Build a clear mental model
An AI system generates an output from learned patterns and the context it can access. A fluent answer is not proof. Some tools can retrieve sources or use other tools; others cannot. Check what your chosen tool can actually access before relying on it.
Your activity
Ask an approved assistant to explain a familiar topic. Highlight two checkable claims, verify them against trusted sources, and record any gaps.
A one-page note: what AI did well, what you verified, and what you would not delegate.
Check your work
Can you explain the decisions you made? What did you verify? Identify one remaining uncertainty and one improvement before moving on.
Write a useful brief
Describe the goal, audience, source material, constraints, and desired output. Include an example when it helps. Ask the system to identify missing information instead of filling gaps silently.
Your activity
Use fictional notes to draft a project update. Change one instruction, compare the two results, and explain why the second is more useful.
A reusable task brief and a comparison of two outputs.
Check your work
Can you explain the decisions you made? What did you verify? Identify one remaining uncertainty and one improvement before moving on.
Build your review habit
Review the result against the original goal. Check important facts, completeness, missing context, and consequences. Choose a low-risk task you understand well before trying a complex workflow.
Your activity
Create a five-item quality checklist for your update. Apply it to a new set of notes. Mark uncertain items for review.
A quality checklist and a repeatable, reviewed workflow.
Check your work
Can you explain the decisions you made? What did you verify? Identify one remaining uncertainty and one improvement before moving on.