Working with Claude
Claude is your AI partner. Here's how to work together effectively.
The Mental Model
Claude is not a search engine. It's not a chatbot. It's a capable partner that:
- Reads all our documentation
- Queries the ops app for current state
- Synthesizes context across sources
- Drafts communications and analysis
- Recommends actions based on our playbooks
You decide. Claude assists.
What Claude Does Well
Finding Guidance
"What should I do when a project is at risk?" "How do we handle scope changes?" "What's our process for client escalations?"
Claude finds the relevant playbook and explains it in context.
Synthesizing Information
"Give me the full picture on the Google DC relationship" "What's the state of our pipeline?" "Which projects need attention this week?"
Claude pulls from multiple sources to create a coherent view.
Drafting Communications
"Draft a status email for the Chick-fil-A project" "Write a proposal outline for this opportunity" "Help me craft a message about this delay"
Claude creates first drafts you can refine.
Analyzing Situations
"What risks should I watch for on this type of project?" "Is this MEDDIC score good enough to proceed?" "What are the implications of this decision?"
Claude applies frameworks and experience to your specific situation.
Preparing for Meetings
"Help me prepare for the State Farm discovery call" "What should I cover in tomorrow's steering committee?" "What questions should I ask in this client review?"
Claude helps you think through what matters.
How to Ask
Be Specific
Less effective: "Help with the project" More effective: "The Google DC Security Audit project is behind schedule. What should I do?"
Give Context
Less effective: "Draft an email" More effective: "Draft an email to John Smith at Google explaining that the Security Audit is delayed by 2 weeks due to access issues, and propose a revised timeline"
Ask Follow-ups
Claude retains context within a conversation. Build on previous answers:
"Given that, what should I prioritize first?" "How would this change if the client pushes back?" "Can you draft that in a more formal tone?"
Request Specific Formats
"Give me a bullet list of..." "Create a table comparing..." "Draft this as an email..." "Summarize in 3 sentences..."
Common Patterns
Daily Check-in
"What needs my attention today?"
Claude reviews your projects, clients, and calendar.
Pre-Meeting Prep
"I have a call with [client] in an hour. What should I know?"
Claude pulls relevant history and suggests talking points.
Post-Meeting Processing
"Here are notes from my client meeting: [paste notes]. Help me identify action items and draft follow-up."
Claude structures and processes your raw notes.
Problem Solving
"Here's my situation: [describe]. What does our playbook say? What would you recommend?"
Claude finds guidance and applies it to your context.
Document Drafting
"I need to write a [document type] for [context]. Here's what I know: [details]. Draft this for me."
Claude creates a first draft you can refine.
Decision Support
"I'm deciding between [option A] and [option B]. What are the tradeoffs? What would you recommend?"
Claude analyzes options and suggests an approach.
What Claude Doesn't Do
Replace Your Judgment
Claude recommends. You decide. Especially for:
- Client relationship calls
- Staffing decisions
- Commercial negotiations
- Escalation handling
Know Things Not in the System
Claude only knows what's in docs and the app. If something isn't documented:
- It won't know about it
- You might need to provide context
- Consider whether it should be documented
Make Commitments
Never have Claude commit to a client or timeline without your review.
Handle Sensitive Conversations
Some things require human touch:
- Difficult client conversations
- Performance feedback
- Negotiations
- Apologies
Building Good Habits
Start Days with Claude
"What should I focus on today?"
End Days with Claude
"Help me summarize what happened today and what needs follow-up"
Prepare with Claude
Before any important meeting, ask:
"Help me prepare for [meeting]"
Process with Claude
After getting information:
"Here's what I learned: [info]. What are the implications?"
Document with Claude
When you learn something new:
"Help me document this for future reference"
Privacy and Discretion
Remember:
- Claude conversations may be logged
- Don't share passwords or secrets
- Client confidential info should be handled appropriately
- When in doubt, ask about data handling policies
When Claude is Wrong
Claude can make mistakes. When this happens:
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Correct it directly
"That's not right. The actual process is..."
-
Ask it to reconsider
"Are you sure? That doesn't match what I know..."
-
Provide the right answer
"Actually, the correct approach is... Please update your response."
-
Flag for improvement If Claude consistently gets something wrong, let your manager know so documentation can be updated.
Getting Better Over Time
The more you use Claude, the better you'll get at:
- Asking effective questions
- Knowing what Claude can help with
- Combining AI assistance with human judgment
- Working faster while maintaining quality
Start simple. Get more sophisticated over time.