Hot take for 2026:
If you’re frustrated with AI results, it’s probably not the tool. It’s the way we’re asking it to help.
A lot of educators and leaders have been using AI like a faster Google search or a quick fix button. And when that’s the approach, the output feels shallow, generic, or just “meh.”
Let me show you what I mean through a leadership lens.
❌ Weak prompt
“Write an email to staff about encouragement & leadership.”
Why it falls flat:
Too vague. No audience. No purpose. No context. The result sounds like every other email staff scroll past.
✅ Better prompt
“Write three versions of an email to campus teachers about leading through change during budget constraints. I’ll choose the best one and ask you to revise it.”
Why it works better:
Clear audience, clear situation, and room to improve.
✅ ✅ Strong leader-level prompt
Role:
Act as a former campus principal who became a director and now supports district leaders.
Task:
Here are three emails I’ve sent that landed well with principals. Analyze why they worked, then draft three new versions for executive directors leading systemwide change.
Format:
• Brief breakdown of what works
• Three concise, human-sounding drafts
Constraints:
• No corporate buzzwords
• Practical, not preachy
• One clear message per email
Stop when:
• Patterns are identified
• Drafts are written
Why this works:
It gives clarity, context, guardrails, and just as important… what not to do. That’s where leaders win with AI.
Better prompts don’t make you less of a leader.
They help you think clearer, communicate better, and lead with intention.
And this is exactly the kind of work I love talking about with principals, directors, and executive teams. If your district or organization is looking for practical, real-world conversations around leadership, AI, and systems that actually support people, I’d love to come speak with your team.
Leadership still matters.
AI just helps us do it better.
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