Context is the difference between AI giving you something generic and something genuinely useful. But what context actually matters?
The Context Hierarchy
Not all context is equal. Here's what to prioritize:
Tier 1 - Essential Context (Always Include): - Your role/perspective - The intended audience - The desired outcome - Key constraints
Tier 2 - Valuable Context (Usually Include): - Relevant background - Examples of desired style - What to avoid - Success criteria
Tier 3 - Optional Context (When Relevant): - Industry specifics - Cultural considerations - Technical requirements - Historical precedent
Context Loading Patterns
Pattern 1: The Situation Briefing ```text "I'm a startup founder preparing for a crucial board meeting. We missed our Q3 targets by 15% due to supply chain issues. The board includes two supportive angels and one skeptical VC. I need talking points that acknowledge the miss while maintaining confidence." ```text Pattern 2: The Comparative Context ```text "Write a company culture document similar in tone to Netflix's culture deck but adapted for a 20-person nonprofit. We value transparency like them but need more emphasis on work-life balance and mission alignment rather than high performance at all costs." ```text Pattern 3: The Constraint Stack ```text "Create a marketing campaign with these constraints: - Budget: $5,000 - Timeline: 2 weeks - Audience: Parents of middle schoolers - Platform: Instagram and email only - Goal: 500 event registrations - Tone: Urgent but not alarmist" ```text