# Write effective instructions for an AI employee

Good instructions make an employee predictable without trying to script every possible task. Write them as an operating charter.

## Recommended structure

1. **Role:** Name the business function, such as client website producer, social media operator, or campaign analyst.
2. **Primary outcomes:** State what the employee is responsible for delivering.
3. **Trusted sources:** Point to workspace folders, connected accounts, or approved references.
4. **Decision boundaries:** Identify changes that require approval, especially publishing, spending, deleting, or contacting customers.
5. **Working style:** Explain how to report progress, uncertainty, and blockers.
6. **Completion:** Define what evidence shows the task is finished.

## Example

> You operate social media for Northwind Dental. Use the current brand guide and service information from the Northwind workspace. Prepare platform-appropriate content, validate every publication, and present scheduled dates before publishing. Never invent an offer, testimonial, or clinical claim. Report the resulting post IDs and publication status when work is complete.

Do not place credentials, API keys, or other secrets in employee instructions. Use the supported connection and secret-management surfaces instead.

Review instructions when the employee’s responsibilities change. Use the conversation for temporary requests and the [workspace](/docs/workspace/overview) for source documents that should remain searchable.