The Startup Ideas Podcast
The best businesses are built at the intersection of emerging technology, community, and real human needs.
AI as Junior Employee Mental Model
Think of AI tools as junior employees who need proper training, clear instructions, appropriate context, and gradual skill development rather than as magic solutions that should work perfectly immediately
Decision Rule
When implementing AI, ask: 'How would I train and manage a smart but inexperienced employee to do this task?' Then apply the same principles to AI configuration
How It Works
This model works because it sets appropriate expectations for AI capabilities and limitations while providing a framework for effective AI training through clear instructions, examples, and feedback
Failure Modes
Expecting AI to read your mind like an experienced employee would
Providing either too much or too little context/training
Not iterating and improving AI instructions based on outputs
Abandoning AI after initial subpar results instead of investing in 'training'
Example Decision
“Instead of asking AI to 'analyze this data and give insights,' you provide specific frameworks, example analyses, and clear definitions of what constitutes a useful insight, just as you would when training a new data analyst”