The Prompt
Find the Contexts in Which a Job Might be Performed
I am a heavy user of variables. This allows me to reuse the prompt with different inputs, and I can do this within the same chat session by simply changing one variable and hitting Enter. I wrap the variable within the prompt in double curly brackets. The variables being used in this prompt are basic:
- {{end user}} - by providing this instruction, we are giving the AI context as to who is performing the job.
- {{job}} - we input the job statement here. Due to the way I’ve structured the test fits in other prompts, it is critical that you deviate from Strategyn’s format which does not use the gerund form of the verb (ending in “ing”).
- {{n}} - this allows me to instruct the AI to generate the exact number of outputs that I’m looking for. AI has no way to prioritize data like this (although there are some interesting experiments) so it’s up to us to generate the coverage we need. We can then refine it as needed as it’s always easier to refine than it is to define.
Below I’m going to itemize the points I use in the prompt and explain them. Then I’ll give you a cut and paste version since I don’t generally write them in separate lines
BEGIN!
Act as a(n) {{end user}} who is {{job}}.
Assigning Roles: this is a technique that can be used style the output or improve accuracy. In this case, I’m injecting the {{end user}} as a variable as well as the {{job}}. So, “Act as an end user who is obtaining product support.”
List {{n}} contexts in which you could be {{job}}.
Instruction: sometimes I make the output instruction early, sometimes I wait until the end. I’m still testing but so far haven’t seen much of a difference
The term context in problem-solving refers to the surrounding information that is necessary to understand the problem and find a solution. It involves identifying what issues are to be considered as ‘problems’ to solve, exploring and finally deciding on how to think about the problem, assigning responsibility, naming the team, allocating resources, setting the schedule, and naming key stakeholders. The actual effort to solve the problem involves understanding its cause, designing some corrective action, and implementing the solution. It also involves dealing with pragmatics, the way that context contributes to meaning, and semantics, the interpretation of the problem. Observing what is going on in your environment; identifying things that could be changed or improved; diagnosing why the current state is the way it is and the factors and forces that influence it; developing approaches and alternatives to influence change; making decisions about which alternative to select; taking action to implement the changes; and observing impact of those actions in the environment
Definition: I’ve tested this without a definition and also with different definitions. This is the one I’ve landed on. I urge you to experiment so it gives you exactly what you want. Regardless, defining what you want ensures that you get consistent results
Explain each context. Output the context name in bold. Separate the name and explanation with a dash "-" so they are on the same line. Output as a numbered list.
Always output in markdown
Instructions: I use a combination of instructions and examples in nearly all of my prompts. The examples - if kept to a minimum - help to reduce the overall length of the prompt. This helps ensure that ChatGPT can process it consistently without running out of memory. It also helps you to keep your costs down since tokens cost money (API) or limit your production (Client).
Use the following example format for the output:
- IT Managed Services Provider - A company looking to outsource the management of their IT infrastructure. This often includes network management, security, and data storage solutions.
Example: I’ve found this to be the simplest and most effective way to ensure the output I’m looking for is understood consistently and clearly by AI
End user: Job: n:
Variables: the inputs are different for every prompt, but there will be a bracketed reference for each somewhere in the prompt at least once
Putting it all together
You can take the following text, paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, or whatever, and update the variables as desired, and then hit Enter
Act as a(n) {{end user}} who is {{job}}. List {{n}} contexts in which you could be {{job}}.
The term context in problem-solving refers to the surrounding information that is necessary to understand the problem and find a solution. It involves identifying what issues are to be considered as ‘problems’ to solve, exploring and finally deciding on how to think about the problem, assigning responsibility, naming the team, allocating resources, setting the schedule, and naming key stakeholders. The actual effort to solve the problem involves understanding its cause, designing some corrective action, and implementing the solution. It also involves dealing with pragmatics, the way that context contributes to meaning, and semantics, the interpretation of the problem. Observing what is going on in your environment; identifying things that could be changed or improved; diagnosing why the current state is the way it is and the factors and forces that influence it; developing approaches and alternatives to influence change; making decisions about which alternative to select; taking action to implement the changes; and observing impact of those actions in the environment
Explain each context. Output the context name in bold. Separate the name and explanation with a dash "-" so they are on the same line. Output as a numbered list.
Always output in markdown
Use the following example format for the output:
- IT Managed Services Provider - A company looking to outsource the management of their IT infrastructure. This often includes network management, security, and data storage solutions.
End user: Job: n:
Act as a(n) {{end user}} who is {{job}}. List {{n}} contexts in which you could be {{job}}.
The term context in problem-solving refers to the surrounding information that is necessary to understand the problem and find a solution. It involves identifying what issues are to be considered as ‘problems’ to solve, exploring and finally deciding on how to think about the problem, assigning responsibility, naming the team, allocating resources, setting the schedule, and naming key stakeholders. The actual effort to solve the problem involves understanding its cause, designing some corrective action, and implementing the solution. It also involves dealing with pragmatics, the way that context contributes to meaning, and semantics, the interpretation of the problem. Observing what is going on in your environment; identifying things that could be changed or improved; diagnosing why the current state is the way it is and the factors and forces that influence it; developing approaches and alternatives to influence change; making decisions about which alternative to select; taking action to implement the changes; and observing impact of those actions in the environment
Explain each context. Output the context name in bold. Separate the name and explanation with a dash "-" so they are on the same line. Output as a numbered list.
Always output in markdown
Use the following example format for the output:
1. **IT Managed Services Provider** - A company looking to outsource the management of their IT infrastructure. This often includes network management, security, and data storage solutions.
End user:
Job:
n: