AI assistants have settled into everyday work, and the honest summary is mixed: wonderful at some jobs, unhelpful at others. The trick is knowing which is which.

Where they shine

Drafting a first version, summarising long threads and turning rough notes into tidy lists. Anything that starts from a blank page benefits.

Photo: Alejandro Escamilla via Unsplash
Photo: Alejandro Escamilla via Unsplash

Where they struggle

Anything that needs your context: priorities, taste and the history of a decision. Treat the output as a draft, never a verdict.

  • Give clear context and examples.
  • Ask for options, not answers.
  • Verify numbers and names yourself.

Keep a human in the loop

Read everything before it leaves your hands. Speed is only useful if it points in the right direction.

A good assistant gives you time back. A great user decides how to spend it.

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