I'm obsessed over one question: Why do some leaders get breakthrough results from AI while others get garbage AI answers and reports?
The answer isn't the tool. It's how you're asking.
Most people treat AI like Google search—enter keywords or questions and hope for magic. But here's what I've learned from thousands of experiments: AI reasoning functions like your best analyst's brain, not a search engine.
Real-world problems—whether strategic, operational, or customer-facing—are not solved by magic answers. Instead, they are solved by Systems and Processes.
The Five-Word Game Changer
Want smarter outputs? Add these five words to every important prompt: "Let's think step by step."
I've tested this from competitive analysis to budget planning. The difference? Night and day. Instead of shallow conclusions, you get transparent reasoning you can trust and build on.
Your Proven Prompting Framework
Here's my battle-tested prompting framework:
Step 1: Request Multiple Approaches
Don't accept the first answer. Ask: "Give me three different ways to solve this problem." This catches blind spots before they become expensive mistakes.Step 2: Demand the Work
Always add: "Show me your reasoning process." You want logic, just like with any analyst or consultant.Step 3: Connect Real Data
Best practice: "Use current market data" or "Check recent examples." Don't let AI work from stale training data.
What Actually Works?
From my experience, treat AI like your sharpest team member—someone who explores options, iterates on ideas, and integrates new information. Not a replacement for human judgment, but a force multiplier.
I've seen crazy improvements in decision quality when leaders stop asking AI for answers and start asking for thinking.
The Reality Check
Honest truth: AI reasoning hits walls with extremely complex problems. But for 99.9% of business applications—strategy sessions, market analysis, operational planning—these techniques provide a significant advantage.
Your focus shouldn't be on hypothetical AGI threats. It should be on mastering the practical edge available now.
This week, pick your three most important business decisions. Run them through: "Let's think step by step about [decision]. Give me three approaches and show your reasoning."
Document what changes. You'll definitely spot considerations you missed.
Let's learn—together 💪
Originally published on First AI Movers. Subscribe to the First AI Movers newsletter for daily, no‑fluff AI business insights and practical automation playbooks for EU Small and Medium Business leaders. First AI Movers is part of Core Ventures.
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