Introduction

AI agents—tools that autonomously handle tasks—are exciting, but they’re not the starting point. Before automating with agents, you need to master using LLMs manually with a structured process like Plan > Clarify > Execute > Iterate. In this post, I’ll explain why this step is essential and how it sets you up for successful automation.

Why Master Manual Use First?

Agents can save time, but they rely on a clear process to work well. Mastering LLMs manually gives you the skills to guide them effectively. Here’s why it matters:

• Manual mastery builds the foundation: You learn to craft prompts, spot gaps, and refine outputs.
• Agents amplify your process: A perfected manual workflow becomes the blueprint for automation.

The Structured Process: A Quick Recap

Here’s the method to master:

• Plan: Set a clear goal (or use the LLM to define it).
• Clarify: Ask the LLM to highlight gaps and provide context.
• Execute: Generate a draft and refine it.
• Iterate: Tweak until the output is spot-on.

The Risks of Skipping to Agents

Jumping to automation without manual mastery can lead to:

• Vague or irrelevant outputs.
• Missed details you’d catch manually.
• Extra time spent fixing unclear instructions.

Practical Examples

Mastering the manual process prepares you for automation:

• Drafting Tickets: Manually clarify priorities and dependencies; later, an agent can automate this accurately.
• Documenting Processes: Manually identify gaps in onboarding steps; an agent can then produce complete docs.
• Brainstorming: Manually structure ideas into plans; an agent can automate idea generation with the same clarity.

Conclusion

Automation with agents is powerful, but it’s not a shortcut. Start by mastering LLMs manually with Plan > Clarify > Execute > Iterate. Once you’ve got it down, agents can take your workflow to the next level. Build the foundation first—your future automation depends on it.