Have you ever found yourself frustrated when AI gives you completely irrelevant responses? Or maybe it’s spinning a convincing but entirely fabricated answer? Perhaps you’re just not getting the quality or depth you know should be possible?
You’re not alone. And there’s a reason for it.
The Director’s Mindset: The Missing Element in Your AI Approach
After running four tech companies and using AI daily for everything from content creation to strategic planning, I’ve discovered something crucial: The difference between mediocre and exceptional AI results isn’t the AI itself—it’s how you direct it.
Think of AI like working with the world’s most knowledgeable but quirky actor. This actor has researched every topic imaginable, can play any role, and is essentially the ultimate method performer. But without proper direction, even the most talented actor will deliver a confusing, off-target performance.
Why Your AI Results Aren’t What They Should Be
When most people use AI, they approach it like they’re making a search query or giving basic instructions to an assistant. This approach leaves the AI to “fill in the blanks” and make assumptions about what you really want.
The result? Generic outputs, hallucinated information, and responses that miss the mark entirely.
It’s like walking onto a film set and telling an actor, “Be convincing” without providing a script, character backstory, or explaining the scene’s context.
The Director’s Framework for Exceptional AI Performance
To get world-class results from AI, you need to adopt the mindset of a director working with a highly capable but literal actor:
1. Know Your Models (Your “Acting Schools”)
- Different AI models (like GPT-4 from OpenAI or Claude from Anthropic) have distinct “training” and capabilities
- Each has strengths and weaknesses you need to understand
- The same prompt can yield dramatically different results across models
2. Start With Your End Goal
- Begin by clarifying what you want to achieve
- Define the specific outcome, not just the general topic
- Be clear about tone, format, and level of detail
3. Treat Each Chat as a New Actor
- AI doesn’t remember previous conversations (unless specifically designed to)
- Each new chat is a fresh start with no context
- You must provide all relevant information every time
4. Give Clear, Specific Direction
- Vague prompts lead to vague results
- Provide context, examples, and parameters
- If results aren’t what you want, your directions need refinement
5. Verify Facts and Challenge Hallucinations
- AI can confidently present incorrect information
- Always fact-check important details
- Ask for sources or verification when appropriate
6. Be Ready to “Rewrite the Script”
- If an approach isn’t working, try a completely different angle
- Sometimes a fresh start is more efficient than trying to fix a problematic conversation
7. Give Permission to “Break Character”
- Allow the AI to admit when it doesn’t know something
- Create a protocol for handling limitations
- This prevents fabricated answers when the AI is uncertain
8. Use Iterative Direction
- Plan for multiple exchanges to refine outputs
- Provide feedback and course corrections
- Think of it as rehearsing until you get the perfect take
9. Remember It’s All Acting
- Despite convincing performances, AI doesn’t truly understand emotions
- It can simulate empathy but doesn’t actually feel it
- Always maintain perspective on these limitations
The Critical Difference Most AI Users Miss
Here’s the insight that transformed my results with AI: The quality of your direction directly determines the quality of your AI’s performance.
Most people blame the AI when results are disappointing. But just like in filmmaking, a lackluster performance usually points back to insufficient direction, not a lack of actor capability.
If you’re not getting exceptional results from AI, it’s likely because your prompts lack the structure and specificity needed to guide the AI toward your desired outcome.
From Frustration to Consistently Exceptional Results
After months of testing across multiple businesses and use cases, I developed a systematic approach to “directing” AI. This framework transforms the experience from hit-or-miss to consistently remarkable.
The difference has been dramatic:
- Content that used to take hours now takes minutes
- Research that was shallow and generic is now deep and insightful
- Strategic advice that felt cookie-cutter now feels tailored and actionable
If you’re tired of generic AI outputs and ready to unlock its true potential, I’ve documented my entire approach in The Perfect Prompt Formula – a simple framework that anyone can use, regardless of technical background.