Mastering LLMs: A Structured Approach to Boost Your Workflow

Introduction

Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are powerful tools for tasks like drafting tickets, documenting processes, or brainstorming ideas. However, they’re not magic—they need direction. In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple, structured method—Plan > Clarify > Execute > Iterate—to use LLMs effectively and integrate them into your workflow seamlessly.

Why Structure Matters

Without a clear process, LLMs can produce vague or off-target results. A structured approach puts you in control, ensuring outputs align with your goals. Here’s how to do it:

The Structured Process

1. Plan: Define Your Goal
   • Start with a specific objective, such as “Write a Jira ticket for a bug.”
   • If your goal feels fuzzy, use the LLM to sharpen it.
     • Example Prompt: “I need a ticket for a bug—ask me questions to clarify what I mean.”
     • The LLM might respond: “What’s the bug? Who’s affected? What’s the priority?” This narrows your focus.
2. Clarify: Fill in the Gaps
   • Share what you know, then ask the LLM to identify what’s missing.
     • Example Prompt: “Here’s my onboarding process. Find gaps and suggest questions I should answer.”
     • Output: Questions like “Who approves access?” or “What tools are needed?”
   • This ensures your work is complete and actionable.
3. Execute: Generate and Refine
   • Let the LLM create a draft based on your clarified goal, then tweak it.
     • Example Prompt: “Turn my notes into a detailed ticket description.”
     • Edit the result to match your style or add missing details.
4. Iterate: Perfect the Outcome
   • Refine the output by adjusting prompts or adding specifics.
     • Example Prompt: “This ticket is close—make it clearer and add a deadline.”
   • Repeat until it fully meets your needs.

Real-World Applications

This method adapts to many tasks:

• Drafting Tickets: Plan the goal, clarify details, execute a draft, and iterate for precision.
• Documenting Processes: Plan the scope, clarify steps, execute a draft, and iterate until it’s comprehensive.
• Brainstorming Ideas: Plan your topic, clarify with questions, execute an outline, and iterate into a solid plan.

Conclusion

LLMs can transform your productivity, but only with structure. The Plan > Clarify > Execute > Iterate method delivers clear, useful results every time. Try it on your next task and see the difference!