🚩AI won’t make bad project managers better

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WHY THIS MATTERS

AI won’t fix broken project management.

It’ll just make the problems look more efficient.

Most project managers are using it wrong.

They’re asking it to write emails, make plans, even run meetings.

But none of that matters if the foundation is weak.

AI enhances decision-making. It doesn’t replace it.

And if your thinking is unclear, your results will be too.

This is the trap:

You can automate tasks, but you can’t automate leadership.

BEFORE WE GET STARTED

🚨Build an AI-enhanced project management work portfolio and become an outcome-first, people-focused PM built for real leadership. Our June cohort is nearly full—only 4 spots remain.

THE METHOD

If you rely on AI to cover bad habits or fuzzy thinking, you’ll scale confusion—not clarity.

Here’s how to use AI the right way—by making your thinking sharper first:

1. Clarify the Outcome First
   → Write down a clear, measurable result before you prompt AI
   → Use AI to support your thinking—not replace it
   → Ask yourself: “What result do I want this prompt to create?”
   
   Example Action: Before you open ChatGPT today, write 1 sentence that defines your goal in specific terms (e.g., “Create a kickoff agenda that aligns with our new OKRs”).
   
   

2. Use AI to Expand, Not Decide
   → Use prompts that generate multiple options or angles
   → Resist asking for “the best” solution—ask for tradeoffs
   → Decide based on your context, not ChatGPT’s default
   
   Example Action: Prompt ChatGPT with: “Give me 3 different ways to structure a project launch plan—highlight pros and cons of each.” Pick the one that fits your team.
   
   

3. Audit Before You Automate
   → Choose one manual process that feels clunky or bloated
   → Walk through it step by step and cut what’s not working
   → Only then, design your automation or prompt flow
   
   Example Action: List each step of your weekly project update process. Identify one piece to eliminate or streamline before using AI to automate it.
   
   

4. Coach Your Team to Think First
   → Teach them how to break down problems before prompting
   → Share examples of strong vs. weak AI prompts
   → Make “why are we doing this?” part of every discussion
   
   Example Action: In your next team meeting, ask someone to create a prompt. Then ask the group, “How could we improve this prompt to get better output?”
   
   

5. Review AI Output Like a Strategist
   → Scan every response for bias, filler, or missed nuance
   → Rewrite key sections to reflect your priorities or tone
   → Never ship raw AI content—refine it like a rough draft
   
   Example Action: Take one AI-generated summary or doc this week, highlight 3 places it missed the mark, and revise those lines to match your real-world goals.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

AI is a tool, not a substitute for sharp thinking.

If your direction is fuzzy, AI will only get you lost faster.

But with clarity, it becomes your unfair advantage.

Don’t fear AI.

Outthink it.

Because the formula is simple:

Clear thinking → Better prompts → Smarter results.

This week, start with the thinking.

Use AI to scale it—not replace it.

THAT’S A WRAP

Here’s how I can help you:

1. Master the Project Management Interview: Learn how to confidently navigate every stage of the interview process, from crafting winning answers to negotiating your final offer.

2. ChatGPT for Project Management: In just 1 hour, you’ll learn how to master ChatGPT for real-world project communication, feedback, planning, and executive-level clarity.

3. AI-Enhanced Project Management Cohort: Build an AI-enhanced project management work portfolio and become an outcome-first, people-focused PM built for real leadership.

4. Become a Freelance Project Manager: Transition from employee to Freelance PM and secure your first paid client in 60 days

5. Corporate Training, Private Cohorts, and Workshops: Schedule a complimentary introductory chat, and let's see if we are a good fit to work together to offer project management training to your team.

Until next time,
Justin

P.S. Don’t forget to join me on April 18th for a free live workshop on Adopting The Agile Mindset in Managing Projects. You’ll walk away with one powerful mindset shift that you can apply immediately to any project: Stop managing tasks. Start maximizing impact.