Six ways to get bad answers.
Most disappointing AI output traces back to a handful of repeat mistakes. All six are easy to fix.
01
No context
Fix: add who, why and what's already known.
02
Two jobs at once
Fix: split it. One prompt, one task.
03
No format asked
Fix: say table, bullets, word count or tone.
04
Trusting blindly
Fix: check facts, figures and names before use.
05
Pasting secrets
Fix: redact names, numbers and client details.
06
Quitting after one try
Fix: give feedback and go again.
Before you blame the model, reread your prompt.