Working with AI Feels More Like Leadership Than Coding

My entire career, code has provided me with a sense of certainty. When a program received input, it consistently delivered the same output dictated by its instructions. Any divergence was labeled a bug. Human colleagues operated differently. As a leader, I could provide a task and receive exactly what I requested, or, even better, a more refined outcome due to a colleague's understanding of my intentions.

Occasionally, the results revealed that my initial instructions lacked clarity. Interacting with AI feels similar to the latter scenario. While AI operates on software, working with it is not entirely predictable. A single request can yield varying responses. It may forge a useful connection, overlook an obvious point, or present an approach I had not previously considered.

This unpredictability is vexing when I treat AI like a compiler. When I approach the interaction as a collaborative effort, it becomes more valuable. This is not to suggest AI possesses a lived experience, accountability, or human judgment. The comparison pertains to our mode of working. Exceptional leaders do more than issue commands.

They share context, articulate the desired outcome, establish boundaries, and adapt to the feedback received. Applying the same principles enhances my work with AI. A well-crafted prompt aids, but a cohesive working context proves even more beneficial. Providing examples, corrections, and reusable instructions diminishes misunderstandings.

Over time, the system increasingly aligns with my thought process and requirements. The investment lies not in attempting to make AI human-like, but in refining my ability to articulate intent. For years, I honed the art of instructing computers precisely what to accomplish. Now, we must also elucidate the significance of the work, envision what constitutes a satisfactory result, and identify areas requiring human judgment.

This represents the fundamental shift I perceive. AI is transforming software development from issuing commands to a machine towards a more conversational leadership style. Although the technology is novel, the necessary leadership skills have long existed.