For quick tasks—like brainstorming names for a retreat—keep it light. But for complex work, treat your AI prompt like a proper briefing. Don’t skip the setup.
Try This: One Simple Prompt
Here’s a quick win to try this week:
- Pick one task you need help with.
- Imagine briefing a new staffer to do it—what would you tell them?
Now turn that into your AI prompt.
For bonus points: try it twice, using different roles. First as a policy analyst, then as a communications advisor. Compare the results. You’ll be amazed.
Help Build the Prompting Cheat Sheet
I’m collecting practical, field-tested AI prompts that actually work in government. Have a trick or tip that’s helped you?
Reply to this post (or comment below) with one AI prompt you’ve used that made a difference.
I’ll compile the best into a Prompting Cheat Sheet for Public Servants, and share it with everyone who contributes.
Let’s build better prompts—and better habits—together.
