I was recently asked to explain, in plain English, what AI prompt engineering is and how I was able to quickly become good at it.
First, as humans, we have a responsibility and the decision that in every interaction we take part in is to make the experience nurturing and supportive. If we are not ready and willing to do this, then we should not even try.
Second, one of the most important things that I have learned over the past few decades of talking to clients, partners and coworkers, is when asking the questions, I proceed to tweak the questions as we go along the conversation. It also helps to be self-aware and humble enough to admit we don’t always have all the answers, but we can work together to figure it out. This also helps make the conversation guide to improve the questions to better convey and understand. The conversation becomes more organic and varies each time because of the way a person answers, their tone, their choice of words, the progression of their answers.
In essence, their answers reveal a path ‘data flow’ that is specific to them, their business and the items they need help with. As the conversation progresses, paying attention to these changes and adapting questions accordingly is one of the most important methods to better understand and get a clear picture. This approach makes it easier to learn and teach each other during the discovery process. As we go deeper in the conversation, it makes it easier to narrow things down, come to a better understanding and hone the path towards an amicable solution. This also builds a good rapport, trust, collaboration, and relationship. Not to mention, that this prevents the dry templatized script or ‘sales’ pitch that we all have adverse reaction to and quickly tune out.
What does this have to do with using AI and how? The strategy for prompt engineering should be similar to the approach described above. As you analyze the responses, make adjustments to your requests, prompts, and questions to improve them and make sure you are heading in the right direction for your desired outcome.
Does this mean that I look at you all as AI when I talk to you? Not at all, you all are much better to work with. 😊
Whatever you need help with, whether it’s prompt engineering, AI tools training and implementation or your typical ERP, HCM systems, or marketing; just book a session and we can help you navigate through it.