We rebuilt his process using structured prompts. Instead of one vague request, we broke it into specific, targeted instructions. Same AI tools, completely different results. In a matter of minutes, we found a clarity of voice that had eluded him for months. The difference was palpable; what was once a source of frustration had become a spark of empowerment.

That experience crystallized something: as Ali Ansari, CEO of Micro1, recently noted, we're at the dawn of the greatest technology shift in our lifetimes, and we're still in the first 0.1% of its impact. What's scarce isn't access—it's the judgment to use these tools effectively.

This week, we'll explore the practical methods that separate intentional practitioners from passive tool users.

Only 1% of companies consider their AI deployments mature. The bottleneck isn't technology—it's people who know how to use it deliberately.

Meanwhile, as Opendoor's CEO recently told employees, some organizations are making AI use mandatory: "If you reach for Google Docs before you reach for an AI tool, you are not defaulting to AI." Basic AI literacy is becoming table stakes.

But here's the critical distinction: there's a vast difference between using AI tools and mastering structured AI interaction. The skills required for AI-exposed jobs are changing 66% faster than for other jobs. The question isn't whether to learn AI—it's whether you'll develop real capability or just surface-level familiarity.

Here's why this matters beyond productivity gains. We've seen this before with Siri and Alexa—users dismissed them as useless rather than learning effective interaction patterns. With generative AI, the stakes are exponentially higher.

Prompting isn't a nice-to-have skill; it's the foundation that unlocks everything else: model comparison, multi-model workflows, agentic systems. Master the basics now, or risk writing off the most powerful technology of our era because you never learned how to ask the right questions.

Most people treat prompts as casual requests. Effective practitioners treat them as structured instructions. The P.A.C.T. model provides a systematic foundation:

Here's how it transforms a real request. Let's go back to my colleague's resume.

Before P.A.C.T. (The Vague Request):

After P.A.C.T. (The Structured Instruction):

(Note: The {{INDUSTRY}} notation lets you customize this template instantly—tools like ChatGPT will prompt you to fill in the variable when you use it.)

AI fluency isn't about collecting certifications; it's about developing judgment—knowing what to trust, what to question, and when to verify.

Think of the P.A.C.T. model as your foundational framework. As you use it, you'll discover which combinations consistently produce great results for your specific work. Those proven patterns become your personal templates—what we'll explore building into a Prompt Library next week.

Even as AI-powered tools emerge to help write prompts for you, knowing this foundational framework gives you a massive advantage. It provides a better starting point to iterate and refine around, ensuring you remain a skilled practitioner, not just a passive consumer.

Start where you are. Pick one repetitive task this week—something you do daily or weekly. Use the P.A.C.T. framework each time you encounter it. Save what works. Refine what doesn't.

The power isn't in perfecting one prompt—it's in building the habit of structured thinking. Each repetition sharpens your judgment about what works and why. That's how you move from following a template to developing genuine fluency.

Comment on LinkedIn or email me directly. I read and respond to every message, and if your question can help the broader community, I'll feature it in next week's newsletter (with your permission, of course).

P.S. Beta Testers Wanted for "Resume Alchemist"

The "Resume Alchemist" agent I used as a case study in this newsletter is a real tool I've been building. I'm looking for a small group of people to be early beta testers.

It’s still in its MVP form, which means the process isn't fully automated yet (I may have to personally walk you through it). But if you're interested in trying out a powerful new way to build your resume and are willing to provide some feedback, just reply to this email or send me a note on LinkedIn and let me know. Let's build together!