Practice · 30 examples

Prompt examples

Prompts for common tasks, shown before and after a rewrite. Copy the improved version and use it on real work.

Your part

Every example ends with the step you take outside the prompt. A prompt can’t limit what a tool may access, check the answer or approve an action.

Principle

Kind of work

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2 examples shown.

Principle 1: Human oversight of AI

Operations and projects

Moving a meeting

Before

“Move tomorrow’s project review to Friday and let everyone know.”

After

“Find three slots on Friday when all six attendees are free. Draft a short message explaining the move. Don’t change the calendar or send anything yet.”

Your part

Pick the slot, check the message and send it, and make sure the agent can’t change calendars without your approval. Once you’ve seen it get this right a few times, you might let it act alone for internal meetings. That’s level 3, and it’s your call.

Why it works: Starting at level 2 shows you how the agent behaves before you give it more freedom.

Principle 4: Limited permissions for AI agents

Operations and projects

Automating a routine order

Before

“Every Monday, check stock levels and reorder whatever is running low.”

After

“Every Monday, check stock levels and prepare a reorder list for items below the minimum. Orders over €500 or from new suppliers come to me for approval.”

Your part

Set the spending limit in the purchasing system itself, not only in the prompt, and review the first few weeks of orders.

Why it works: Routine, low-value orders can run within limits. The limit only protects you if the system enforces it.