The Death of Prompt Libraries
I have a new generative AI course coming out. And here’s the big reason why you might really NOT want to sign up for it:
I’m not going to teach prompting.
I think it’s a colossal waste of time. It’s the exact opposite of how you should be mastering generative AI.
Which means I better have a REALLY AMAZING way to teach generative AI because otherwise, what are we even doing here?
I’m biased, but I think I do have a really good way.
It’s a three step framework called the AI Mindset Framework. It’s a new way of thinking. It’s Tech + Behavior. And it has zero complicated prompts.
With this course, I’m attempting to drive a stake through the heart of the beloved Prompt Library.
I hate the Prompt Library. I have since the beginning. Prompt libraries, if you’re not familiar, are the idea that when somebody on your team comes up with a great prompt to do a certain task in your organization, they should write the prompt out and put it into a Google Sheet or something, and people will then come in and copy and paste it whenever they’re trying to do that thing.
It’s not just ineffective, it actually promotes the worst habits and stifles how we should become fluent in generative AI.
I’ll tell you why, and the better way to learn as a team.
THE THREE STRIKES AGAINST PROMPT LIBRARIES:
THE USAGE PROBLEM
Prompt libraries collect dust. You won't use them because your brain isn't wired to think, "I need ChatGPT for this specific task." The challenge isn't knowing what prompt to use; it's remembering to use AI in the first place.
THE PERSONALIZATION PROBLEM
Prompts are like fingerprints - unique to each user. Copying someone else's prompt is like wearing their shoes. It might work, but it won't fit quite right.
THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM
Relying on pre-written prompts puts ChatGPT in a box. You're limiting a magical tool that can adapt to your specific needs and context.
FORGET PROMPTS. START REWIRING.
Instead of memorizing prompts, we need to rewire our brains.
Here's how:
STEP 1: SHIFT YOUR PERSPECTIVE
Think of ChatGPT as a brilliant new colleague. It's eager to help and has encyclopedic knowledge. Treat it like a human, not a search engine.
STEP 2: EMBRACE CONVERSATION
Don't copy-paste. Have a dialogue. Explain your task, provide context, and iterate. ChatGPT can even help improve your prompts - no library needed.
STEP 3: PRACTICE HABITUALLY
Like learning to ride a bike, mastering AI tools takes repetition. Challenge yourself to use ChatGPT for various tasks until it becomes second nature.
THE TECH + BEHAVIOR EQUATION
The secret sauce? Combining technological know-how with behavioral change. It's not just about understanding AI; it's about integrating it into your daily workflow.
REMEMBER: The goal isn't to become a prompt engineer. It's to become fluent in AI collaboration.
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE:
Identify a task you're working on right now.
Open ChatGPT and explain the task as if to a new team member.
Engage in a back-and-forth, providing feedback and context.
Reflect on how this approach differs from using a pre-written prompt.
We need a new way of thinking. It’s time to put Prompt Libraries out to pasture. We need to tell our kids that Prompt Libraries went off to live on a farm in upstate NY.
We have to develop a new way of thinking that will serve us as AI continues to evolve.
In case it’s ever helpful, you can check out my new course - I focus on this new way of thinking.
This course is designed to be interactive, engaging, and yes, even a little bit challenging in the best way possible.
Booking Conor for an Event
I’m thrilled that I get to do a ton of keynotes and lead workshops for companies. If you’re looking for a highly practical, framework based approach, feel free to reach out at www.ai-mindset.ai/speaking
