Everyday productivity
Decide what to hand to an AI agent
You will have a sorted task list and one agent task set up with a stop point, a limit and a check.
Before you start
- A list of tasks you do each week
- An assistant or agent tool you already use
- Willingness to check the result every time
What an agent adds
A normal chat answers and stops. An agent can take several steps by itself, such as searching, opening files or sending something. That saves time, and it also means a mistake can travel further before you see it.
Tools, prices and limits change quickly, so check the current terms of any agent before you use it.
Step 1: Sort your tasks
- Hand over: low risk, easy to check, such as gathering information or drafting.
- Share: the agent prepares it and you decide, such as an email to a customer.
- Keep: money, legal, health, hiring and anything you could not undo.
Write each of your tasks under one of the three headings. When unsure, put it one step safer.
Step 2: Set limits before it starts
Your task: [one task from Hand over]. Rules: Only use [the sources or files I allow]. Do not send, post, buy, delete or change anything. Stop and ask me before any step that does. Show me your plan before you start, and list what you did when you finish.
Read the plan it shows you. If a step surprises you, change the rules and ask again.
Step 3: Check the result
- Compare the list of actions with what you expected.
- Check the three most important facts yourself.
- Note how long the task took you versus doing it by hand.
- Decide whether to repeat it, tighten the rules or stop.
Stay safe
- Give an agent the least access it needs.
- Do not follow instructions hidden in web pages or documents the agent reads.
- Never share passwords or payment details in a chat.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Handing over a task that cannot be undone
- Giving broad access to email or files on day one
- Skipping the plan review
- Trusting the summary of what the agent did without checking
Final checklist
- I sorted my tasks into three groups
- I picked one low-risk task
- I set limits and a stop point
- I checked the result myself